Need to fix APN settings on Android? Learn what APN is, how to reset to default, add a new APN, and fix mobile data/MMS issues with 15 practical steps (any country/provider).
APN (Access Point Name) is the set of settings your phone uses to connect to your network provider for mobile data (internet) and often MMS (picture messages/group texts). Samsung explains that the APN provides the details your device needs to connect to mobile data, and your provider can send you the correct APN details.
You usually touch APN settings only when:
- Mobile data is connected but no internet
- MMS won’t send/download
- You switched SIM/eSIM or moved a SIM into a new phone
- A recent update reset your network settings
Do this first
- Turn Wi-Fi OFF and test if mobile data works at all (this tells you if APN even matters).
- Go to Access Point Names (APN) and tap Reset to default
- Restart your phone, then test again (Wi-Fi still OFF).
- If MMS is the problem: make sure mobile data is ON, then reset APN again (MMS depends on APN/data)
- If still broken: Add a new APN using the values from your network provider (don’t guess fields).
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Step 1: Understand what APN is (so you don’t change the wrong thing)
Think of APN like your provider’s “internet doorway.” If the APN is wrong, your phone may show LTE/5G but pages won’t load, and MMS may fail. Samsung describes APN as the details needed for mobile data, and notes the APN details differ by provider.
Step 2: Find APN settings on Android (common paths)
Different Android brands hide APN in slightly different places, but it’s usually under SIM/mobile network settings.
- Samsung path: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access Point Names
- Pixel-style path: Settings → Network & internet → Mobile network → Advanced → Access Point Names
If you don’t see “Access Point Names,” use Settings search and type APN.
Step 3: Reset APN to default (best first fix)
If you (or an app) changed APN settings earlier, the cleanest fix is restoring defaults.
On Samsung, the official steps include opening APN and selecting Reset to default from the menu.
This is a safe move because it brings back the carrier’s default configuration for that SIM.
Step 4: Restart after resetting APN (makes the change “stick”)
A restart forces the phone to reload network profiles and reconnect cleanly. Don’t skip this.
After reboot, wait 30–60 seconds for the network to register, then test mobile data again.
Step 5: Test properly (turn Wi-Fi OFF while testing)
Lots of people “test internet” while Wi-Fi is still on, then think APN changes didn’t work.
For a real test:
- Wi-Fi OFF
- Mobile data ON
- Open 2–3 websites or run a speed test
If it works now, your APN reset fixed it.
Step 6: If MMS isn’t working, remember MMS usually needs mobile data + correct APN
Picture messages, group texts, and “MMS downloading…” problems are often APN-related. Google Messages troubleshooting for MMS includes ensuring you have a data connection and resetting APN settings to default.
So for MMS:
- Turn mobile data ON (even if you’re on Wi-Fi)
- Reset APN to default again
- Restart and try sending a small photo
Step 7: When you should add a new APN (instead of editing the existing one)
Add a new APN when:
- Reset to default didn’t help
- Your provider gave you specific APN details
- You’re using a SIM in a phone your provider didn’t originally sell (BYOD)
Samsung notes your provider can send APN details and that APNs vary by provider.
This is why copying random APN values from the internet often makes things worse.
Step 8: How to add a new APN (the safe way)
Inside Access Point Names, tap Add / + / New APN, then fill only the fields your provider gives you.
Best practice:
- Screenshot your current APN first (backup)
- Create a new APN rather than overwriting the original
- Save, then select the new APN (radio button)
(Your provider’s official support page is the safest source for exact APN values.)
Step 9: APN fields that matter (simple explanation)
You’ll see many fields, but these are the ones that usually matter:
- Name: label only (anything)
- APN: the main internet gateway (most important)
- MMSC / MMS proxy / MMS port: required for MMS on many providers
- MCC / MNC: country/network codes (sometimes auto-filled; don’t change unless your provider tells you)
- APN type: what the APN is used for (example:
default,supl,mms) - APN protocol: IPv4/IPv6 (leave default unless your provider specifies)
If your provider didn’t mention a field, leave it as Not set.
Step 10: The #1 APN mistake: wrong APN type
If mobile data works but MMS doesn’t, APN type is a common culprit.
Many providers require the APN type to include mms (exact wording varies), otherwise pictures won’t send.
That’s why Google Messages points users to APN reset for MMS issues.
Step 11: Dual SIM phones (make sure you’re editing the right SIM)
On dual SIM phones, you can end up changing APN for SIM 2 while SIM 1 is your data line.
Before you reset or add APN, confirm:
- which SIM is selected under Mobile data
- you’re inside the APN menu for that same SIM
Step 12: If APN is greyed out or “not available”
Sometimes APN editing is restricted by the provider, device policy, or managed phone profile.
In that case:
- Reset to default (if allowed)
- Contact your provider and ask them to push/refresh data settings (APN profile)
Samsung notes providers can send configuration messages with APN details.
Step 13: If you changed APN and lost internet completely
Don’t panic. Do this:
- Go back to APN list
- Select the original/default APN
- Tap Reset to default again
- Restart
This usually restores connectivity quickly.
Step 14: If APN changes don’t help, reset network settings
If mobile data and MMS are still broken after APN reset, the issue may be deeper than APN (stuck network stack, update glitch, corrupted settings).
A full network settings reset is a strong clean-slate move.
Step 15: When to contact your network provider
Contact your provider if:
- APN reset doesn’t restore data/MMS
- APN menu is locked/greyed out
- Your line needs provisioning refresh (common after SIM swap/eSIM change)
Ask them for:
- correct internet APN
- correct MMS settings (MMSC/proxy/port) if MMS fails
- a refresh/re-provision of mobile data services
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Sources
Samsung: What is an APN & how to change mobile network internet settings
https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/how-do-i-check-my-apn-mobile-internet-settings/
Samsung: How to setup the APN and how to reset it (Reset to default steps)
https://www.samsung.com/pk/support/mobile-devices/smart-phone-how-to-setup-the-apn-and-how-to-reset-it/
Google Pixel Help: Connect to mobile networks (includes APN purpose)
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2926415
Google Pixel Community: Where to find APN (menu path on Pixel-style Android)
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/238238459/i-can-t-figure-out-where-to-find-the-apn
Google Messages Help thread: MMS troubleshooting mentions resetting APN to default + data connection
https://support.google.com/messages/thread/112827948/mms-not-working-on-messages-app
