Net10 Data, Internet and MMS APN Frequently Asked Questions

I created the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for readers that have had problems getting Net10 Data and / or MMS working.

1. I don’t have a T-Mobile SIM card. Is their any other way to configure MMS picture messaging?

Yes. But I do not recommend them.  Use the SIM swap method.  With a little effort, most people can complete the SIM swap. You just need the SIM, it does not need to be active.

It’s not that hard to get a T-Mobile SIM. If you bought the 3 pack of Net10 SIM cards. The pink card is a T-Mobile SIM. Use the pink SIM, you will need to cut it to fit in your iPhone.

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If you didn’t get the 3 Net10 SIM pack, you may find a T-Mobile SIM in an old prepaid phone.  You can buy a T-Mobile SIM for as little a 99 cents on eBay. Most are under $5.

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You can buy one from a T-Mobile store for $20. I think if you sign up for a $10 a month 100 minute prepaid plan they will give you a SIM for free. Go figure.

The other options for not using the SIM swap are jailbreaking your iPhone or learning how to change the APN values in an iTunes backup of your phone and then restoring it.  I don’t have any more information to offer on these alternatives.

2. I cannot access the Cellular Data Network settings when I put the T-Mobile SIM or after i put the AT&T SIM in. What can I do?

iPhone 4 users often comment they have this problem.  Try keeping the T-Mobile SIM in the phone and restart your iPhone. If you still do not see the Cellular Data Network settings. Try resetting your Network Settings.

Tap Settings->General->Reset->Reset Network Settings. You will need to re-enter all your WiFi networks and passwords.

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Get your iPhone unlocked

If your iPhone is off contract, I recommend you contact ATT, Verizon, or Sprint and request they unlock the phone for you.

see my article: Unlocking your AT&T iPhone

iTunes Restore iPhone

I also recommend you backup your iPhone and do a full restore using iTunes. This is an important part of completing a carrier unlock of your iPhone. It also seems to help over half the people that can’t get to Cellular  Data  Network

  • Use iTunes to Backup your iPhone
  • Use iTunes to Backup your iPhone
  • Choose the option to Restore your iPhone
  • try to setup data and mms again.
  • After you are done you can restore from your backup.

Many readers report the restore solves this problem, but a few have commented it did not work for them. I have a page that discusses the How to Restore Your iPhone Using iTunes.

3. Does my iPhone 4, 4s, 5 need to be unlocked to use Net10?

It’s best if your phone is unlocked. And it is best if it is unlocked by ATT, Verizon, or Sprint. If the contract the phone was purchased with is up, or the Early Termination Fee has been paid, they should unlock it for free. I don’t have a lot of experience with 3rd party unlocking service.

If you are using an AT&T locked iPhone with the Net10 AT&T Network SIM, it should work. You should be able to use vocie, sms, and data. Some readers have told me you will not get the SIM swap to work if you have a locked iPhone. If you are using an AT&T locked iPhone with a Net10 T-Mobile network SIM. I would not count on it working.

4. I can’t get my phone working, can I call you for help?

No. I do not provide telephone support. Contact me through the comments or email. I can’t promise to solve your problem, but I will try to help you when time allows.

5. I have data working, but I can send MMS picture messages, but not receive them.

6. I have data working, but I can only receive MMS picture messages but not send them.

These two problems are by far the most common problem I hear from readers. I recommend you try the following:

Repeat the SIM Swap method. Add http://www.apple.com/mms/uaprof.rdf along with the rest of the configuration.

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Test MMS again using the steps in the guide. http://smartphonematters.com/guides/how-to-setup-web-data-and-mms-for-your-iphone-running-ios-6/
If the steps above don’t work and you are using the MMS Proxy of mms3.tracfone.com, try mms2.tracfone.com.

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Test MMS again using the steps in the guide.

 

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