How to manually set your iPhone or iPad carrier APN using the iPhone Configuration Utility

With the iPhone Configuration Utility you can set your iPad or iPhone carrier's APN manually in case it's not working properly, which can sometimes happen for developers running beta versions of iOS. It's a workaround to be sure, but if you need your device on-network for testing and can't wait for newer betas, sometimes a work around is just what you need.

Follow on after the break for step-by-step instructions.

  • If you haven't already, download, install, and run the iPhone Configuration Utility from Apple for Windows or Mac OS X.
  • Go to Configuration Profiles under Library in the sidebar and then hit New in the toolbar.

  • Under General (Mandatory) enter a name for the profile you're creating, and a unique identifier.

  • Google your carrier's APN settings. Take note of them.
  • Scroll all the way to the bottom and, under Advanced, fill in your carrier's APN info.

  • Plug in your iPad or iPhone and then select it in the sidebar under Devices.
  • Pick your profile and hit Install.
  • Approve the installation on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Start testing your apps on a working 3G network again!

Again, this isn't as good as having it work automagically, but it's better than not having it work at all. If you've been having problems, hopefully this helps.

Rene Ritchie
Contributor

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.