How to Manually Set Up APN on Android
When you activate your eSIM, the APN is usually configured automatically – this allows your smartphone to connect to local networks and access the internet. However, in some cases, the setup may fail. If you’ve already activated your eSIM, you're in a country with coverage, but mobile data isn’t working, you may need to enter the APN manually. Below is a guide for Android devices.
Manual APN Configuration Guide
When you activate your eSIM, the APN is usually configured automatically – this allows your smartphone to connect to local networks and access the internet. However, in some cases, the setup may fail. If you’ve already activated your eSIM, you're in a country with coverage, but mobile data isn’t working, you may need to enter the APN manually. Below is a guide for Android devices.
Manual APN Configuration Guide
You’ll need to perform these steps in your phone’s «Settings», after purchasing and activating your eSIM. The instructions are universal for most Android devices — including Samsung, Huawei, Google Pixel — though section names may vary slightly. Here’s what to do:
- Go to «Wi-Fi & Network» (or «Connections» on some models).
- Tap «Mobile Network» («SIM & Network»).
- Select «Access Point Names» (sometimes shown as «APNs»).
- Tap «+»/«Add» to create a new APN (usually at the top of the screen).
- Enter the following settings: «Name» – eSIM, APN» – esim.data. You should receive these details from your mobile operator. These settings are valid for PrimaSIM.
- Leave fields like «Username» and «Password» blank.
- Tap the 3 dots «⋮» in the top corner and select «Save».
- Make sure this APN is selected as active (you need to check the box next to the name).
- Restart your phone to apply the changes.
You’ll need to perform these steps in your phone’s «Settings», after purchasing and activating your eSIM. The instructions are universal for most Android devices — including Samsung, Huawei, Google Pixel — though section names may vary slightly. Here’s what to do:
- Go to «Wi-Fi & Network» (or «Connections» on some models).
- Tap «Mobile Network» («SIM & Network»).
- Select «Access Point Names» (sometimes shown as «APNs»).
- Tap «+»/«Add» to create a new APN (usually at the top of the screen).
- Enter the following settings: «Name» – eSIM, APN» – esim.data. You should receive these details from your mobile operator. These settings are valid for PrimaSIM.
- Leave fields like «Username» and «Password» blank.
- Tap the 3 dots «⋮» in the top corner and select «Save».
- Make sure this APN is selected as active (you need to check the box next to the name).
- Restart your phone to apply the changes.
APN stands for Access Point Name. It’s essentially a set of settings that tells your device how to connect to the internet through your mobile operator’s cellular network. Without these settings, or if there’s an error in the APN, you won’t be able to use mobile data – even if your eSIM is active and you have GB available.
Contact your mobile operator to get the correct APN details. If you have trouble entering the APN «esim.data», you can reach out to us at PrimaSIM by filling out the contact form on our website or messaging us directly on WhatsApp at +44 7700 183954.
In most cases, yes. The APN is generally not tied to a specific user or tariff plan. However, there are exceptions – some operators may use distinct APNs for specific regions or plans, for example, one for the Europe regional tariff and another for Asia.
You might need to enter the APN manually if your eSIM is activated but you still don’t have internet access. This issue isn’t very common, but it can happen – usually due to errors during the digital profile setup or if your phone doesn’t properly recognize the new SIM.