How to Configure APN Settings: Step-by-Step Guide for Android Devices

Just like a car, there are a lot of parts that are functioning in the background when you connect to the internet using your smartphone. 

This article is about one of them: APN. 

Continue reading to find out what an APN is, the reasons why APN settings might change, and how you can manually configure APN on Android devices. 

What is an APN? 

APN stands for Access Point Name. It plays a critical role in your smartphone’s connectivity to the internet and its ability to send and receive MMS. 

It provides the information necessary to form a secure connection between your smartphone and your cellular network. You may be unable to access the internet or send/receive MMS if your APN settings are incorrect, regardless of the number of signal bars you see. 

When Should You Change Your APN Settings? 

APN settings are configured automatically when you activate your SIM/eSIM. So, in most cases, you don’t have to meddle with them. 

However, there are instances when APN settings in Android devices might be impacted. This usually happens if 

• You switch to a different operator 
• Your Android device had a major system update 
• You reset your device’s network settings 
• You did a factory reset 
• You switched from a physical SIM card to an eSIM 

Changing the APN setting is also used to troubleshoot internet connectivity issues. So if you have sufficient data balance but you’re unable to connect to the internet, then updating Android APN settings might do the trick. The next section explains that in detail. 

How to Configure APN in Android Smartphones 

There are two steps in the process. You’ll have to find the APN settings for Android phones before you can edit them. 

Here’s how you can navigate to APN settings on Android smartphones. 

• Open the Settings app 
• Tap Connections 
• Tap Mobile Network 
• Tap Access Point Names 
• Tap the plus symbol (+) 

Then enter the details mentioned below in the fields provided. Do not modify any other fields. Choose one of these two settings. 

APN Settings 1 

• Name: ereseller 
• APN: ereseller 
• Username: (Must be left blank) 
• Password: (Must be left blank) 
• MMSC: http://mmsc.mobile.att.net 
• MMS Proxy: proxy.mobile.att.net 

APN Settings 2 

• Name: LycaMobile  
• APN: data.lycamobile.com  
• Username: (Must be left blank)  
• Password: (Must be left blank) 
• MMS APN: data.lycamobile.com  
• MMSC: http://lyca.mmsmvno.com/mms/wapenc 

Tap on Save to confirm the new settings. Then select the newly created APN settings. 

Next, you can either enable Airplane mode for 30 seconds and disable it or restart your device. Enable mobile data, and you should be able to use the internet like you normally would. 

However, in the rare instance that your internet issues still exist even after resetting the APN settings on your Android device, it’s recommended to contact customer support. Dial 1-866-277-3221 or 1-845-301-1612, and a customer support professional will help you out.