Access Point Name

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APN settings connect your device to the internet via your mobile carrier’s cellular network. These settings include IP addresses, gateways, and other technical details that enable your phone to access mobile data and send MMS.

Typically, your APN settings are configured automatically when you insert your SIM card or activate an eSIM. However, you might need to update or manually configure your APN settings for faster, more reliable internet connectivity.^[1] An 'Access Point Name'(APN) is the name of a gateway^[2] between a mobile network (GSM, GPRS, 3G, 4G and 5G) and another computer network, frequently the public Internet.^[3]

Some Important APN Terms:

Below are some terms of the APN settings, explaining what each setting stands for:

APN: The APN address of your (mobile network operator) MNOs.

MMSC: The MMS message link.

Proxy: A proxy server’s address. Often, this area is left blank.

MCC (Mobile Country Code): A three-digit code that is used for the country’s identity.

MNC (Mobile Network Code): The mobile network operator is represented by a number code.

More specifically, the APN identifies the packet data network (PDN) that a mobile data user wants to communicate with. In addition to identifying a PDN, an Access Point Name may also be used to define the type of service(s), (e.g. connection to a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) server and access to Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)) that is provided by the packet data network. APN is used in 3GPP data access networks, e.g. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and evolved by packet core (EPC).