Quectel RM520N-GL: APN and network setup with an IoT SIM

Updated 27 October 2026

The Quectel RM520N-GL is a cellular module for 5G Sub-6 GHz, with LTE and 3G fallback; it also has GNSS. With an IoT SIM, you set the APN with AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","<apn>", choose the radio technology, then check that the module is registered, at home or in roaming. Vendor commands come from Quectel's manuals, standard ones from 3GPP TS 27.007; each cites its document.

Key facts

Quectel describes it as	IoT/eMBB-optimized 5G Sub-6 GHz M.2 module
Radio technologies	5G, LTE Cat-6 or higher, 3G
2G fallback	no
3G fallback	yes
GNSS	yes
Form factor	M.2, 30.0 × 52.0 × 2.3 mm
Variants and regions	RM520N-GL: Global (different regions support different software versions); RM520N-EU: EMEA/APAC/Brazil

Quectel's specification marks GNSS as optional: it depends on the version ordered.

Source: Quectel, RM520N-GL product page. Checked 27 October 2026. Quectel's AT manuals carry a confidentiality notice: we cite them by title and page, without linking the files.

Set the APN

AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","<apn>"

Source: Quectel RG520N&RG525F&RG5x0F&RM5x0N Series AT Commands Manual V1.1, page 84.

Replace <apn> with the APN shown in your M2M.global account: the internet APN, or your private APN.

Choose the radio technology

AT+QNWPREFCFG="mode_pref",LTE:NR5G

Accepted values: AUTO, WCDMA, LTE and NR5G, combined with a colon (for example LTE:NR5G). The setting is kept after a reboot.

Source: Quectel RG520N&RG525F&RG5x0F&RM5x0N Series AT Commands Manual V1.1, page 130.

Open the data connection

AT+QMAP="connect",0,1

Starts the data call of rule 0; the APN profile of each rule is set with AT+QMAP="MPDN_rule".

Source: Quectel RG520N&RG525F&RG5x0F&RM5x0N Series AT Commands Manual V1.1, page 244.

Choose the USB network interface

AT+QCFG="usbnet",2

0 = RmNet, 1 = ECM, 2 = MBIM, 3 = RNDIS. Takes effect after a reboot.

Source: Quectel RG520N&RG525F&RG5x0F&RM5x0N Series AT Commands Manual V1.1, pages 47 and 48.

Check that it works

AT+CPIN?        SIM ready? expect +CPIN: READY
AT+CEREG?       LTE registration: stat 1 = home network, 5 = roaming
AT+COPS?        network the module is using
AT+CGDCONT?     APN actually configured
AT+QENG="servingcell"

An IoT SIM that works in many countries is often registered in roaming: +CEREG: 0,5 is a valid, working registration. Firmware that waits only for status 1 (home network) never goes online on such a SIM. Status values come from 3GPP TS 27.007; the signal command from Quectel RG520N&RG525F&RG5x0F&RM5x0N Series AT Commands Manual V1.1, page 105.

Networks and shutdowns

No 2G or 3G dependency: the RM520N-GL is not affected by 2G and 3G shutdowns.
Private delivery works with any module: the privacy is in the network path, not in the device. See private delivery.

The SIM: IoT SIM cards and IoT eSIM. All commands explained: AT commands.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set the APN on the Quectel RM520N-GL?

Send AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","<apn>", with the APN of your SIM in place of <apn>. Source: Quectel RG520N&RG525F&RG5x0F&RM5x0N Series AT Commands Manual V1.1.

Does the Quectel RM520N-GL fall back to 2G?

No. The RM520N-GL has no 2G fallback, so 2G shutdowns do not affect it.

Why does my RM520N-GL show +CEREG: 0,5?

Status 5 means registered in roaming, a normal working state for an IoT SIM that uses partner networks. Treat it like status 1 (home network) in your firmware.