APN Configuration
APN stands for Access Point Name. It’s part of every mobile devices’ settings. The name of the virtual gateway between a mobile network and another network, the internet. You can think of it as a virtual door between two networks.
How to configure an APN
Setting the right APN allows your device to set up a connection the Internet.
Inset the Simbase SIM when your device is powered off, after which you can power your device back on.
The next step is to configure your device to use the Simbase Access Point Name (APN) to load the configuration with the right settings. In many devices this can be set via the settings (phone/router) SMS or directly in the firmware.
Consult your device’s documentation on how to configure the APN.
Simbase APN settings:
Within the network settings of the device find Access Point Name (APN) settings and set the following.
APN: simbaseAPN user name: (none)APN password: (none)IP Address: Dynamic (using DHCP)Data Roaming: EnabledIf you have any trouble setting up the correct APN settings, please contact us support.
Why do you need to configure an APN?
To establish a data connection with any SIM card you must set up the right APN in the settings. The SIM cards’ APN is checked by the mobile network to see if the set APN matches the SIM cards’ possible APNs. If the network is unable to validate the APN, all traffic is blocked. Setting the right APN in your device's settings is critical in order for it to work.
Additionally, it is important to enable roaming. International roaming allows customers to use their mobile services abroad in other countries. Because Simbase SIM cards are registered to specific countries these are using the roaming functionality without any additional costs. If roaming is disabled, they might not work, so make sure to enable it.
APN settings in different devices
Mobile Phone and Tablets
Navigate to the mobile network settings on your phone. Use the settings you can see above. LTE enabled devices often require you to specify the APN for LTE usage separately.
Android 12:
Go to 'Settings' -> 'Connections' -> 'Mobile networks'
Click on 'Data roaming' to enable it.
Older Android versions:
Go to 'Settings' > 'Wireless & networks' > 'More' > 'Mobile networks'.
Enable 'Data roaming'.
iOS
Add APN
Go to 'Settings' > 'Cellular' > 'Cellular Data Network' > Add ‘APN’ simbase.
Enable Roaming
Go to 'Settings' > 'Cellular' > 'Cellular Data Options' > Enable 'Data roaming'.
GPS trackers
GPS trackers can have different ways to provide the APN settings. GPS trackers often support setting the APN via SMS. It’s best to search the manual for the right command you need to send via SMS. Another option is to download software to manage the device and connect and change the APN by connecting the device via USB. If you can find it in the manual of the device, please consult with your GPS tracker supplier and ask them how to set the APN.
USB dongles and cellular modems
Please look at the documentation provided with the hardware. You should be able to login to the hardware via a computer (browser) and set the correct APN settings.
Set up APN via SMS
1. Navigate to your Simbase dashboard.
2. Select the 'SIM cards' tab.
3. Select the SIM card that you want to set APN for.
4. Select 'SMS' in the top bar.
5. Find the 'Send an SMS' field and enter all details required for APN setup.
In order to find what exact command you need to send via SMS, please check your device manual. You need to set APN as simbase and enable roaming.
If you have any trouble setting up the correct APN settings, please contact our support.