If you're having problems accessing mobile data on your smartphone or tablet - especially if you've got a new SIM card - there could be a problem with the configuration of your internet settings. Luckily, these problems are easy to fix.
In most cases, if you have a working SIM card and an active mobile plan, these settings should be automatically sent to your phone by your carrier. If not, you'll need to make an adjustment to the Access Point Name (APN) in your phone's settings to get online.
In this guide:
- Changing your APN settings on a Samsung or other Android device
- Changing your APN settings on iPhone or iPad
- APN settings for popular providers
- FAQ
Changing your APN settings on a Samsung or other Android device
To change your APN settings on a Samsung or Android smartphone or tablet, you'll need to follow the steps below. Please note that these names might vary slightly depending on what version of Android you're running and who manufactured your device.
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Network & Internet
- Tap Mobile Network
- Tap Advanced
- Tap Access Point Names
If you can't find it, use the search in the Settings app and type in Access Point Names. This should bring it up.
Here you see a list of APNs associated with your SIM card. If you don't see any, hit the menu icon in the top right hand corner to then New APN add a new one. Follow the instructions for your telco, and then tap the menu icon in the top right hand corner and press Save.
If you need to enter an APN for MMS separately, just repeat this process again (though you can usually add all the information on a single page).
Tapping an existing APN will let you edit it, although some telcos prevent you changing these settings.
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Changing your APN settings on iPhone or iPad
To change your APN settings on an iOS device, you'll need to do the following:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Mobile (this could be listed as Cellular)
- Tap Mobile Data Network (or Cellular Data Network)
Mobile carriers can restrict access to these settings, so you might find the options listed below are not visible on your device.
In many cases, an iPhone or iPad should automatically download new APN settings when you put in a new SIM card. If you're having problems but can't see these settings on your phone, try pressing Reset Settings. You can also try removing your SIM card and putting it back in.
Alternatively, connecting your iPhone or iPad to a computer with iTunes installed (and internet access) will update your APN settings automatically.
APN settings for popular providers
Below are the APN details to enter into your device if they're not listed already. Note, APN details are case sensitive, often all in lower case.
The name you give to the settings doesn't matter, though it might be helpful to name it after the carrier. You should leave blank any fields that we've left blank in the table. If only one column is filled in, then you can use the same APN setting for both internet data and MMS. Otherwise, make two.
Telstra & Boost Mobile APN Settings
| Internet Data | MMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | [Not specific] | [Not specific] |
| APN | telstra.wap | telstra.mms |
| Proxy | ||
| Port | ||
| Username | ||
| Password | ||
| MMSC | http://mmsc.telstra.com:8002 | |
| MMS Proxy | 10.1.1.180 | |
| MMS Port | 80 | |
| MMS Protocol | WAP 2.0 | |
| MCC | 505 | 505 |
| MNC | 01 | 01 |
| Authentication Type | PAP | |
| APN Type | default,supl | mms |
If telstra.iph doesn't work, try telstra.wap
Optus, amaysim, Vaya, & Dodo APN Settings
| Internet Data | MMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | yesinternet | Optus MMS |
| APN | yesinternet | mms |
| Proxy | ||
| Port | ||
| Username | ||
| Password | ||
| MMSC | http://mmsc.optus.com.au:8002/ | |
| MMS Proxy | 61.88.190.10 | |
| MMS Port | 8070 | |
| MMS Protocol | WAP 2.0 | WAP 2.0 |
| MCC | 505 | 502 |
| MNC | 02 | 02 |
| Authentication Type | PAP | PAP |
| APN Type | internet or blank | mms |
Vodafone, TPG, iiNet, Internode, Lebara, felix Mobile, & Kogan Mobile APN Settings
| Internet Data | MMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | VF WEB | Vodafone AU-MMS |
| APN | live.vodafone.com | hos |
| Proxy | ||
| Port | ||
| Username | ||
| Password | ||
| MMSC | http://pxt.vodafone.net.au/pxtsend | |
| MMS Proxy | 10.202.2.60 | |
| MMS Port | 8080 | |
| MMS Protocol | ||
| MCC | 505 | 505 |
| MNC | 03 | 03 |
| Authentication Type | ||
| APN Type | default | mms |
Belong, ALDI Mobile & Woolworths Mobile APN Settings
| Combined internet and MMS settings | |
|---|---|
| Name | [Not specific] |
| APN | mdata.net.au |
| Proxy | |
| Port | |
| Username | |
| Password | |
| MMSC | http://mmsc.mdata.net.au:8003/ |
| MMS Proxy | 10.1.1.180 |
| MMS Port | 80 |
| MMS Protocol | WAP 2.0 |
| MCC | 505 |
| MNC | 01 |
| Authentication Type | |
| APN Type | default,dun,supl,mms |
FAQ
What are APN settings?
The simple answer, APN (short for Access Point Name) settings tell your phone how to connect to your telco. If these are incorrect, your phone won't be able to reach your mobile provider, and as such, won't be able to access mobile data.
Why is my mobile data not working?
If your mobile data isn't working, it could be because your APN settings are wrong. But if this guide hasn't helped you get your mobile data working again, there are a few other potential things it could be. You be in a poor coverage area, you could have gone over your monthly allowance on a prepaid plan, or you could be in airplane mode.
Alex Choros
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