What Is an APN?

APN stands for Access Point Name. It's the gateway between your eSIM and the mobile carrier's internet connection. Think of it as an address your phone uses to know how to connect to the network and access the internet.

The good news: most eSIMs configure APN settings automatically. When you install your Only eSIM plan and activate it, the correct APN is usually set up behind the scenes with no input from you.

You only need to manually configure APN settings if your data isn't working after installation and you've already confirmed that data roaming is enabled.

When Should You Manually Set the APN?

Only change APN settings if:

• You've installed your eSIM and enabled data roaming, but still have no internet
• Only eSIM support has specifically instructed you to update your APN
• Your confirmation email includes a specific APN value to enter

Do not change APN settings as a first step. Entering the wrong APN will prevent your data from working entirely. Try enabling data roaming and setting your eSIM as the default data line first.

How to Configure APN on iPhone

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions)
3. Tap the name of your eSIM plan in the list of SIM lines
4. Tap Cellular Data Network
5. In the APN field at the top, enter the value provided in your Only eSIM email (commonly internet or data)
6. Leave all other fields blank unless specifically instructed otherwise
7. Tap back to save — no confirmation button is needed on iPhone

After entering the APN, toggle your eSIM line off and back on, or restart your phone to apply the change.

How to Configure APN on Google Pixel and Stock Android

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet
3. Tap SIMs
4. Select your eSIM from the list
5. Tap Access Point Names
6. Tap the + icon (or New APN) in the top-right corner
7. Enter a Name (anything descriptive, like "Only eSIM")
8. Enter the APN value from your confirmation email (e.g., internet)
9. Tap the three-dot menu and select Save
10. Select the new APN from the list to make it active

How to Configure APN on Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Connections
3. Tap Mobile networks
4. Make sure your eSIM line is selected at the top of the screen
5. Tap Access Point Names
6. Tap Add (or the + icon)
7. Enter a Name (e.g., "Only eSIM")
8. Enter the APN value from your email
9. Tap Save
10. Select the newly created APN to activate it

Common APN Values

Here are the most frequently used APN values for travel eSIMs:

• internet — the most common default
• data — used by some regional carriers
• vmobile.jp — required for Japan plans (see our Japan APN setup guide for detailed instructions)
• Carrier-specific values — always check your Only eSIM confirmation email for the exact value

If none of these work, reach out to our support team with your order number. We'll confirm the correct APN for your specific plan and destination.

Tips to Avoid APN Issues

• Only change APN if instructed. The wrong APN value will block your data connection entirely.
• Double-check which line you're editing. Make sure you're configuring the APN on your eSIM line, not your physical SIM.
• Restart after changes. A quick reboot helps your phone register the new settings with the network.
• Keep your confirmation email handy. It contains all the configuration details you might need during your trip.

Still Not Working?

If you've set the APN correctly and data still isn't connecting, check these other guides:

• How to Enable Data Roaming — the most commonly missed step
• Set Your eSIM as the Default Data Line — your phone might be routing data through the wrong SIM

Common questions

How do I know what APN value to use for my eSIM?

Check the email you received from Only eSIM after your purchase — it includes the correct APN if manual configuration is needed. The most common values are 'internet' or 'data'. If you can't find your email, contact our support team and we'll send it again.

I changed the APN settings but still have no data. What should I do?

First, make sure data roaming is enabled on your eSIM line (this is required for travel eSIMs). Then restart your phone and wait 30 seconds. If it still doesn't work, double-check that you entered the APN on the correct SIM line — it should be on your eSIM, not your physical SIM.

Will changing the APN affect my physical SIM or home carrier?

No. APN settings are configured per SIM line. Changing the APN on your eSIM line has no effect on your physical SIM. Just make sure you're editing the correct line in your phone's settings.