How to Set Up Mobile Data APN Settings on an Unlocked Android
Why data may not work
A carrier-locked phone that you unlock yourself, or with a paid unlock code, may struggle to pick up data on a new network. The phone was built for another carrier, so its stored settings do not match. Entering the access point name (APN) usually restores 3G data.
How to add an APN
- Open Settings and tap Wireless and networks.
- Tap Mobile networks, then Access Point Names.
- Press the Menu button and choose New APN.
- Enter the values for your carrier and save.
The menu names differ by phone and Android version.
Values listed at the time
| Carrier | Name | APN | MNC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogers | Rogers | rogers-core-appl1.apn | 720 |
| Fido | Fido | fido-core-appl1.apn | 370 |
| Telus | TELUS SP | Telus provided | 220 |
| Bell | Bell Internet | Bell mobile portal | 610 |
All four used MCC 302. For Rogers and Fido, the MCC and MNC come from the SIM. Telus listed a proxy and port 80 for data, and Bell listed authentication type Internet + mms. The proxy and MMS fields for each carrier were separate entries, so check your carrier’s current values before saving.
Frequently asked questions
What is an APN?
The access point name tells your phone how to connect to the carrier's data network.
Are these values still correct?
Not necessarily. Carriers change settings, so ask yours for the current ones.
Does this also fix picture messages?
The MMS fields in the APN are used for picture messages, so entering them correctly matters for those too.