How to Fix ‘APN Greyed Out’ (Complete Guide)

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if apn settings are grayed out solved

If you’ve ever tried to update your APN (Access Point Name) settings but found the option greyed out, you’re not alone. This issue prevents users from modifying mobile data configurations, leading to connectivity problems—especially after switching carriers or inserting a new SIM card.

I’ve personally encountered this issue multiple times, and through testing various fixes, I’ve found that carrier restrictions, software bugs, and system configurations are the main culprits. The good news? There are several proven ways to unlock APN settings and regain control over your mobile data.

Quick Summary

  • ✅ APN settings control your internet and MMS. If greyed out, you can’t modify them.
  • ✅ Carrier restrictions are the most common reason. Locked devices may block APN edits.
  • ✅ Software updates, work profiles, or incorrect provisioning can also cause the issue.
  • ✅ Fixes include resetting network settings, using ADB commands (for Android), or contacting the carrier.
  • ✅ Brand-specific solutions exist for Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, and Xiaomi devices.

What Does ‘APN Greyed Out’ Mean?

The APN settings control how your device connects to the mobile network for internet access, MMS, and hotspot functions. When the APN settings are greyed out, users are unable to edit or create new APNs, which can lead to internet not working properly.

unable to edit apn because it is greayed out

If you’re facing this issue, your phone is likely:

  • Locked to a specific carrier (carrier restrictions).
  • Running a system profile that blocks APN edits (business/work phones).
  • Affected by a software update that removed manual APN controls.

The next step is to identify why your APN settings are greyed out and apply the right fix.

Why Is the APN Option Greyed Out?

1. Carrier Restrictions

apn is grayed out not able to edit

Many carrier-locked devices prevent APN modifications to ensure users stay on their network settings. This is common with prepaid plans, MVNOs, and contract phones.

👉 Solution: Contact your carrier and request APN unlocking.

2. SIM Card or Network Profile Issues

If your device detects an unsupported SIM card, it may automatically lock APN settings. This happens when:

  • You switch to a new carrier, but the phone is still configured for the old network.
  • The SIM card profile does not match the network settings on your phone.

👉 Solution: Try inserting a different SIM card from the same or another carrier.

3. System Updates and Software Bugs

Some Android and iOS updates restrict APN editing, especially if the carrier settings update is incomplete.

👉 Solution: Check for carrier updates under Settings → About Phone → Carrier Settings Update.

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4. Work/Business Phone Restrictions (MDM Lock)

If you’re using a company-managed device, the admin may have locked APN editing through Mobile Device Management (MDM) software.

👉 Solution: You may need administrator access to remove MDM restrictions.

Basic Fixes to Unlock APN Settings

1. Restart Your Device

  • A simple reboot can refresh network settings and re-enable APN options.

2. Toggle Airplane Mode

  • Turn Airplane Mode ON for 30 seconds, then OFF to force the phone to re-register with the network.

3. Reinsert SIM Card

  • Removing and reinserting the SIM card refreshes carrier provisioning and can unlock APN options.

4. Try a Different SIM Card

  • Insert a different SIM card to check if APN settings become editable.

Advanced Fixes to Unlock ‘APN Greyed Out’

1. Reset Network Settings

(This will erase Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular settings but won’t delete personal data.)

  • For Android:
    📌 Go to Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset Network Settings.
  • For iPhone:
    📌 Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
Here are More Fixing Blogs

Unlocking APN Settings on Carrier-Locked Phones

1. Contact Your Carrier

  • Call customer support and ask for APN unlocking. Some carriers allow remote changes.
  • If you’re on prepaid, request a “data settings refresh”.

2. Use a Third-Party APN Editor App (Android Only)

  • Apps like “Shortcut Master Lite” or “APN Manager Pro” allow some devices to force APN edits.

3. Enable Developer Mode (Forcing APN Edits on Android)

  1. Enable Developer Mode
    📌 Go to Settings → About Phone → Tap ‘Build Number’ 7 times.
  2. Force APN Edit Mode
    📌 Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Networks.
    • If APN is still greyed out, proceed to ADB commands.

Fixing ‘APN Greyed Out’ Using ADB Commands (Android Only)

(For Advanced Users – Requires a Computer)

  1. Enable USB Debugging
    📌 Go to Settings → Developer Options → Enable USB Debugging.
  2. Connect to a PC/Mac and open the Command Prompt/Terminal.

Enter these commands:

settings put global tether_dun_required 0
settings put global restricted_networking_mode 0
  1. Restart your phone and check if the APN is editable.

Fixing ‘APN Greyed Out’ on iPhone

1. Reset Carrier Settings

📌 Go to Settings → General → About.
📌 If a carrier update appears, install it.

2. Remove Carrier Profiles (For Unlocked Devices)

📌 Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management.
📌 Delete Carrier Configuration Profile → Restart your phone.

Brand-Specific Fixes for ‘APN Greyed Out’

Samsung (Galaxy Phones & Tablets)

📌 Go to: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names.

  • If greyed out, reset network settings and retry.

Google Pixel

📌 Go to: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Access Point Names.

  • Use ADB commands if locked.

OnePlus & Xiaomi

📌 Go to: Settings → Wi-Fi & Network → SIM & Network → Access Point Names.

  • Some models only allow APN edits in Dual SIM mode—try switching SIM slots.

Carrier-Specific APN Unlocking Methods

AT&T (USA)

📌 Dial 611 and ask to unlock APN settings.
📌 Prepaid users can request a “data settings refresh” via SMS.

T-Mobile (USA)

📌 Send an APN settings request to 150 (T-Mobile support).

Vodafone (UK, Europe, India)

📌 Call customer support and request an “APN provisioning reset”.

Jio (India)

📌 Jio APN is auto-configured. If locked, reset network settings.

Final Thoughts

Alright, so your APN settings are greyed out, and now you’re stuck with no way to fix your internet. Annoying, right? But don’t worry—I got you. Here is more to read about: No APN Specified or not available for this user on Device.

First things first, try the basics—reset your network settings, restart your phone, or even pop your SIM out and back in. Sometimes, that’s all it takes. If that doesn’t work, your carrier might be the one locking the APN settings—so give them a quick call and see if they can unlock it for you.

Now, if you’re a bit more techy, you can go the ADB route—it’s not the easiest method, but it forces your phone to let you edit the APN settings manually. And if absolutely nothing works? Switching SIMs or requesting an APN unlock from your carrier is probably your best bet.

Tried something that worked? Drop a ‘Fixed it!’ in the comments. Still stuck? Let me know—I actually read and reply! 

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