What is an Access Point Name?

The Access Point Name refers to a phone's gateway settings that are utilized when it connects with either a provider's phone network or public Internet. Settings under the APN are used by the network that it connects with to determine the correct IP address and security system for the device.

As of 2016, most mobile phones typically come pre-set with APN settings that automatically provides connection settings to the nearest carrier network, while others require the user to make changes manually. Changes to APN settings are transmitted by the carrier network to the phone through SMS that prompts the user to download settings to optimize their phone connection.