If you’ve ever used a travel SIM card, chances are you’ve come across SimOptions. It’s a popular global SIM card provider that partners with local carriers worldwide—helping travelers like me avoid insane roaming charges.
What is SimOptions and Why Do APN Settings Matter?
But here’s the catch: if your phone doesn’t automatically configure the APN settings (Access Point Name), you might not get internet, MMS, or even hotspot functionality.
That’s exactly what happened to me when I landed in Paris. My mobile data didn’t work at all. Turns out, I just had to manually configure the SimOptions APN settings—and bam, full-speed 4G in minutes.
Quick summary
- SimOptions is a travel SIM provider that uses different carrier networks depending on your location.
- APN settings are necessary to activate mobile data, MMS, and hotspot.
- You may need to manually configure your Android or iPhone if settings don’t auto-load.
- Default SimOptions APN: internet
- Use the right APN Type and Protocol to ensure proper LTE/4G/5G connection.
- Check which carrier SimOptions is using on your SIM—it might use Orange, AIS, or Three UK settings.
What is an APN and Why Does SimOptions Need It?
APN stands for Access Point Name. It’s what tells your smartphone how to connect to the mobile internet network through SimOptions’ partner carriers.
Without a correct APN:
- You won’t have internet access.
- MMS might not send or receive.
- Tethering or hotspot may not function.
- 5G or LTE might fall back to slower 3G.
When I first used my SimOptions SIM in Italy, I assumed everything would be automatic—but my iPhone just wouldn’t connect. Once I entered the APN manually, everything clicked into place.
SimOptions Internet Settings Summary
Here’s the most commonly working SimOptions APN configuration, ideal for most users worldwide.
| Field | Value |
| Name | SimOptions |
| APN | internet |
| MMSC | (Leave blank) |
| MMS Proxy | (Leave blank) |
| MCC | 208 |
| MNC | 01 |
| Authentication Type | PAP or CHAP |
| APN Type | default, supl |
| APN Protocol | IPv4/IPv6 |
| Bearer | Unspecified |
Make sure to double-check for typos—”internat” or “intenet” won’t work!
How I Set Up SimOptions APN on My Android
When I couldn’t access mobile data on my Samsung Galaxy, here’s what worked for me:
- I opened Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Access Point Names.
- I tapped + (Add) and filled out each field using the table above.
- After saving it, I tapped on the new APN to activate it.
- I toggled Airplane Mode on and off—boom, data started working instantly.
Fixes for Android Users
- If APN won’t save: check that Mobile Data is turned on before entering settings.
- Still no internet? Restart the phone or reset to default APN and re-enter it.
- Ensure your phone isn’t locked to another carrier.
How I Set Up SimOptions APN on iPhone (iOS)
My iPhone 13 didn’t show any signs of connecting to the internet until I did this:
- Went to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network.
- Under “Cellular Data,” I entered APN: internet.
- Left the MMS section empty.
- Restarted the phone.
Note:
Some iPhones—especially locked or carrier-purchased ones—don’t allow manual APN editing. In that case, SimOptions might not be fully compatible until carrier settings update automatically.
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Which SimOptions SIM Are You Using? (Don’t Skip This)
Here’s something many people don’t realize (I didn’t either at first): SimOptions sells multiple international SIMs, each powered by different carriers depending on where you’re going.
- If you bought the AIS SIM2Fly, you might need AIS APN settings (internet).
- If it’s a Three UK Global SIM, your APN might be three.co.uk
- Some even use Orange France with unique APNs like orange.
How to check:
- Look at the packaging or the card—it usually says the base carrier.
- Visit the SimOptions product page to confirm which carrier powers your SIM.
How to Know if SimOptions APN is Working
I always test the APN this way before assuming it’s fully functional:
- Open Chrome or YouTube with Mobile Data turned on.
- Run a Speedtest.net test.
- Try sending an MMS to yourself.
- Turn on hotspot and check if another device can browse the internet.
If all of this works—you’re good to go!
Common SimOptions APN Problems and Real Fixes
Here’s a quick list of what I’ve faced and how I fixed them:
- No internet: APN was set incorrectly. I re-entered it and restarted my phone.
- Data icon showing but nothing loads: I had to switch APN Protocol to IPv4/IPv6 instead of just IPv4.
- Hotspot not working: Some phones need dun added to APN type → try default, supl, dun.
- MMS not sending: I didn’t really need MMS, so I left those settings blank.
How to Contact SimOptions for Help
If nothing works, you can reach out to SimOptions directly. I’ve done this before, and they replied within 24 hours.
- Website Support: SimOptions Contact Page
- Live Chat: Available on their website.
- Email: help@simoptions.com (response in English)
- Social Media:
FAQs about SimOptions APN Settings
Can I use SimOptions on a 5G phone?
Yes, but make sure your phone is unlocked and supports the bands used in the country you’re visiting.
Do I need to change APN when switching countries?
If you’re using a multi-country SIM like AIS or Orange Holiday, no need to change APN. It stays the same across supported countries.
Will APN settings reset if I remove the SIM?
Yes, some Android and iPhone models reset APNs when a SIM is removed. Always double-check when re-inserting the card.