APN stands for access point network. The access path network is the path through which the SIM card of the phone interacts and connects to the Internet. However, the only connection to the Internet doesn’t need to be possible through it. APN is also in use to connect messaging services like MMS to the phone. Thus, you must know about AT&T APN Settings.
A more generalized definition of APN is that it is a way through which the connection to the Internet and the sending and receiving of multimedia over the phone network is possible. The APN has full support from all network forms like GSM, 4G, 3G, or even the upcoming 5G network.
A mobile that wants to connect to the Internet makes a request through the APN, to which the network recognizes it and then confirms the connection.
The mobile network makes use of various forms of requests like WAP or GPRS. They are the most common ways to connect. The APNs of different network providers are different. So it is safe to assume that the connection mechanism is slightly different. However, the general parts of the connection are still the same. There are various ways in which the connection to the Internet is possible, and the name of the APN address can also vary.
For instance, the APN name for AT&T mobile network is NEXTGENPHONE. This helps in distinguishing one network from another.
See Also:
GoSmart APN Settings | Step by Step Guide
metroPCS APN Settings | Step by Step Guide
Cricket Wireless APN Settings | Step by Step Guide
The first thing that must be taken into account is that there are different setting forms for different networks. For example, in the 3G mobile network, at&t apn settings are as follows:
Table of Contents
AT&T APN Settings for 3G Mobile Network
Steps for AT&T APN Settings to be followed for 3G Mobile Network.
Step #1
We know that the general setting that a 3G network uses to connect to the Internet is WAP. This is less stable when compared to 4G. So the first step in connecting to the Internet using the APN is naming of the operator.
To do this, click on the phone’s network settings and then click on add APN. After this, add the name “ATT.” This step is significant in recognizing the network.
Step #2
The next step is to apply the actual APN for the network. To do this, click on the APN. Then type wap. Cingular in the given field. This specifies the pathway to the connection.
It is essential to take special care while using the “.” Sign in-between “wap” and “cingular.” If you forget to apply the “.” sign, the APN won’t be able to connect to the Internet.
Step #3
The next step is to fill in the remaining information in the rest of the fields. Leave the fields of the “proxy” and “port” blank. Give the username as wap@cingulargprs.com.
Fill in the field for the password as cingular1. Leave the “Server” field blank. The MMSC is filled with http://mmsc.cingular.com. Fill the ports as 80, 310, and 410, respectively. The rest of the remaining fields are as “default.”
In all the steps, it is vital to remember that all the characters in the fields are case-sensitive.
So, you should not replace a small letter with a capital letter word. The next important thing is that while applying the following step to the phone APN, you must give special care to the username and password.
See also:
Family Mobile APN Settings | A Step by Step Guide
Tracfone APN Settings | Step by Step Guide
AT&T APN Settings for 4G Mobile Network
For 4G, there are slight variations in the whole process. The changes in AT&T APN settings are described in the following steps.
Step #1
Same as above, the first step is to name the APN. In the case of a 4G network, the name of the network should be ATT HSPA+.
The user should note the spacing between the words. This step is paramount in the whole process.
Step #2
One can determine the AT&T APN service by filling in the APN field. Fill in the field of APN by “phone.” This assures that the APN is in connection with the network. Give Special attention to the lowercase of the phone.
This is important because it helps in identifying the network to the Internet. This step is also vital for setting us APNs as a whole. The APN field is the field that distinguishes the phone of the user from other phones. So it is a crucial step to get right.
Step #3
The final step in AT&T APN settings is filling out the rest of the fields. The rest of the fields include proxy, port, username, password, Etc. Leave these fields blank.
The following field to fill up is the field of the MMSC. You should fill in the field with http://mmsc.mobile.att.net. The port value should be the same as above for the 3G settings.
All the rest of the fields should be as default. If these steps are followed carefully and correctly, the AT&T APN will be successfully set up on the phone. Also, we have a step-by-step guide on APN settings for LycaMobile! Don’t forget to check it out!
FAQ’S
What is the procedure for configuring my APN for data services?
On the Menu that you see on the home screen, Select Settings. Activate the mobile networks option. Then choose access point names. Press and hold the Menu button. Select New APN from the menu. Select the field for your name. Tap OK after entering the Internet.
Which APN type is the most effective?
There are no optimal APN settings. If you have an Android 8.0 or newer phone, each cellular carrier provides its APN settings, which should instantly download to your phone. You should be able to use MMS and data without issue after a two-tap installation process.
What is the LTE Access Point Name (APN)?
The LTE core network, the Evolved Packet Core, has an Access Point Name (APN) (EPC) identifier. The APN has activated inside the core network's Home Subscriber Server (HSS) node at that residence.
Are you having trouble connecting to AT&T's mobile network?
Reset Network Settings by going to Settings>General>Reset>Reset Network Settings. Also, please tell us what kind of device you're using so we can better assist you with troubleshooting. Enter your full location or Zip Code to see whether there have been any reported outages in your region, and we'll verify the condition of the towers in your area.
Is APN a factor in speed?
The APN instructs the phone on how to access the Internet. If it's correct, it will connect; if it isn't, it will not. If something is wrong, it won't join any faster; instead, it won't click.
How do I find out what my SIM's APN is?
The Access Point Name (APN) is the name given to your phone’s settings to establish a connection to the gateway that connects your carrier's cellular network to the public Internet.
In APN settings, what does bearer mean?
The bearer is an optional field that allows you to exclude this APN configuration based on the type and value of a mobile virtual network operator.
What is APN configuration, and how do I set it up?
An Access Point Name (APN) contains all the information required for your device to connect to mobile data. Your network provider should send you their APN details in a configuration message if you're setting up a new device or inserting your SIM card for the first time.
Why isn't my mobile data working?
Turn on Airplane Mode before rebooting. Wait 30 seconds before you turn off the Airplane Mode. If you still don't have data, turn airplane mode back on, turn your phone off, wait a minute, turn it back on, turn airplane mode off, wait 30 seconds, then turn mobile data back on.
Is it safe to change APN settings?
No. It will not harm or affect the phone or SIM card. If you're having problems, revert to your old APN (or another). The only thing that changing APNs might affect is your ability to send/receive MMS and data speeds (both of which have already improved).
Final Words
With this, we come to the end of the step to step guide for AT&T APN Settings, as it is widely known that AT&T has 130 million subscribers in the U.S.A. This makes their user pool very vast, each needing Internet to connect.
The steps in this article are written to help everyone who needs help setting up AT&T APN services. The users of AT&T should take into account that the setup for 5G is not introduced. Hence, the configuration was in exclusion from the list.
Also see:
Family Mobile APN Settings | A Step By Step Guide