APN setup
Many managed devices configure their APN automatically. See when a manual APN is needed and what to leave blank unless your installation says otherwise.
What an APN is
The APN (access point name) tells a device which network gateway to use for mobile data. Phones and many managed devices pick the right one automatically. Routers, gateways and some trackers often need it entered by hand.
When you need to enter it
- The device registers on a network but shows no internet or no IP address.
- The device has an APN field that is empty or holds a previous SIM's value.
- Your installation sheet says to set it manually.
Equipment that only takes calls or sends SMS, such as many gate openers and alarm dialers, does not use mobile data and normally has no APN setting.
The settings
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| APN | fleetatom.m2m (lower case, no spaces) |
| Username | Leave empty unless your device or installation sheet requires a value |
| Password | Leave empty unless your device or installation sheet requires a value |
| Authentication | None or automatic, unless your installation sheet says otherwise |
How to enter it
- Open the device's mobile or cellular settings and find the APN or connection profile for the SIM slot you are using.
- Enter the APN exactly as shown above and clear any old username or password left from a previous SIM.
- Save, then restart the device once.
- Check the status page: it should show a network, signal readings and an IP address on the mobile interface.
If it still has no data
- Check for a typo, a trailing space or upper-case letters in the APN.
- Check mobile data is switched on and, if the device reports roaming, that data roaming is enabled. See SIM not connecting.
- Check the plan has data with allowance left.
- Check signal. A poor signal can register but fail to hold a data session. See weak or no network.
Change one thing at a time and avoid unverified programming codes or resets. Private APN and fixed-IP options are available for some installations; ask us if you need them.
Frequently asked questions
What APN do I use for a SimFalcon SIM?
If your device needs the APN entered by hand, use fleetatom.m2m. Leave the username and password empty unless your installation sheet or the device requires values.
Do gate openers and alarm dialers need an APN?
Units that only take calls or send SMS do not use mobile data, so they normally have no APN setting. An APN matters for equipment that uses data, such as routers, gateways, trackers and cameras.
The device registers on a network but has no internet. Is it the APN?
It is the most common cause. Check the APN is entered exactly, with no spaces and in lower case, that no old username or password from a previous SIM is left in place, and that mobile data is switched on.
Still stuck? Engineer Support can continue from this guide without sending you to a generic page.