APN Settings UK: Complete Setup Guide for Every Network

If your phone cannot connect to mobile data, picture messages refuse to send, or your internet drops out after inserting a new SIM, the problem almost always comes down to your APN settings.

The Access Point Name is the gateway between your device and the internet — get it wrong and you have no data, no MMS and no tethering, even with full signal bars.

This guide covers everything about APN settings UK: what an APN is, the correct APN configuration for every major UK network, step-by-step setup for iPhone and Android, MDM deployment for business, and troubleshooting tips.

What Is an APN and Why Does It Matter?

An Access Point Name (APN) is a set of network credentials that tells your phone how to connect to your mobile operator’s data network. Without the correct APN settings, your phone cannot establish a data connection — even if your SIM is active and your signal is strong.

Your APN controls several things:

• Mobile data access — The primary gateway for 3G, 4G and 5G internet connectivity.
• MMS messaging — Picture and multimedia messages use a separate APN or specific MMS settings within the APN profile.
• Tethering and hotspot — Some networks use a different APN for personal hotspot functionality.
• Private network access — Businesses with private APNs can route traffic through corporate firewalls and VPNs.

In most cases, your phone configures the correct mobile APN automatically when you insert a SIM card.

However, there are plenty of situations where you need to enter the settings manually — switching to an MVNO, using an unlocked phone from another country, replacing a device, or troubleshooting data connectivity issues.

APN Settings for Every UK Network

Below are the correct APN settings for all major UK mobile networks and popular MVNOs. These settings are current as of 2026 and cover mobile data and MMS.

EE APN Settings

O2 APN Settings

Three APN Settings

Vodafone APN Settings

giffgaff APN Settings

giffgaff runs on the O2 network but uses its own APN configuration:

Tesco Mobile APN Settings

Tesco Mobile operates on the O2 network and uses the following APN settings:

For a full comparison of which network delivers the best coverage and value for your business, see our best mobile network UK 2026 guide.

How to Change APN Settings on iPhone

Apple restricts direct APN configuration on iPhones more than Android does. In most cases, the correct APN is delivered automatically via your carrier profile. However, if you need to set it manually, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap Mobile Data (or Cellular Data on some iOS versions).
3. Tap Mobile Data Network (or Cellular Data Network).
4. Under the Mobile Data section, enter the APN, username and password from the tables above.
5. Scroll down to the MMS section and enter the MMSC, MMS proxy and MMS port values.
6. Go back — the settings save automatically.
7. Toggle Aeroplane Mode on and off to force the phone to reconnect with the new settings.

Important: If you do not see the Mobile Data Network option, your carrier profile is locked and the APN is managed by your network.

You may need to reset network settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings) to trigger a fresh carrier profile download.

Be aware this will also remove saved WiFi passwords.

• Tip: Always check for a carrier settings update first via Settings > General > About.
• If you are using an eSIM, the APN is typically configured during the eSIM activation process.
• For business iPhones managed through MDM, APN profiles can be pushed remotely — see the MDM section below.

How to Change APN Settings on Android

Android gives you more direct control over APN settings than iOS. The exact menu path varies by manufacturer, but the process is broadly the same across Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus and other devices:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Connections (Samsung) or Network & internet (Pixel/stock Android).
3. Tap Mobile networks.
4. Tap Access Point Names.
5. Tap the + icon to add a new APN (or tap an existing one to edit it).
6. Enter the APN name, APN address, username, password, MMSC, MMS proxy, MMS port, MCC, MNC and APN type from the tables above.
7. Tap the three-dot menu and select Save.
8. Select the new APN from the list by tapping the radio button next to it.
9. Restart your phone or toggle Aeroplane Mode to apply the changes.

• Tip: If existing APN entries are greyed out, your carrier has locked them. Add a new APN instead of editing the locked one.
• On dual-SIM phones, make sure you are editing the APN for the correct SIM slot.
• Some Android devices have a Reset to default option in the APN menu — useful if you have made errors.

If you are unsure which network offers the best coverage at your business premises, our mobile network coverage checker can help you compare signal strength across all UK operators.

Need to switch? Learn how to get your PAC code from EE in under 60 seconds.

Need help with your O2 setup? See our guide to O2 voicemail setup and numbers.

Setting up a new EE line? Check our EE voicemail setup guide to get started.

Having trouble with picture messages? Our guide to MMS messaging explains how it works on every network.

Working remotely? Find out how to use your phone as a mobile hotspot for your laptop and team.

Looking for Apple? Compare the best iPhone deals for business across all UK networks.

Related Reading

• PAC Code Guide: How to Switch Mobile Networks and Keep Your Number
• Travel With Confidence: How to Avoid Roaming Fees
• Business Mobile Handsets

MDM APN Deployment for Business

For businesses managing dozens or hundreds of mobile devices, configuring APN settings manually on each handset is impractical. mobile device management (MDM) platforms allow IT administrators to push APN configuration profiles to entire device fleets remotely.

MDM solutions such as Microsoft Intune, VMware Workspace ONE, Jamf and SOTI MobiControl can create and distribute APN profiles that are applied automatically when a device enrols. This ensures every device in your fleet has the correct mobile APN without manual intervention.

Key benefits of MDM-managed APN deployment:

• Consistency — Every device gets identical, verified APN settings, eliminating configuration errors.
• Speed — New devices connect to mobile data within minutes of enrolment.
• Security — Private APNs can route all mobile traffic through your corporate network, enforcing firewall rules and content filtering.
• Flexibility — APN profiles can be updated centrally and pushed to all devices instantly.
• Multi-network support — Businesses using SIMs from multiple carriers can deploy different APN profiles based on the detected network.

Private APNs are particularly valuable for organisations in regulated industries — healthcare, finance and legal — where all mobile data traffic must pass through audited infrastructure.

Managing a fleet of business mobiles?Get a free business mobile quote or call us on 0333 015 2615 to discuss MDM-ready mobile plans.

5G APN Considerations

The rollout of 5G across the UK has introduced some changes to how APN settings work, though the transition has been largely seamless for most users.

In most cases, the major UK networks use the same APN for 4G and 5G. Your phone connects to 5G automatically using the existing APN configuration. However, there are points to watch:

• 5G SA (Standalone) — As networks transition from 5G NSA to full Standalone, some operators may introduce dedicated 5G APNs in the future.
• Network slicing — 5G network slicing creates virtual networks for specific use cases. Businesses using slicing may require a dedicated APN to access their allocated slice.
• Private 5G networks — Enterprises deploying private 5G will need custom APNs to connect to their private infrastructure.

For more on how 5G is transforming business connectivity, see our guide to 5G for business in the UK.

Troubleshooting APN Issues

Incorrect or corrupted APN settings are one of the most common causes of mobile data problems. Here is how to diagnose and fix the most frequent issues.

No Mobile Data Connection

• Verify the APN name and address are entered exactly as shown in the tables above — even a single extra space will prevent connection.
• Check that mobile data is enabled in your phone’s settings.
• Ensure you have not exceeded your data allowance.
• Toggle Aeroplane Mode on and off to force a fresh network registration.
• Try resetting network settings (this will also remove saved WiFi passwords).

Slow Mobile Data Speeds

• Incorrect APN settings can sometimes allow a connection but at reduced speeds. Double-check every field against the tables above.
• Ensure the APN type includes “default” — without it, some data services may not route correctly.
• If you are on an MVNO, speeds may be deprioritised during peak hours compared to the host network’s direct customers.

MMS Not Sending or Receiving

• MMS requires its own values within the APN profile — MMSC, MMS proxy and MMS port. If any are missing or incorrect, picture messages will fail.
• On Android, ensure the APN type field includes “mms” alongside “default”.
• Some networks require mobile data to be enabled for MMS to work, even if you are connected to WiFi.

Tethering and Hotspot Not Working

• Some UK networks use a separate APN for tethering. You may need to add a second APN profile with the tethering-specific address.
• Check that your tariff includes tethering — some older plans restrict hotspot usage regardless of APN settings.

Still having connectivity issues?Get a free business mobile quote or call us on 0333 015 2615 — our team can diagnose and resolve APN and network issues across your business fleet.

Related Reading

• PAC Code Guide: How to Switch Mobile Networks and Keep Your Number
• Travel With Confidence: How to Avoid Roaming Fees
• Business Mobile Handsets

Written by

Scott Jerrard

Sales Manager

Scott is an experienced Sales Manager at Connection Technologies, leading high-performing teams to deliver consistent year-on-year growth.

Business MobilesTelecoms SolutionsAccount Management

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