No APN Specified on Device: (fixed) not available for this user

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I recently switched SIM cards on my Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, only to find that I had no internet connection. Checking the settings, I saw the dreaded “No APN specified on device” error. No mobile data, no MMS—just an empty APN field that wouldn’t auto-fill. If you’ve encountered this, you know how frustrating it can be.

APN (Access Point Name) settings are what allow a phone to connect to mobile data. Without them, your phone can’t communicate with your carrier’s network properly. In this article, I’ll walk through why this error happens and how to fix it, using real-world examples from different devices.

Quick Summary

If your phone says “No APN specified on device,” here are the most common causes and solutions:

  • No APN configuration set – Manually add the APN via settings.
  • SIM card doesn’t have a predefined APN – Some MVNOs require manual setup.
  • Network settings corruption – Reset network settings.
  • Incorrect APN details – Double-check all APN entries.
  • Carrier restrictions – Some phones have locked APNs.
  • Incompatible network mode – Switching between 4G/3G can trigger APN settings.
  • Software limitations – Some Android versions hide the APN menu.
  • Mobile data disabled – Ensure it’s turned on.

Why Does the “No APN Specified on Device” Error Appear?

no apn specified error

1. No APN Configuration Set on the Device

Some phones don’t automatically load an APN when a new SIM is inserted. This is especially common with unlocked devices. If your APN list is empty, you’ll need to enter it manually.

2. SIM Card Does Not Have a Predefined APN

Certain MVNO SIM cards (like Mint Mobile, Cricket, or Lycamobile) don’t auto-configure APNs the way major carriers do. When I tried a Lycamobile SIM in my Pixel 7, it didn’t populate the APN, while my T-Mobile SIM worked fine.

3. Network Settings Corruption or Reset Issues

Sometimes a software update, factory reset, or network settings reset can erase stored APNs. On my OnePlus Nord, an Android update reset the APN settings completely, and I had to re-enter them manually.

4. Incorrect APN Settings Entered

Even a small typo in the APN name, username, or authentication type can cause issues. For example, some networks require “PAP” authentication, while others use “CHAP.” If you select the wrong one, the connection won’t work.

5. Carrier Restrictions or SIM Locking

Some carriers hardcode APN settings into the firmware. AT&T and Verizon are notorious for this, making it impossible to modify APNs on their locked devices. If you’re using a carrier-locked iPhone, you may need to request an APN unlock.

6. Network Mode or SIM Compatibility Issues

If you insert a 4G-only SIM into a 3G phone, your APN settings may not appear. Likewise, some phones default to LTE-only mode, which can cause issues with SIMs that require a 3G fallback.

7. Mobile Data Disabled or Restricted by Software

If mobile data is turned off, some Android devices won’t show APN settings. Also, some battery-saving modes temporarily disable APN editing. I once encountered this issue on a Moto G Power, where Ultra Power Saving Mode grayed out the APN settings.

How to Fix “No APN Specified on Device” Error

1. Manually Enter APN Settings

gif of setting up the rogers apn settings for internet from naming to adding the value with logo
  • For Android:
    • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced > Access Point Names.
    • Tap + (Add New APN) and enter your carrier’s APN details.
  • For iPhone:
    • Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network.
    • Enter the APN details provided by your carrier.

2. Reset Network Settings

image of android in hands with reset mobile network settings menu

If APNs disappeared after a software update, resetting network settings may restore them.

  • On Android:
    • Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
    • Restart your phone.
  • On iPhone:
    • Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

3. Reinsert the SIM Card & Restart the Device

  • Power off your phone.
  • Remove the SIM card, wait 30 seconds, and reinsert it.
  • Restart the phone and check APN settings again.

4. Switch Between Network Modes

Some APNs don’t appear when LTE/5G is forced on. Try switching to a lower network mode:

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  • Android: Settings > Mobile Network > Preferred Network Type > 3G.
  • iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Voice & Data > 3G.

5. Try a Different SIM Card

  • Insert another carrier’s SIM and check if APN settings appear.
  • If another SIM works, the issue is with your current carrier’s SIM.

6. Update Carrier Settings

Carriers often push updates that fix missing APNs.

  • On iPhone: Settings > General > About (wait for a popup to appear).
  • On Android: Settings > System > Software Update.

7. Contact Your Carrier for APN Push

Carriers can send APN settings via SMS.

  • Call support and request an APN configuration message.

Or Simply checkout this page, for APN settings.

8. Flashing Generic Firmware (Advanced Users)

If your phone is locked to a carrier firmware, flashing a global ROM can enable APN editing.

  • Samsung: Use Odin to flash a stock firmware.
  • Xiaomi: Use Mi Flash Tool for global firmware.
  • OnePlus: Install OxygenOS global ROM.
Here are More Fixing Blogs related to Internet and Network

When to Consider Using a Different Device or SIM

  • If your phone is carrier-locked, switching to an unlocked device might be the best solution.
  • If your SIM card is old or not compatible with 4G/5G networks, replacing it may fix APN issues.

Conclusion

If you see the “No APN Specified on Device” error, the issue is likely due to missing or incorrect APN settings, SIM incompatibility, or carrier restrictions. Start with simple fixes like manually entering APN details or resetting network settings before moving to advanced solutions like flashing firmware. In my case, simply reinserting my SIM and switching network modes fixed the issue—so try these steps first!

Beyond Common Sense: Hidden Facts About APN Issues

  • Certain phone models allow APN changes only when mobile data is OFF. Try turning it off, modifying APN settings, and turning it back on.
  • Airplane Mode can sometimes refresh APN settings. Toggle it on and off, then check if APNs appear.
  • Carrier settings updates may appear only when roaming. Insert a SIM from another country and check for updates.
  • A weak signal (1-2 bars) can prevent APN from loading. Try relocating to a stronger signal area.

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