APN
Access Point Name
The hostname (Internet address) of a gateway that connects phones to the rest of the Internet. Most phones require such an access point (gateway) in order to access the Internet. The name of that access point must be correctly entered in the phone's settings in order for the phone to find it on the network and thus connect to the Internet.
The APN should be the gateway that belongs to the carrier (AKA service provider or mobile network operator) matching the SIM card in the phone. For example, if the phone is using a T-Mobile account, then the APN may be something like "fast.tmobile.com" (example only).
Phones sold by carriers should come with APN and similar settings already configured. The APN should only need to be changed when setting up an unlocked phone with a new carrier. Users should consult their carrier's support web site to find the APN settings for their phone.
Last updated Jul 25, 2015 by Rich Brome
Editor in Chief Rich became fascinated with cell phones in 1999, creating mobile web sites for phones with tiny black-and-white displays and obsessing over new phone models. Realizing a need for better info about phones, he started Phone Scoop in 2001, and has been helming the site ever since. Rich has spent two decades researching and covering every detail of the phone industry, traveling the world to tour factories, interview CEOs, and get every last spec and photo Phone Scoop readers have come to expect. As an industry veteran, Rich is a respected voice on phone technology of the past, present, and future.
