How to Manually Set Up APN Settings on Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac (Step-by-Step)

If your mobile data isn’t working—even though your SIM or eSIM is active—it might be your APN settings. It’s a small setting, but if it’s missing or wrong, your device won’t know how to connect properly.

 

This guide walks you through how to check and fix your APN settings manually. It covers Android, iPhone, Windows, and Mac, so whatever you’re using, you’ll find clear steps that actually work.

 

What’s an APN?

APN stands for Access Point Name. It’s basically the set of instructions your device uses to connect to mobile internet. Think of it like a Wi-Fi password—but for mobile data. If the APN isn’t set up right, your device might not know how to reach the network.

If it’s wrong or missing, you could run into:

• Trouble connecting to mobile data
• MMS (picture messages) failing to send or receive
• Roaming issues while travelling

 

General Tips (Applies to All Devices)

• Restart your device after saving the APN
• Turn on Data Roaming if you’re travelling
• Try switching Airplane Mode off and on
• Delete old or unused APNs to avoid conflicts
• If you’re unsure, test with known defaults like internet, web, or mobiledata

Android Setup

Menu names can vary depending on your phone brand and Android version, but the general steps are the same.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet or Connections
3. Tap Mobile Network
4. Tap Access Point Names (You’ll see a list of APNs already configured on your device.)
5. Tap + or Add (usually in the top corner)
6. Fill in the APN info (e.g. isp, vmobile.jp)
7. Leave things like Username, Password, MCC, and MNC blank unless you’ve been told otherwise
8. Tap Save
9. Tap the new APN to activate it

Notes for Specific Brands:

Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names

Xiaomi/Redmi: Settings → SIM Cards & Mobile Networks → [SIM] → Access Point Names

Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → [SIM] → Access Point Names

iPhone Setup (iOS)

This works for both physical SIMs and eSIMs, as long as your carrier lets you edit APN settings.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Mobile Data (or Cellular)
3. Tap Cellular Data Network (or Mobile Data Options) If you see multiple SIMs or eSIMs, pick the one you’re using.
4. Tap Mobile Data Network If available, this opens the APN configuration screen
5. Enter the APN info under Mobile Data (e.g. isp, vmobile.jp)
6. Leave Username and Password blank unless you’ve been given specific values
7. Exit Settings—your changes save automatically
8. Restart your iPhone to apply the settings

 

If You Don’t See the APN Field:

Some carriers block manual edits. You can try inserting a different SIM or switching eSIM profiles to see if the field appears.

Windows 10/11 Setup (with Cellular Modem or eSIM)

If your laptop or tablet has a built-in cellular modem or supports eSIM, here’s how to add an APN manually.

Windows 11:

1. Go to Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Cellular
2. Click Mobile operator settings
3. Click Add APN
4. Fill in:

• Profile name: Just for you—use something like Greece 3GB, Work Trip, or Asia Travel.
•  APN: from your confirmation email
• Leave Username, Password, Sign-in info, and IP type as default
• APN type: set to Internet

5. Tick Apply this profile
6. Click Save → OK

Windows 10:

1. Go to Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Cellular
2. Click Advanced options
3. Click Add an APN
4. Fill in the same fields as above
5. Save and apply
   

macOS Setup (for eSIM or USB Modem)

If you’re using a Mac with cellular support or a USB modem, here’s how to set up the APN.

Steps:

1. Open System Settings
2. Go to Network and select your cellular device
3. Click Details or Advanced
4. Look for a section called APN, Cellular, or Modem Configuration
5. Enter the APN from your confirmation email (e.g. isp, vmobile.jp)
6. Leave Username, Password, and Authentication blank unless told otherwise
7. Set APN Type to Internet if that option is available
8. Click Apply or Save
9. Restart your Mac
10. Turn off Wi-Fi and open Safari or Mail to test mobile data

If You’re Stuck:

• Make sure your modem or eSIM is active and showing up in macOS
• Some USB modems need extra software—check with the manufacturer

To reset network settings:

Go to System Settings → Network → More Options (“...”) → Reset Network Settings

 

Once your APN is set up, mobile data should start working right away. If not, double-check the values or restart your device. Still stuck? Reach out to your provider—they’ll help you get connected.