Once the drivers are installed, the computer recognizes the hardware, but you still need to set up the connection. Open the ZTE software installed on your computer. Go to or Tools > Connection Settings .
Your system may be ready to connect to the internet in about 5 minutes.
The original software (version 17.0.3.xxxx) still works on Windows 10 if installed in compatibility mode (Windows 7). It provides signal strength, SMS, and USSD.
Modem Detected as Storage OnlyIf your computer registers the device as a storage drive or MicroSD card reader but never switches to modem mode, the mode-switching utility failed.
Without the correct drivers, the MF180 is often detected only as a USB storage device (CD-ROM mode) rather than a modem. This guide will walk you through the process of installing the ZTE MF180 drivers on modern versions of Windows and troubleshooting common connection issues. zte mf180 driver install
: Press Windows Key + E to open your file manager.
: If you are on Windows 10 or 11, the original drivers might be unsigned. You may need to temporarily disable Driver Signature Enforcement to install older MF180 software.
: Plug the ZTE MF180 into a high-speed USB 2.0 or 3.0 port. Ideally, use a port directly on the motherboard (for desktops) to ensure stable power delivery.
Linux
In Device Manager, under , you should see ZTE USB Modem (or similar). Also look under Ports (COM & LPT) for ZTE Diagnostic/Application ports.
Fix: Avoid using the carrier's software application altogether. Once the drivers are successfully installed via Device Manager, set up a native Windows Dial-Up connection. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Dial-up > Set up a new connection, and enter your carrier's specific APN credentials and dial number (typically *99# ).
Click and navigate to the folder where you extracted the downloaded ZTE drivers. Click Next and allow Windows to install the driver.
Restart the computer and try running the Setup.exe as an administrator (right-click, "Run as administrator"). Once the drivers are installed, the computer recognizes
If the automatic installation doesn't start due to system settings, you can manually run the installer. Open (or This PC on Windows 10/11), look for the drive labeled ZTEMODEM or Telecom Modem , then double-click the Install.exe file.
After sending these commands via a terminal program like screen connected to /dev/ttyUSB2 , the modem may behave more like a standard serial device, making it easier to manage on Linux.
Double-click the drive and run the setup.exe or install.exe file.