APN Setup Guide for Android — Pixel and Samsung Galaxy Step by Step

Your Android phone shows signal bars but mobile data does not work after switching to an MVNO or inserting a travel SIM. In most cases, the missing step is the APN (Access Point Name) — a short configuration string that tells the network which packet data gateway to use for your connection.

This guide explains what an APN is, when Android configures it automatically, and how to enter it manually on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. It also covers other Android manufacturers, lists verified APN strings for common US, UK, and Australian carriers, and explains how travel eSIM APN works differently on Android.

If your phone shows no bars at all rather than a data failure, start with signal troubleshooting in No Mobile Data? How to Fix Data Connection Problems before setting an APN.

What Is an APN?

APN stands for Access Point Name. It is defined in 3GPP TS 23.003 as the identifier that selects a packet data gateway on the carrier’s core network. When your device requests internet access over the cellular network, the network reads the APN to route your data session to the correct gateway — the carrier’s internet exchange point.

An APN has two parts:

• Network Identifier (mandatory) — identifies the external packet data network, such as internet or fast.t-mobile.com
• Operator Identifier (optional) — encodes the PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) of the serving gateway; most consumer APN configurations omit this field

The maximum encoded length is 100 octets, as specified in TS 23.003.

In 5G networks, the equivalent concept is the DNN (Data Network Name), defined in 3GPP TS 23.003 Clause 9A. It works the same way for device configuration purposes — the APN string you enter functions across 4G and 5G networks. For full definitions of APN, DNN, and related terms, see the SIM & Mobile Glossary.

For a complete explanation of the APN concept including iPhone-specific setup steps, see the APN Setup Guide for iPhone, which this guide is designed to complement.

When Android Auto-Configures APN vs When Manual Is Needed

Android handles APN configuration through two automatic paths. Understanding which applies to your SIM tells you whether you need to act.

Automatic: SIM Carrier Bundle

When you insert a SIM from a major carrier, Android (and the modem firmware) may recognise the SIM’s PLMN code and apply a pre-loaded APN profile from the carrier database included in the OS or carrier service pack. This works reliably for the major MNOs — AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon in the US; EE, O2, Three, Vodafone in the UK; Telstra, Optus, Vodafone in Australia.

Google Pixel devices receive carrier updates through the Carrier Services app (updated via the Play Store independently of the Android OS version). Samsung Galaxy devices receive equivalent configuration through carrier-specific software packages.

Automatic: eSIM Profile

When you download an eSIM profile, the profile itself can include APN parameters. If the provider has embedded APN data in the profile, Android applies it during eSIM activation. Unlike iPhone, Android has no single universal profile format (there is no .mobileconfig equivalent), so each provider implements this differently. Some Android eSIM providers include APN data in the profile; others require manual entry after activation.

Manual Required: When Auto Does Not Apply

The most common real-world case: you buy a prepaid MVNO SIM, insert it, get signal, but cannot load any web page. The MVNO uses the host MNO’s towers but its own APN — and since the MVNO is not in Android’s carrier database, no automatic configuration happens.

Understanding how MVNOs operate on host networks explains why a Visible SIM (on Verizon’s towers) needs the APN vsblinternet rather than vzwinternet, and why Mint Mobile (on T-Mobile’s towers) needs wholesale rather than fast.t-mobile.com.

APN Setup on Google Pixel (Android)

The following path applies to stock Android on Google Pixel devices running Android 12 through Android 15. The menu labels are consistent across these versions, with minor wording variations in Android 15.

Step 1: Open SIM Settings

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs.

If you have two SIMs (physical SIM + eSIM, or two physical SIMs), tap the SIM you want to configure. The SIM name is usually the carrier name or a label you assigned during setup.

Step 2: Open Access Point Names

Inside the SIM settings screen, scroll down and tap Access Point Names.

You will see a list of APN profiles. There may be one or more pre-loaded entries from your carrier. If the correct APN is already listed and marked with a filled circle, data should work — but if it is not working, the existing entry may have incorrect values.

Step 3: Add or Edit an APN

To add a new APN, tap the + (plus) icon in the top-right corner.

To edit an existing entry, tap on it.

Fill in the fields as follows:

Step 4: Save and Select

Tap the three-dot menu → Save (or the Save button, depending on Android version).

After saving, tap the radio button next to your new APN entry to select it as the active APN.

Step 5: Test the Connection

Toggle Airplane Mode on for 5–10 seconds, then off. This forces the modem to re-register and use the new APN. Open a browser and load a page to confirm data is working.

If the new APN does not appear selectable (the radio button is greyed out), your carrier may have locked APN editing on your device. Contact your carrier’s support.

APN Setup on Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

Samsung Galaxy devices run One UI on top of Android. The APN path differs from stock Android, and the exact menu location depends on the One UI version.

One UI 6 and One UI 7 (Galaxy S24 / S25 series, recent mid-range)

Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names

If you have two SIMs, select the correct SIM from the SIM card manager tab at the top of the Connections screen before navigating to Mobile Networks.

One UI 5 (Galaxy S23 series, A-series from 2023)

Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names

The path is the same as One UI 6. Some One UI 5 builds show Mobile Data as the entry point instead of Mobile Networks — navigate to whichever is present and look for Access Point Names within it.

One UI 4 and earlier (Galaxy S22 and older)

Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names

The path is consistent going back to One UI 4. On very old Samsung devices running Android 10 or earlier, the path may be Settings → Connections → More Connection Settings → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names.

Entering APN Values on Samsung

The field layout on Samsung is the same as stock Android. Tap the + (Add) button to create a new APN, fill in the fields using the same table above, and tap Save from the three-dot menu. Tap the radio button to select the new APN as active.

Samsung-Specific Notes

• Two-SIM selection: On dual-SIM Galaxy devices, the APN list is per-SIM. If you configure the wrong SIM’s APN, data will still not work on the target SIM. Confirm which slot your MVNO SIM is in before editing.
• Reset to default: If the APN list is corrupted or you want to start fresh, tap three-dot menu → Reset to default inside the Access Point Names screen. This restores Samsung’s factory APN entries for your carrier.
• Greyed-out fields: Some Galaxy devices sold by US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) have certain APN fields locked. If fields are greyed out, you can typically still add a new APN entry with the unlocked fields and have it work alongside the locked entry.
• One UI Internet app APN shortcut: On some One UI versions, opening the Internet app and navigating to Settings → Advanced → APN Settings provides an alternate path to the same screen.

Other Manufacturers (OPPO, Xiaomi, OnePlus)

The APN setting exists on all Android devices, but the path varies by manufacturer’s UI skin. The most reliable approach is to search “APN” in the device’s Settings search bar.

OPPO and realme (ColorOS)

Settings → SIM Card & Mobile Data → [select SIM] → Mobile Network → Access Point Names

On ColorOS 14 (Android 14): Settings → Mobile network → Tap SIM → Access Point Names (label and intermediate steps may vary by region/model)

Xiaomi and POCO (MIUI / HyperOS)

Settings → SIM Cards & Mobile Networks → [select SIM] → Advanced Settings → Access Point Names

On HyperOS (Xiaomi 14 series): Settings → SIM cards & Mobile Networks → [select SIM] → Access Point Names

OnePlus (OxygenOS)

Settings → Wi-Fi & Network → SIM & Network → [select SIM] → Access Point Names

General Method: Settings Search

On any Android phone, open Settings and search for “APN” or “Access Point”. The search result will link directly to the APN list for your current SIM. This method bypasses manufacturer UI differences and works on all recent Android versions.

For physical SIM vs. eSIM configuration differences, the APN setting location is the same regardless of whether you are configuring a nano-SIM or an eSIM — both appear in the SIM settings area and share the same APN list.

Common Carrier APN Examples (US / UK / AU)

The following APN values are published in official carrier documentation. APN strings can change when carriers update their infrastructure — always verify the current value at your carrier’s official support page before entering.

United States

Note on Mint Mobile: Mint runs on T-Mobile’s network. The official APN is wholesale as documented in Mint Mobile’s setup guide. Some users report fast.t-mobile.com works as an unofficial fallback, but wholesale is the primary recommended value.

Note on Visible: Visible is a Verizon sub-brand (owned and operated by Verizon). It uses the APN vsblinternet, which is separate from Verizon’s vzwinternet.

United Kingdom

Australia

Important: These values are correct as of April 2026 but are subject to change. Always confirm at the carrier’s official support site. Third-party APN databases are frequently outdated.

Travel eSIM APN Behavior on Android

Travel eSIMs behave differently from domestic SIMs when it comes to APN configuration, and Android handles them differently from iPhone in one important way.

How Travel eSIM APN Works on Android

When you download and install a travel eSIM profile on Android, some providers include APN configuration in the profile download. If they do, the APN is set automatically after the eSIM activates and you will not need to do anything.

However, unlike iPhone where APN delivery via .mobileconfig is a standard mechanism, Android’s eSIM profile format (GSMA SGP.22) does not have a standardised field for APN data. Each provider chooses whether and how to push APN settings. Major providers like Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, and Saily include APN setup in their Android onboarding documentation; some push it via the profile, others instruct you to enter it manually.

If your travel eSIM shows signal on Android but data does not work: check the provider’s Android-specific setup page for the APN string and enter it using the steps above for your device model.

Data Roaming Must Be Enabled

Even with a correct APN, a travel eSIM will not pass data on Android if Data Roaming is turned off. Android treats a travel eSIM’s connection as a roaming session (because it authenticates to a foreign network), so the roaming toggle must be on even when you are physically in the destination country.

To enable Data Roaming on a Pixel:

1. Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
2. Tap the travel eSIM line
3. Enable Roaming

To enable Data Roaming on Samsung Galaxy:

1. Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks
2. Select the travel eSIM SIM slot at the top if dual-SIM
3. Enable Data Roaming

Dual-SIM Setup with a Travel eSIM

If you are using your home SIM alongside a travel eSIM, confirm that the travel eSIM is set as the preferred data SIM:

• Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Preferred SIM → Data → select the travel eSIM
• Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → Mobile Data → select the travel eSIM

Also consider turning off data roaming on your home SIM to prevent it from connecting to local networks at roaming rates while the travel eSIM handles data.

APN Type, Authentication, and IP Protocol Fields

When adding or editing an APN on Android, several fields beyond the main APN string affect how the connection is established. Getting these right matters for tethering, MMS, and protocol compatibility.

APN Type

The APN Type field tells Android which services this APN handles. Common values:

For most use cases, enter default,supl,mms,dun to cover internet data, GPS, MMS, and tethering with a single APN entry. If your carrier provides separate APN strings for MMS or tethering, create separate entries with the corresponding type.

If you leave the APN Type field blank, Android treats it as default only.

Authentication Type

The Authentication Type field specifies the protocol used to authenticate your device to the carrier’s gateway:

If your carrier provides a username and password, set Authentication Type to PAP or CHAP unless they specify otherwise.

IP Protocol (APN Protocol / APN Roaming Protocol)

Recommendation: Use IPv4/IPv6 (dual-stack) for both APN Protocol and APN Roaming Protocol. This is the correct setting for all modern carriers that support IPv6. If you experience connection issues with IPv4/IPv6, try switching to IPv4 only — some older MVNOs and some travel eSIM providers do not fully support IPv6.

Troubleshooting: Data Still Doesn’t Work

If you have entered the APN correctly and data still does not work, go through this checklist in order.

1. Confirm the APN Is Selected

Open the APN list (Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Access Point Names on Pixel, or Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names on Samsung). The active APN has a filled circle next to it. If your new APN entry is not selected, tap it to select it.

2. Check the APN String Carefully

Compare the APN string character by character with your carrier’s official documentation. Common mistakes:

• Extra space at the start or end of the string
• A period instead of a hyphen, or vice versa
• Wrong capitalisation (some carrier APNs are case-sensitive; e.g., ENHANCEDPHONE must be uppercase)
• Incorrect MCC or MNC values (leave these at the auto-filled values from your SIM)

3. Verify Mobile Data Is Enabled

Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → [your SIM] → Mobile Data toggle on.

Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Mobile Data toggle on (or pull down the notification shade and tap the Mobile Data quick tile).

4. Check Data Roaming

If your SIM or eSIM routes data via a roaming session (common with travel eSIMs and some MVNOs that use a different network), Data Roaming must be on. See the Travel eSIM section above for the exact path.

5. Toggle Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode off for 10 seconds, then off. This forces the modem to drop its current registration and re-register using the new APN. Wait 15 seconds after turning Airplane Mode off before testing.

6. Restart the Device

A full restart re-initialises the modem stack and can resolve issues that an Airplane Mode cycle does not. Power off completely, wait 10 seconds, power on.

7. Check APN Type and Protocol

If data works but tethering (mobile hotspot) does not, add dun to the APN Type field or create a separate tethering APN entry. If IPv4/IPv6 causes issues, switch the APN Protocol to IPv4 only.

8. Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

On Pixel: Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. This clears Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and APN customisations. eSIM profiles are preserved (they are stored separately from network settings).

On Samsung (One UI 6): Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings. eSIM profiles are preserved.

After the reset, Android may automatically restore the carrier’s default APN. If not, re-enter the APN manually.

For a full data troubleshooting sequence covering all causes beyond APN — including data caps, VPN interference, and DNS issues — see No Mobile Data? How to Fix Data Connection Problems.

FAQ

What is an APN and why does my Android phone need it?

APN stands for Access Point Name. It is defined in 3GPP TS 23.003 as the identifier that selects the packet data gateway on the carrier’s core network. Without the correct APN your phone can show full signal bars but cannot route any internet traffic. Most MNOs push the APN automatically when you insert a SIM. You need to set it manually mainly with MVNOs and some travel eSIMs that do not push configuration automatically.

Where is the APN setting on a Google Pixel?

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → tap your SIM → Access Point Names. If you have two SIMs, select the correct one first. Tap the plus icon to add a new APN or tap an existing entry to edit it.

Where is the APN setting on a Samsung Galaxy (One UI)?

Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names. On some One UI versions the path is Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Operators → Access Point Names, or Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings if the APN menu is locked. If you have two SIMs, select the correct SIM from the top of the screen first.

Why is the APN menu greyed out or missing on my Android phone?

Some carriers lock the APN menu to prevent changes. This is common on carrier-sold devices in the US. If the menu is greyed out or absent, try inserting the SIM from a different carrier (if available) or check your carrier’s support page for a pre-configured APN profile or an unlock method. On Samsung devices, restoring the APN to default and re-entering values sometimes resolves the greyed-out state.

Do travel eSIMs need manual APN setup on Android?

Many travel eSIM providers embed APN configuration in the eSIM profile, so no manual setup is required after activation. However, manual APN entry is more common on Android than on iPhone because Android does not have a universal profile mechanism equivalent to Apple’s .mobileconfig. If your travel eSIM has signal but no data, check your provider’s setup page for the APN string and enter it manually.

What should I enter in the APN Type field?

For basic internet data, enter default in the APN Type field. For full functionality including tethering, multimedia messaging, and supplementary location, use default,supl,mms,dun. If your carrier specifies a different value, use exactly what they document. Leaving the field blank or entering incorrect types can prevent data from routing correctly.

My APN is set correctly but data still does not work on Android. What else should I check?

Verify in order: (1) Mobile data toggle is on (Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Mobile Data), (2) Data Roaming is on if your SIM connects via a roaming session — required for most travel eSIMs, (3) the correct SIM is set as the default data SIM if you have two SIMs, (4) toggle Airplane Mode off and on to force a modem reconnect, (5) restart the device. For a full diagnostic sequence, see the No Mobile Data guide.

Related Guides

• APN Setup Guide for iPhone — configuration profiles and manual setup on iOS
• What Is a SIM Card? — how SIM and eSIM store carrier credentials
• What Is an MVNO? — why MVNOs use different APN values than the host carrier
• No Mobile Data? How to Fix Data Connection Problems — full troubleshooting sequence when data does not work
• SIM & Mobile Glossary — definitions for APN, DNN, carrier settings, and related terms

Use SimFinder to compare domestic mobile plans, or SimFinder Travel to find and compare travel eSIM plans for your destination.