What is an APN and How Do I Update It?

In the mobile connectivity world, a small but crucial element is how your phone connects to the internet: the APN or Access Point Name. So, what exactly is an APN? Think of it as a key that unlocks the door to the online world via your mobile network. It's a set of necessary information that tells your phone how to connect to the internet provided by your mobile carrier. We aim to provide clear, easy-to-understand information to help you confidently manage your APN settings, ensuring you stay connected wherever your mobile device takes you.

4.9

Highly Rated

Based on 500,000+ customer reviews

Trusted worldwide

Over 1 million travelers across the globe have trusted us

Travel Friendly

No swaps, global connectivity ensured

With eSIM Card, you can save 100% on roaming fees

Buy eSIM

What is an APN?

APN stands for `Access Point Name.` It's a crucial part of how your smartphone connects to the internet through your mobile network. 

When you use your phone to go online, the APN tells your phone how to find the right path to the internet. It's like instructions or an address that guides your phone to connect to the right place. Your APN has two main parts: one identifies the network you're trying to connect to, and the other identifies your mobile operator. It's a bit like having an address and a key – you need both to get where you're going and to get in.

Most of the time, you don't need to worry about your APN. When you put a new SIM card in your phone or activate an eSIM, your mobile provider usually sets up the APN for you. It's all done behind the scenes, so you can start browsing, streaming, and posting without a hitch. But sometimes, especially if you're switching to a new type of SIM card like an eSIM, you might need to update your APN settings. 

How Does an APN Work?

An APN, or Access Point Name, is a crucial element in connecting your mobile device to the internet through your carrier's network. It acts like a bridge, ensuring that your device can communicate with the online world. Here’s a down on how an APN functions:

1. Two Main Components: An APN consists of a network identifier and an operator identifier. The network identifier points your device to the external network, while the operator identifier connects you to your specific mobile network operator (MNO) or mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).
2. Assigning IP Address: When you use mobile data your MNO or MVNO should your device assign an appropriate IP address to your device?
3. Connecting to the Network: The APN determines which network your device should connect to. This ensures that you're accessing the internet through the correct gateway provided by your carrier. 
4. Implementing Security Measures: Along with connectivity, the APN specifies the security protocols to safeguard your data as it travels across the network.

The APN is a set of necessary information that allows your mobile device to access the internet and use mobile data services efficiently and securely. 

Why Would I Need to Change My APN Settings?

Here's a simple breakdown of why you might need to update your APN settings:

New SIM or eSIM

When you get a new SIM card or switch to an eSIM, your device must know how to connect to the new network. Each carrier has unique APN settings, which act like a gateway to access the internet for your device.

Automatic Configuration Not Always Reliable

Although carriers typically configure APN settings automatically, there are times when this doesn't happen correctly, especially with new SIMs or eSIMs. In such cases, you must manually enter or update these settings.

Ensuring Connectivity

 If you're experiencing issues with your internet connection or can't send multimedia messages, it could be due to incorrect APN settings. Updating them can resolve these connectivity problems.

Compatibility with Different Networks

If you're traveling and using a local SIM card or an international eSIM, updating your APN settings is crucial for your phone to connect to the local network and access the internet.

In essence, updating your APN settings is about ensuring your phone knows the right path to connect to the internet. Especially when there's a change in your network provider or when automatic settings don't work as expected. 

APN Settings to Know

When setting up a new SIM or eSIM, like those from Airalo, understanding APN settings is crucial. Here's a simple breakdown of the key APN settings you should be familiar with:

1. APN (Access Point Name): This is the most critical setting. It's the name of the gateway between your carrier's network and the internet. When you update your APN settings, this is usually the field you'll need to change.
2. APN Types: There are different types of APNs, including Generic, SUPL (Secure User Plane Location), MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), and WAP (Wireless Application Protocol). The most common type used by carriers is Generic.
3. MMSC (Multimedia Messaging Service Center): This setting is essential for sending and receiving MMS messages. It's a key requirement for most Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
4. Proxy: Some mobile carriers use a proxy setting to create a specific pathway between the internet and your network. This might not always need to be changed, but it's good to be aware of it.

Where to Find APN for an eSIMCard eSIM

If you're setting up an eSIMCard eSIM and need to know the APN, finding them is straightforward. Here's a simple guide to help you locate the APN for your eSIMCard eSIM:

Open the eSIMCard App

Start by opening the eSIMCard app ( for IOS and Android) on your device. This app is where you manage all your eSIMCard-related services.

Go to 'My eSIMs': 

Once you're in the app, navigate to the 'My eSIMs' section. This area lists all the eSIMs you have purchased or are currently using.

Select the eSIM You Need the APN For

Browse through your eSIMs and select the one for which you need the APN settings. Make sure you choose the correct eSIM if you have multiple options.

Tap 'Manage'

After selecting the eSIM, look for the 'Manage' option. This will take you to a more detailed page about your selected eSIM.

Scroll Down to Find the APN

On the management page, scroll down until you find the APN settings. The APN (Access Point Name) is usually clearly listed here.

Note Down the APN Details 

Write down or copy the APN details. You'll need these when updating or configuring your device's network settings.

Note: Remember, the APN is crucial for your device to connect properly to the eSIMCard network. If you're updating your device with a new eSIM or if you're experiencing connectivity issues, checking and updating the APN settings can often resolve these problems. 

Where to Find Your APN Settings

If you're wondering where to find the APN settings on your phone, don't worry, it's quite straightforward. Whether you're using an iPhone or an Android device, here's a simple guide to help you locate your APN settings:

 For iPhone Users:

    Check your eSIM installation guide to see if a manual APN setting is necessary.

    If so, follow these steps:

1.  Go to `Settings`.
2.  Choose `Cellular/Mobile Service`.
3.  Select your eSIM listed under `SIMs.`
4.  Tap on `Mobile Data Network.`
5.  In the `Mobile Data Network` section, enter the APN precisely as specified in your eSIM installation instructions (use lowercase, single-word format).
6. Leave the `Username` and `Password` fields empty.



 For Android Users:

1. Open Settings: Tap the 'Settings' icon on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Network and Internet: You'll find network-related settings.
3. Open SIMs: Look for 'SIMs inside the Network and Internet menu. 
4. Select the eSIM: You'll see a list of SIMs. Select the one you want to check or edit APN for.
5. Open Access Point Names: Scroll down to the end to find Access Point Names
6.  Select Access Point Name to edit: enter the APN precisely as specified in your eSIM installation instructions (use lowercase, single-word format).
7. Leave the `Username` and `Password` fields empty.

Remember, your APN settings are crucial for your phone to connect properly to the internet through your mobile network.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing your APN (Access Point Name) settings is key to ensuring your smartphone connects effectively to the internet via your mobile network. Whether you're a seasoned tech enthusiast or new to eSIMs, navigating and updating your APN settings can make a significant difference in your mobile experience. If you ever run into trouble, eSIMCard offers detailed guides and customer support to help you navigate these settings.