Android offers users a host of customization alternatives, some of which are useful to everyone, while others are for advanced users only. One of these lower level settings is the name of the access point, better known as APN.
The APN is something that most users should not worry about. You put your SIM card in your phone, maybe you restart it and it connects to your operator's network. You can make calls, send messages, explore dank memes and other important stuff. But, if you are still wasting your time with custom ROMs or you are using an MVNO, things may not work automatically.
What is an access point name (APN)?
The APN is all the information your phone uses to connect to your provider's network. Lists the address your phone uses to connect to the network, the ports used to handle Multimedia Messaging Service messages (MMS), the type of data that particular APN uses and other information to make sure your phone is working properly.
Some of the configurations, as "APN Type", could be optional and your phone will continue to work without it being 100% Right. Others like "MMSC" and "APN" are much more important and your phone will not work if they are not entered correctly..
Fortunately, most of the telephones have built-in the APN for common operators, so all you need to do is put your SIM card in and let your phone do its magic. This also extends to some prepaid operators: yo uso Mint Mobile, running on the T-Mobile network. When I put my SIM in my Google Pixel 2 XL o mi Samsung Galaxy S8, it just works. The phones already have the APN and know which one to load to connect to a certain network.
How to add or change your APN
If you need to change APN settings, it is quite simple to do. Start by opening the Settings app on your phone. The exact menu label will vary, but tap on the menu that handles your network settings. On the Pixel 2 XL con Android 9.0, this is labeled as “Red and Internet”. Subsequently, press “Mobile Network”.
Touch “Advanced”. Scroll to the bottom of the menu and then select “Access point names”.
Tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner and, subsequently, Choose “New APN”.
Your APN settings may be included in the package with your prepaid SIM card, or you may need to look it up. Enter details exactly as they appear in the listing, then touch the three-dot menu in the upper right corner and select “Keep”.
You may also need to make changes to an existing APN. To make these changes, tap the APN you want to change. Tap on each category, later update the details as needed. Tap the three-dot menu and select “Keep” When it's over.
APNs that come preloaded probably cannot be changed, and if you open them to see the details, you will see each item in gray. Touching them to change them will do nothing, so you will need to create a totally new APN if you want to change anything.
Once the APN is configured, you won't have to change it again unless you change carrier or factory reset your phone. Feel free to make calls, surf the web and more!
