How to Set Up APN Manually on iPhone

Activated your eSIM and in a coverage area, but still no mobile data? One possible reason is a missing or incorrect APN (Access Point Name) – a setting that allows your phone to connect to the mobile network for internet access. In most cases, all necessary settings, including the APN and network information, are installed automatically when you activate your eSIM. However, sometimes this doesn’t happen, and you’ll need to enter the details manually. Here’s how to do it.

Step-by-step Guide

All steps can be done in your phone’s «Settings». Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Open «Cellular» (or «Mobile Data», depending on your interface language).

screenshot of settings with cellular or mobile data option

Tap on «PrimaSIM SIM» (travel eSIM).

Select «Cellular Data Network» (or «Mobile Data Network»).

select cellular data network or mobile data network

In the «Cellular Data» section, enter the APN: esim.data. Make sure to use the APN provided by your eSIM provider. This APN is valid for the PrimaSIM operator.

screenshot of the cellular data settings with apn field set to esim.data for primasim

Leave all other fields («Username», «Password», «MMSC», «MMS Proxy», etc.) blank.
Restart your phone.

Faq

Why isn’t the APN configured automatically?

An issue may have occurred during the eSIM installation, causing only part of the settings to be downloaded. With regional or global travel eSIMs, automatic configuration sometimes doesn’t work, and you’ll need to manually enter the universal APN provided by your eSIM provider. In some cases, your device might also fail to recognize the eSIM correctly.

Where can I find my APN?

You can get this information from your mobile operator. It’s often included in the eSIM activation instructions or welcome email.

Do I need to enter a username and password for the APN?

In most cases, no. However, some operators require them. With PrimaSIM, you only need to enter the APN itself.

Why don’t I see the «Cellular Network» section to enter the APN?

Some operators restrict manual APN configuration – when that happens, the section simply won’t appear. However, PrimaSIM does not place such restrictions. If you don’t see the option, multiple SIMs may be active on your device. Please make sure you’ve opened the settings for your travel eSIM from PrimaSIM, not another SIM profile.

Can I reset the APN manually on my iPhone?

Unlike Android, iPhone doesn’t have a dedicated reset button for APN settings. However, if you can access the APN section in Settings, you can manually update or change the information. Another option is to uninstall the eSIM and, if your operator supports it, reinstall it.