What is APN settings?

APN settings acts as a bridge facilitating your device’s connection to the internet via the mobile network by sharing necessary information. Your device communicates with the mobile operator’s network through these settings. It has details like operator name, connectivity types like 3G, 4G, 5G etc, authentication credentials, and proxy settings. You may need to change the settings when switching carriers or when traveling abroad, but in vast majority these the pre configured by the network operators. Access to APN settings like view, edit can be limited depending upon the plan, mobile operator, or device you are using or country you are in.

APN settings iphone

APN settings Samsung

Is it possible to change APN settings?

Yes, you can change it if edit options are available in your device, but do it after consulting your network provider as there are risks like security, provider restrictions, and device connectivity while the positives are changing the APN settings can lead to faster data access, customization based on specific needs.

Changing APN settings on international travel not advisable due to below reasons

1. APN Setting changes can cause compatibility issues

eSIM profiles are created by the mobile operators and in the vast majority of cases operators keep access settings inbuilt without the users requiring manual intervention, including APN configurations. While you buy the mobile data plan they include the information of operators they will work including the type of access 4G/LTE/5G.

For example, if you buy a Europe Data plan you would see operators like Orange/T-Mobile labels meaning it is broadly advisable to keep the default operators though it doesn’t mean it wont work if you manually change the operators.  Changing these settings may lead to compatibility issues with the network or the device itself. The reasons can be– between the operators the deal is not in place or the per MB rates are different making it commercially unviable  or the type of interconnection is not good or capacity is not upto the mark.

2. Mobile operators Commercial Roaming Agreements are not the same with each partner

Operators have different agreements majorly covering the Data consumption rates, types of network supported, voice calling receiving rates, daily/monthly/yearly consumption limits with other carriers for roaming services. The APN settings are configured to ensure proper connectivity and billing arrangements within these agreements. Changing the APN settings can cause deviation from the operator arrangements and lead to unexpected charges or service disruptions.

3. Can limit your Technical support with international roaming provider

If issues arise while roaming with altered APN settings, technical support from your network provider may be limited or unavailable since you’ve changed the recommended configuration. Before changing this ask for details of operators on which your plan works the best or exact technical settings from the seller’s tech support. Majority of the times if you manually latch to a different network other than the suggested, after some time the operator who’s selling the plan brings you back their preferred network. But sometimes this doesn’t happen smoothly and can get stuck with no internet access. In these cases raise issue with support.

4. Security concerns

Changes with APN settings, especially while international roaming, might expose your device to security risks such as unauthorized access or data interception.

When to change APN settings?

Too many Network issues: When the user is experiencing frequent connectivity problems like slow data speeds, inability to connect to the internet, or frequent disconnections that is not in line with the service type —like if it mentions 5G but the speed is too slow then it requires deeper dive to solve the problem. Adjusting the APN settings is one of the options one can consider-However, using a different APN configuration should be done after checking with your eSIM provider.

Conclusion and our take

In conclusion, we suggest it’s best to stick with the default APN settings provided by your eSIM provider for smooth and secure connectivity while roaming. If you have specific needs or concerns, it’s best to check with your provider’s support team before making any changes. Check the default settings of the iphone or the default settings of Android and take screenshots before experimenting with this feature so that you can restore the same settings later on. If any changes are required you may refer to the instructions by the seller, understand the scenarios or their website for detailed information.

Other useful read

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