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
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| APN | everywhere |
| Username | eesecure |
| Password | secure |
| MMSC | http://mms/ |
| MMS Proxy | 149.254.201.135 |
| MMS Port | 8080 |
| MCC | 234 |
| MNC | 30 |
| APN Type | default,mms,supl |
O2 APN Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| APN | o2web |
| Username | o2web |
| Password | password |
| MMSC | http://mmsc.mms.o2.co.uk:8002 |
| MMS Proxy | 82.132.254.1 |
| MMS Port | 8080 |
| MCC | 234 |
| MNC | 10 |
| APN Type | default,mms,supl |
Three APN Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| APN | three.co.uk |
| Username | (leave blank) |
| Password | (leave blank) |
| MMSC | http://mms.um.three.co.uk:10021/mmsc |
| MMS Proxy | (leave blank) |
| MMS Port | (leave blank) |
| MCC | 234 |
| MNC | 20 |
| APN Type | default,mms,supl |
Vodafone APN Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| APN | wap.vodafone.co.uk |
| Username | wap |
| Password | wap |
| MMSC | http://mms.vodafone.co.uk/servlets/mms |
| MMS Proxy | 212.183.137.12 |
| MMS Port | 8799 |
| MCC | 234 |
| MNC | 15 |
| APN Type | default,mms,supl |
giffgaff APN Settings
giffgaff runs on the O2 network but uses its own APN configuration:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| APN | giffgaff.com |
| Username | giffgaff |
| Password | (leave blank) |
| MMSC | http://mmsc.mediamessaging.co.uk:8002 |
| MMS Proxy | 82.132.254.1 |
| MMS Port | 8080 |
| MCC | 234 |
| MNC | 10 |
| APN Type | default,mms,supl |
Tesco Mobile APN Settings
Tesco Mobile operates on the O2 network and uses the following APN settings:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| APN | prepay.tesco-mobile.com |
| Username | tescowap |
| Password | password |
| MMSC | http://mmsc.mms.o2.co.uk:8002 |
| MMS Proxy | 82.132.254.1 |
| MMS Port | 8080 |
| MCC | 234 |
| MNC | 10 |
| APN Type | default,mms,supl |
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:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Mobile Data (or Cellular Data on some iOS versions).
- Tap Mobile Data Network (or Cellular Data Network).
- Under the Mobile Data section, enter the APN, username and password from the tables above.
- Scroll down to the MMS section and enter the MMSC, MMS proxy and MMS port values.
- Go back — the settings save automatically.
- 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:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections (Samsung) or Network & internet (Pixel/stock Android).
- Tap Mobile networks.
- Tap Access Point Names.
- Tap the + icon to add a new APN (or tap an existing one to edit it).
- Enter the APN name, APN address, username, password, MMSC, MMS proxy, MMS port, MCC, MNC and APN type from the tables above.
- Tap the three-dot menu and select Save.
- Select the new APN from the list by tapping the radio button next to it.
- 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does APN stand for?
APN stands for Access Point Name. It is the network identifier your mobile device uses to connect to your carrier’s data network and the internet.
Will incorrect APN settings damage my phone?
No. Incorrect APN settings will not damage your device. The worst outcome is that mobile data, MMS or tethering will not work. You can always reset to the correct values without any risk.
Why did my APN settings change by themselves?
Your network operator can push updated carrier profiles over the air. Software updates, SIM replacements and network migrations can also trigger automatic APN changes. If data stops working after an update, check the APN values match the correct settings for your network.
Do I need different APN settings for 4G and 5G?
Currently, no. All major UK networks use the same APN configuration for both 4G and 5G. Your phone selects the best available technology automatically. This may change as 5G Standalone and network slicing become more common.
Can my employer control APN settings on my work phone?
Yes. If your work phone is enrolled in an MDM platform, your IT department can push, lock and update APN profiles remotely. This is standard practice for businesses that route traffic through a private APN for security.
What is a private APN and does my business need one?
A private APN creates a dedicated connection between your mobile devices and your corporate network, bypassing the public internet. It lets you enforce firewall rules, content filtering and security policies. Private APNs are typically used by businesses in regulated industries or those with strict data security requirements.
Why can I not edit the APN on my iPhone?
Apple locks APN settings when a carrier profile is installed. If the Mobile Data Network option does not appear, the APN is managed by your carrier. Try resetting network settings to trigger a fresh profile download, or contact your provider.
Do MVNOs use the same APN as the host network?
Not always. While MVNOs such as giffgaff and Tesco Mobile operate on the O2 network, they use their own distinct APN settings. Always use the APN specific to your MVNO rather than the host network’s APN.