# Configuring Access Point Names

Access Point Names (APN) act as a gateway between a mobile device and the internet. While carrier service providers typically set up these configurations, many organizations prefer a distinct private network to segregate corporate data from public internet traffic. This establishes a direct, secure connection to the company’s internal network.

1. APN Configuration Workflow
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To configure APN settings via policy:

1. Login to the **Hexnode UEM portal**.
2. Go to **Policies > New Policy > Create a fully custom policy > iOS > Network > APN** and click **Configure**.
3. **Configure APN Type:** Choose between **Default APN**, **Data APN**, or **Both Default APN and Data APN**.
[![Configure Access Point Name on iOS devices With Hexnode UEM](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Configure-APN-settings-on-iOS-with-Hexnode-UEM.png "Configure APN settings on iOS with Hexnode UEM")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Configure-APN-settings-on-iOS-with-Hexnode-UEM.png)

2. Technical Parameter Breakdown
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**1. Default APN Settings**

Configures the primary gateway for cellular network services.

**Setting****Description****Access Point Name (APN)****Mandatory.** Enter the name of the network’s access point. This value differs from network to network.**Authentication Type**Specifies the security protocol for sending credentials. - **PAP (Password Authentication Protocol):** Authentication based on a password. Set by default.
- **CHAP (Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol):** A more secure 3-way handshaking protocol.

**Access Point User Name**(Optional) The username required to authenticate the access point.**Access Point Password**The password associated with the access point username.**Supported IP versions**Choose the type of IP address used by the device: **IPv4, IPv6, or IPv4/IPv6**.**2. Data APN Settings**

Configures the gateway for cellular data, roaming, and proxy management.

**Setting****Description****Access Point Name (APN)****Mandatory.** Enter the name of the network’s access point.**Authentication Type**Specifies the security protocol (PAP or CHAP).**Access Point User Name**(Optional) The username required to authenticate the access point.**Access Point Password**The password associated with the access point username.**Proxy Server**Enter the server name or IP address of the proxy server to set up a proxy between devices and the internet.**Proxy Server Port**The port number of the proxy server port.**Supported IP versions**Choose the IP address type: **IPv4, IPv6, or IPv4/IPv6**.**Domestic Roaming IP versions**Choose the IP address type used while on domestic roaming: **IPv4, IPv6, or IPv4/IPv6**.**International Roaming IP versions**Choose the IP address type used while on international roaming: **IPv4, IPv6, or IPv4/IPv6**.**XLAT464**Enable this to allow a device with a private IPv4 address to connect to other IPv4 addresses over an IPv6 network.**3. Both Default APN and Data APN**

Selecting this option requires the configuration of all settings listed in both the **Default APN** and **Data APN** sections above. This ensures both the primary network gateway and the data-specific gateway are managed under a single policy.

3. Policy Association & Deployment
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Once the settings are configured, the policy can be applied to devices using these methods:

- **If the policy is not yet saved:** Navigate to **Policy Targets**, select the target (Devices, Device Groups, Users, User Groups, or Domains/OUs), click **+Add Devices**, select the entities, and click **Save**.
- **If the policy is already saved:** Go to the **Policies** tab, select the policy, click **Manage > Associate Targets**, select the devices/groups, and click **Associate**.

4. Troubleshooting & FAQs
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### FAQs

1. **Does setting an APN affect Wi-Fi connectivity?**No. APN settings govern cellular data only. If Wi-Fi is available and connected, the device will prioritize Wi-Fi for data traffic.
2. **What is the maximum character limit for an APN password?**While not explicitly limited in the APN field, standard practice is to follow the carrier’s specific credential requirements.
3. **Is “Access Point User Name” always required?**No. This field is optional and only necessary if the carrier or private network utilizes credential-based authentication.

### Troubleshooting

- **Device fails to connect to cellular data:** Double-check that the **Access Point Name (APN)** string matches the carrier’s requirements exactly. Even a small typo will prevent a connection.
- **Connectivity issues while roaming:** Ensure that the **Domestic/International Roaming IP versions** are set to **IPv4/IPv6** if the carrier’s infrastructure supports both, as some networks may only support one version.
- **Authentication errors:** Confirm whether the network requires **CHAP** instead of the default **PAP**, as many private corporate APNs require the higher security of CHAP.