How to change the APN settings on your router
With many of the devices that you use on a daily basis; (such as mobile phones or tablets), the APN never needs to be changed. But with technology advancing at such a rate, many of our devices require their APN settings to be changed in order for them to gain a data connection; this is true for many routers.
What is an APN?
The APN or Access Point Name is the network or carrier your device uses for internet access. It’s a gateway between a GSM, GPRS, 3G or 4G network connection and another device network, often the public internet. In order to receive a data connection a mobile device must be configured with an APN to present to the carrier.
The carrier can then pick up this APN and push a data connection through to your device; no matter whether this is a smart device (phone, tablet) or a router.
Each unique APN shows the data carrier the information they need in order to provide the correct connection to your router.
What are APN settings?
On a complex level, APNs can be composed of several settings. These settings are essentially information blocks. They must be filled in in order for your router to connect to data services. However, when it comes to setting the APN on your router the only thing you need to worry about is the APN itself. As long as the APN is set correctly, your router should be able to establish the desired data connection provided by your chosen carrier.
How to change your routers APN settings
For somebody who isn’t particularly tech savvy, changing the APN of a router can seem daunting. However, it’s actually fairly simple:
- Connect onto your router via Wi-Fi
- Log-in to the router
- Enter the provided APN within the “APN” field
- Save settings and wait for the router to reboot
What if you can’t access your APN settings?
If you’re struggling to log into your router’s APN, the best thing to do is contact your router provider. In many cases this may be the same person/company who provided you with your APN; however sometimes this may not be the case. Once you’ve accessed your router you should be easily able to change your APN settings and start receiving a data connection.
If after doing all of this you’re still struggling then please don’t hesitate to get in contact with InfiSIM. We’re readily available via LiveChat or email and will help in any way that we can.
