What is an APN? How to Change Your Mobile APN Settings

Having a good understanding of your phone’s various settings is important when you get a new device and are setting it up for everyday use. One of the main concerns for smartphone users nowadays is the assurance that they can connect to the internet effectively.

To do this, you need to make sure your APN is set up properly. Here, we go over everything you need to know when it comes to APNs, including what they are and how you can change the settings when necessary.

What is an APN?

An Access Point Name (APN) is the information your phone reads to make a connection to the gateway between your mobile network and the internet.

When you access the internet via your smartphone, your mobile network operator will use your APN to give your device an IP address and make sure the connection is secure.

For the carrier to be able to ensure these things, the settings on your device need to be correct.

When Do I Need to Change an APN?

In most cases, your mobile’s APN settings will be pre-configured, meaning you don’t have to worry about adding any extra information to connect to your network.

However, there are some instances when you’ll need to manually change your APN settings.

If your phone is not connecting the way you want it to, there may be a flaw with the in-built settings, requiring you to re-enter the correct settings.

The most common reason for needing a new APN is when you move from one network to another, as an APN is specific to each network operator. This is particularly relevant if you’re purchasing a second-hand phone that has been unlocked.

Not all connectivity issues are caused by a flawed APN, so make sure you change the settings with care. Incorrect settings can prompt a loss in connection and can also incur additional charges.

How Do You Change Your Mobile APN Settings?

The settings and the process for changing them will be different for each carrier and phone.

If you cannot find the options to change the settings, it may be that your mobile network does not allow you to edit them. If this is the case, you may need to contact your carrier to find out more.

If you ever run into any difficulties when changing your APN settings, you can also usually refer to your carrier’s website, which will provide the information you’ll need.

How to Change APN Setting on an iPhone

The following process will give you access to your iPhone’s APN settings:

1. Tap on the Settings App.
2. Tap ‘Cellular’> ‘Cellular Data Options’> ‘Cellular Network’.
3. Alternatively, Tap ‘Mobile Data’> ‘Mobile Data Options’> ‘Mobile Data Network’.

How to Change APN Settings on an Android Phone

The following process will give you access to your Android phone’s APN settings:

1. Tap on the Settings App.
2. Tap ‘Network & internet’ or ‘Mobile network’> ‘Advanced’> ‘Access Point Names’.
3. Tap the three-dot menu to select ‘New APN’ or select an existing APN to make changes.

Once you have access to your mobile’s APN settings page, you will need to enter the correct details that are specific to your carrier.

Getting the Correct APN Details

Use the APN details below for some of the most common network carriers.

Make sure that you enter all the characters correctly, paying attention to spaces and lack of capitals to ensure that the APN will work properly.

APN Settings for Vodafone

If you’re using a Vodafone SIM, enter the following details:

• APN (for pay monthly SIMs): wap.vodaphone.co.uk
• APN (for PAYG or VOXI SIMs): pp.vodaphone.co.uk
• Username (for all SIMs): wap
• Password (for all SIMs): wap

APN Setting for O2

For an O2 SIM, you will need these details:

• APN: mobile.o2.co.uk
• Username: o2web
• Password: password

APN Settings for Giffgaff

The following details will help you set up a Giffgaff APN:

• APN: giffgaff.com
• Username: giffgaff
• MCC: 234
• MNC: 10

APN Setting for Lycamobile

For Lycamobile APN settings, use these details:

• APN: data.lycamobile.co.uk
• Username: lmuk
• Password: plus

APN Settings for Virgin Mobile

Enter these details when using a Virgin Mobile SIM:

• APN: goto.virginmobile.uk
• Username: user
• MMSC - http://mms.virginmobile.co.uk:8002
• MMS Proxy - 193.30.166.2
• MMS Port - 8080

APN Setting for Three

You can connect your Three SIM with this information:

• APN - three.co.uk
• MMSC - http://mms.um.three.co.uk:10021/mmsc
• MMS Proxy - mms.three.co.uk
• MMS Port - 8799

Hopefully, our guide has made changing your APN seem less daunting. If you are still having connectivity problems, it is best to get in touch with your network carrier.

If we didn’t cover your carrier here, check out our other APN guides to help ensure your device is properly connected, and you’re getting the most out of the smartphone experience.

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