Changing your Access Point Network (APN) settings can fix your prepaid cellular problems. However, most Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) with prepaid cell plans automatically configure APN settings for you.

This guide explains what APN settings are, some important settings, and a few other things relating to setup and configuration.

What Is an APN Setting?

APN settings can be modified on your smartphone (both Android and iPhone). Changing these lets your phone interface with a network provider. APNs are almost exclusive to Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) such as Straight Talk Wireless and AirVoice Wireless.

And even then, most MVNOs automatically transfer two APN configuration files (one for MMS and one for data).

Most People Don't Need APN Settings

Around Android 8.0, carriers began automatically sending an APN configuration file to their customers rather than requiring manual APN configuration.

It works like this: after inserting your SIM card in your Android 8 or newer device, the carrier detects a new device on their network. After an unspecified period of time, the MVNO automatically sends an APN file containing the settings for their service. You can just tap on that file from the notifications shade, and it will auto-install your APN settings.

Unfortunately, if that file never arrives, you'll need to manually configure the APN settings. The most likely source of the problem is that their phone isn't within the range of a cellular tower. Here are a few possible fixes:

  1. Make sure your phone supports the cellular bands offered by your network provider.
  2. Find better cellular reception and wait until the phone downloads the APN settings.
  3. Manually configure the APN settings.

What Is an Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Type?

An MVNO Type is the way in which the MVNO operates with the backbone service. For example, some MVNOs resell spectrum from the backbone service (like T-Mobile) to third-party resellers. Other MVNOs sell direct from the backbone service to consumers.

For the most part, the MVNO type does not matter to the APN configuration process.

Common APN Settings

The four most important APN settings are:

  1. APN: Access Point Name for most MVNO carriers is "wholesale". This is different outside the US.
  2. APN type: There are four APN types: generic, supl, mms and wap. Carriers sometimes use different APN types, although the most common is "generic".
  3. MMSC: This setting is required for MMS functionality for most MVNOs. It stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. If you aren't using MMS, this isn't a required feature.
  4. Proxy: I haven't used this in any of my MVNOs, but this may be required for some carriers for data access.

When you receive the configuration settings, be aware that you don't need to change the settings unless specifically prompted to. So, for example, if your MNC is set to 260, do not change this unless your MVNO requires that you change it.

Configuring Your APN Settings

To configure the APN settings, go to Settings > Wireless & Networks > More > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names.

From Access Point Names, you can configure your device to function on your specific MVNO. If you did not receive a configuration file for MMS and data, you need to perform an internet search for your provider and its APN settings. After retrieving the settings, you will manually enter those in.

One important note is that you must tap the Menu button and choose to save your APN settings when you're done entering them—hitting the Back button will simply undo your work. Also erase or overwrite the default APN settings.

The other settings that you see do not need additional input. You can leave it as default or blank.

Jio Phone APN Settings

Thanks to India's many prepaid cellular companies, oftentimes APN settings must be manually configured. It may be that too many cellular networks from different providers are trampling over each other, preventing automatic downloading of the APN settings configuration file.

Whatever the case, in order to get Jio's service working with the phone, you'll need the Jio APN settings.

What Are the Best APN Settings?

There aren't any best APN settings. Each cellular carrier provides its own APN settings, which should download to your phone automatically, provided you have an Android 8.0 or newer phone. After a two-tap installation process, you should have both MMS and data functioning without a problem.

Jio, for example, automatically transfers the correct APN settings for MMS and data (in two separate files). The problem is when you cannot make a connection to a carrier. If you cannot find a reliable connection,

Dealing with the problems caused by improperly configured APN settings remains the biggest stumbling block to signing up with an MVNO, and also when connecting using a prepaid SIM card in a new country.

Other connectivity issues on your phone can often be resolved by resetting your network settings entirely.