Method 2 – Configuring Both your Data and MMS APN
Configuring your iPhone for both Data and MMS is a little tricker. You need to enter the Carrier APN Settings into the Cellular Data Network page
For some reason the Cellular Data Network settings are hidden when you use the Net10 AT&T SIM. Fortunately, there is a work around. It’s called the SIM Swap method. When you have a T-Mobile SIM card in your iPhone the Cellular Data Network settings are available.
Using the SIM Swap method, put the T-Mobile SIM in your iPhone and go to the Cellular Data Network settings. Then, you swap your Net10 AT&T compatible SIM back in and go back to the Cellular Data Network settings and enter the Carrier APN Settings.
The T-Mobile SIM card doesn’t need to be active. If you bought your Net10 Wireless SIM card retail package, you should have a T-Mobile SIM card left over. Try that SIM, for the iPhone 4, 4s, or 5 you will need to cut the SIM to fit your phone.
0. Tap Settings->General
1. If Profile is present. Tap Profile. Tap Remove. Tap Remove Profile. If there is no profile, go to step 2.
Note: If you fail to remove any APN Carrier Settings Profile that is installed, the SIM Swap method will not work and you will pull all your hair out wondering why.
2. Remove your Net10 AT&T SIM. Tap OK.
3. Insert your T-Mobile SIM. Wait until the status bar shows No Service.
4. Tap Settings->General->Cellular. Look for Cellular Data Network.
NOTE: If you don’t see it. Restart your iPhone with the T-Mobile SIM still in it. Check again.
5. Remove the T-Mobile SIM card.
6. When you remove the SIM, Settings will pop back to Cellular or General.
All these websites keep posting to fill in the APN, but with an AT&T or its prepaid variants’ SIM the APN option is hidden on iPhones. With iOS v10.x.x and higher not even the SIM swap trick works! … It’s frustrating.
Billa,
I’d discussed that point extensively on this site. The very first line of this old article is a link to an update that discusses the problems.
Right under UPDATE: 10/8/2013 I have a new guide for iOS 7. There is a lot of information on this site if you just put in a little effort to search for it or politely ask for help.
You need to either install an APN profile or let your phone update its carrier bundle to the latest one for your carrier.
I am having problems sending picture messages, I have a zmax ZTE Android, I swapped from my broken zmax, to the new one I could send messages before the swap, now I can’t for some reason. I have tried a lot of different ways through apn. I have had net10 for over 4 years and love it, I would hate to move to a new carrier. Please help
which network are you using
Which net10 network are you using… AT&T, TMobile or Verizon?
Try setting your APN type to default,mms,supl
My I ask, are you directly replying to these emails? For some reason your replies are going my email instead of the comments on smartphonematters
How do I troubleshoot my net10 3g cell phone
I’d have to know what type of phone you have and what problem you are having to answer that.
My mms won’t work — T-Mobile SIM card— byop iPhone 5— somethings just not connecting or correct I’m frustrated
Net10 tmobile? Try this. Setting up Straight Talk Wireless APN for Cellular Data, Internet, MMS Picture Messages on Your iPhone Using iOS 8. It will work for net10 too.
I’m trying to get the data and MMS to work on an iPhone 3G with a Net10 card. I’ve gotten it to work with method 2 about a year ago but the phone has stopped getting data and MMS again. So I came to try this method again and I’m running into problems. On page 6, it says:
“These are the Carrier APN Settings that work for me.
[table id=1 /]
Some readers report that my settings do not work for them. Many report success with
[table id=2 /]”
Isn’t something missing here? I’m pretty sure there uses to be more and I used whatever it was and that’s how I got it to work.
Hi Rebekah,
I fixed the article. There was a problem with the publishing system, so it wasn’t displaying the table. I would make two suggestions.
1. Net10 maybe using newer APN settings then were in this article. Start by looking up your APN settings here. Looking up Your Smartphone’s Net10 Wireless APN Settings
2. If you on the $50 a month plan, your data should be a lot faster if you upgrade to a newer phone. you can find a good deal on used iPhone 5 these days. Also with the latest iPhone software, data works without method 2, so no more SIM swapping.
Let me know how it goes getting your phone to work.
Does my new flat screen it’s a LG android. Can it use a $30 dollar card
Hi Clem,
I am not sure what specific LG phone you are using or where you got it. If you bought it from Ne10 you might be able to use the 30 plan. If it is a Bring your own phone, you won’t be able to. You can verify with net10 support.
Unfortunately this method does not work for iOS 8.3, because once u remove the sim card and replace it with the other some card it prompts u in a screen that you cannot exit out of so you cannot change anything
Hi Becca,
Try the latest article Setting up Straight Talk Wireless APN for Cellular Data, Internet, MMS Picture Messages on Your iPhone Using iOS 8
I switched to net 10 and the Internet works fine by I can not receive mms or group texts. How can I fix this?
If you recently signed up for Net10 and transferred your phone number it may take a few days before you can receive MMS picture messages. I had the same issue. I set up three Straight Talk accounts. MMS worked fine for the two with new phone numbers. I could not receive MMS for the third, the one I transferred a number to. I tried the SIM in two different phone and it did not work. After a few days I decided to see if I could try to fix it, only to find it working.
You can try Resetting Network Settings on Your iPhone. It might help.
Thank you for making this guide. I have tried downloading each option, but they all tell me : “Remove the profile Net10 before installing this profile.”
How can I do that?
Hi Jane,
See the instructions on page 4. It shows you how to do that.
If you are using iOS 7?
I have iphone5s I have net10 7.0.4 my phone is jailbroken and will not let me send or receive pics can u help thank u
Hi Kim,
Visit http://www.net10.com/byop_apn/index.jsp
enter your phone number and choose Android 4.0 and later. Click Search
If your APN is tfdata continue, if it something else let me know.
if your APN is tfdata, your phone should just work. if it doesn’t try resetting your network settings.
Resetting Network Settings on Your iPhone
If that doesn’t work, try Resetting All Your iPhone’s Settings
If you installed an APN profile, remove it. If you don’t know how see How to Set up Net10 Web, Data, and MMS for Your iPhone Running iOS 7
Let me know how it goes.
Regards
Bob
I just got an iPhone 3 and its unlocked and I put Streight talk service on it unlimited 45$ monthly and I called ST and they got my data and SMS working but my Mms does not work at all I used one of them smart packs that comes with all the chips and the service plan. I don’t have the option to change My APN if you can please help me I sure would appreciate it
Hi Elizabeth,
Is your phone an iPhone 3G or 3GS? What version of iOS is installed on the phone? Check it general settings about. What is the model number on the back of the phone?
Regards
Bob
I have a net 10 SIM card in can I leave it in to do all this I’m confused I need step by step if its possible please email me and easier way for me to understand how to do it I just want to be able to send and receive picks that’s the only thing I can’t do thank you !
Hi Tabitha
Read the entire guide. I wrote it to explain what you need to do. I recommend readding it on a computer rather than your phone.
It shows you step by step what to do. Which iPhone are you using? Does the phone have iOS 6 or iOS 7. You Net10 SIM is either for the Net10’s ATT or Net10 TMobile network, do you know which.
Regards
Bob
Thank you!!! Method 1 worked right away! Fantastic! 🙂
Hi Tor,
That is great news. Thanks for taking the time to comment. If you use social media, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube. In addition to keeping up with latest updates at smartphonematters you would be helping us launch social media efforts. click here
Regards
Bob
Worked perfect with method 1 and 2. Thank You !!!!
Hi Andy
That is great news. Thanks for taking the time to comment. If you use social media, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube. In addition to keeping up with latest updates at smartphonematters you would be helping us launch social media efforts. click here
Regards
Bob
I got my phone to work with method 1 but the method 2 wouldn’t work. I have a iphone 3GS and I can’t get the screen to change my apn. I tired over and over. I have data and can text but I can’t get pic messages or send them.
Hi Anthony,
See Net10 Data, Internet and MMS APN Frequently Asked Questions
Regards
Bob
Thank you very match
Thank you
Hi Salman,
hanks for taking the time to comment. If you use social media, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube. In addition to keeping up with latest updates at smartphonematters you would be helping us launch social media efforts. click here
Regards
Bob
Hi Im currently trying to get the APN/MMS to work but I do not have the Cellular Data option in my iphone under step 8a nd 9 what should I do?
Hi Ki,
Did you get a T-Mobile SIM and are you doing the SIM swap?
Regards
Bob
I have to keep rebooting my phone to get 10mins of internet service and it just started that after this last update
Hi Lorna,
Ok. Which phone are you using? which SIM the Net10 att or Net10 tmobile sim? what version of iOS are you using? what carrier is installed. Look in Settings General About to find out the last two. Is your data slow?
Regards
Bob
Thank you so much. Worked perfect for me, iPhone 4, 6.1.3. Please don’t EVER take this web page down. For some reason I’m fine for a couple of months and then I have to redo this process all over again. This is the third time I’ve done it in a year.
Hey XMAN,That is great news. Thanks for taking the time to comment. If you use social media, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube. In addition to keeping up with latest updates at smartphonematters you would be helping us launch social media efforts. click here
Regards
Bob
Does the T-Mobile sim have to be brand new or can it be a used sim for setting up mms? Thank you!!
See Net10 Data, Internet and MMS APN Frequently Asked Questions
Regards
Bob
I have a T-Mobile sim now but I have been unable to get the cellular setting to work. My phone is locked to ATT. Is this possible with a locked phone? I am unable to have it unlocked since I am not the original owner nor have an ATT account. I have looked over the guide and have done everything but reset it with ITunes. I have read over the guide and faqs. Am I missing something?
Hi Nikki,
You can still always ask AT&T to unlock it. The worst is they can say is no. If you know the original owner you can ask them to unlock it. If you do the iTunes Restore, it is possible the phone might unlock.
I have never done this with a locked iPhone. Many readers swear it works on their locked iPhones. Others don’t seem to be able to get it to work until the unlock their phone. So all I can say is that it seems to work for some people. One reader told me you need to be very fast to get into Cellular Data Network on a locked iPhone, so see if you that helps.
If you are using iOS 7 and your APN is tfdata, its possible your phone might work without the SIM swap. Try the iPhone Restore, if you are using iOS6 and want to stay on iOS 6 be carefully not to update to iOS 7.
Let me know how it goes.
Regards
Bob
Hi. I just bought 2 at&t iPhone 3’s (Net10 cards and sims for my 11 year olds and when I tried to change the apn it didn’t work. So I went back and tried again and saw the net10 iPhone one. I went to do that one and it said it was not unique. So it wouldn’t allow me to install it. I was getting pretty upset and went and erased the apn settings on the phone. went back and tried the net10 iPhone apn and it allowed install. Please put that people have to erase the old apn settings before trying another 🙂 worked like a charm after that!!!
Hi Talia,
It does say that on Page 3. doesn’t it. Or do you mean someting else?
http://smartphonematters.com/guides/how-to-setup-web-data-and-mms-for-your-iphone-running-ios-6/3/
I ONLY HAVE A PROFILE OPTION TO CHANGE IPN INFO ON MY IPHONE 3GS, IS THERE A WAY TO CHANGE OR DO I HAVE TO USE IAPNUPDATE DEAL? I HAVE BEEN USING THAT BUT CANNOT SEND OR RECEIVE PIC MESSAGES
Hi Danny,
I am not sure what you are asking. If you install the APN profile from the Net10 website, you’ll only get data. You need to SIM swap and change the Cellular Data Network Settings to get MMS working. The Straight Talk guide might be a little easier to follow. It will work with net10
How to Setup Straight Talk Wireless Data and MMS for your iPhone running iOS 6
Regards,
Bob
ON MY IPHONE 3GS I DONT HAVE AN OPTION TO CHANGE ANY OF THE APN SETTINGS, JUST THE PROFILE WHICH I CURRENTLY HAVE THE NOT VERIFIED NET10 PROFILE
Hi Danny,
I am not sure what you are asking. Take a look at the guide. Install the APN profile to get data working. Try the SIM swap to set up both data and MMS.
The guide shows how to do this.
Regards
Bob
Hello I tried your method 2 with no success. I have an iphone 3gs and I had to install cydia in order to get the intenet and the mms working. I was told that if I turned the phone off I would lose the mms and the internet. For some unknown reason the phone went to safe mode and some time later the mms and internet stopped working. I called net10 and installed the update (iapnupdatetfdata.net10.com) and got the internet running but the mms was still disabled. This is when I found your website and tried method 2 to get the mms running. Well it didn’t work and the internet stopped working. I can get it back up tomorrow when I get wifi. I am pretty sure the problem is having to turn off the phone at the end of the process I think this disables the cydia and nothing wants to work afterwards. Does this make sense? Can you recommend any further actions to get mms and internet running? Thanks for helping us out, it seems like you’ve put a lot of effort in this 🙂
Hi Teresa,
I don’t use jailbroken phones so I am not familiar with the issue about powering off the phone. You can try data and MMS without powering off the phone and see if it works, it might. You can also try the airplane mode trick. After entering the settings. Turn on airplane mode for a minute then turn it off. Then reboot the phone. Some readers swear this works.
How are you entering your APN information. Did you SIM swap and go to Cellular Data Network, or get some app from Cydia? FYI: iapnupdatetfdata.net10.com will only set up data, not MMS.
Regards
Bob
I can’t receive or send picture message on my phone thank you please fixe that
Hi Marie,
Did you read and follow the guide?
Regards
Bob
Thanks for putting all of this together, Bob. I’ve got an iPhone 4 running iOS 6. I am trying to set up MMS using the sim swap method but when I take out my Net10 sim card, it says No Sim until I restart my phone. I can get to the APN settings page but when I put my Net10 sim card back in, it still says No Sim unless I reboot. Then the APN values I manually entered don’t stick and nothing works. Any ideas?
Hi,
I am not sure I follow.
When you take out your Net10 SIM it display NO SIM
When you put in the T-Mobile SIM the display should change from No SIM to Searching to No Service.
when it says No Service you will see the cellular data network option
Next when you put the Net10 SIM back in the phone, it should display No SIM, Searching, and then HOME
You should go into Cellular Data Network when the display is showing searching, or is this where the problem is.
Regards
Bob
At first when I put my net10 sim back in it never recognized it unless I rebooted. Tried swapping it a second time and worked like a charm. Thanks again for your help!
awesome!
Yes when i enter my cellular data APN. When i go back up to it. Keep changing back to what it was
See the iOS 7 guide if you are using iOS 7. How to Setup Straight Talk Wireless Data and MMS for your iPhone running iOS 7.
You need to be quick to do this or a try this little trick. Enter all of the other values needed except the APN.
Enter the MMS APN and copy the APN name to the clipboard. If you scroll up carefully to the Cellular data APN you will see the text input cursor is still in the MMS APN. Keep both APNs displayed on the screen at the same time. Now tap the Cellular Data APN and paste the APN name is. Quickly look to make sure that both APNs are right and save the settings.
Regards
Bob
When I swapped the cards under general, cellular it never popped up with the settings to change the network settings
Hi Joseph
See Net10 Data, Internet and MMS APN Frequently Asked Questions
Regards
Bob
Is that only way to get mms? What if I don’t have a T-mobile sim?
Net10 Data, Internet and MMS APN Frequently Asked Questions
Regards
Bob
I have an iPhone 3gs and get to step 4 and 5 of method 2. Even with my T-Mobile sim inserted I cannot get it to display the cellular data network option. I restarted the phone and it still does not give me the option.
Hi Eugene,
That is a common problem. See the FAQ Net10 Data, Internet and MMS APN Frequently Asked Questions
Regards,
Bob
Hey Bob:
Everything is working fine even MMS !!
Thanks
Nicholas,
That is awesome. Great news.
Regards
Bob
i tried all of the options for net10 listed and none of them are working.
Hi Naz,
what phone, what SIM and what version of iOS are you running?
Hi!
I have an unlocked iPhone 4S from Sprint. It was working perfectly but since the iOS 7 update I dont have data or even SMS! I have no idea what to do… Can anyone help?
Hi Ricardo,
Are you using a GPP sim adapter? Or do you have your phone on the Net10 Sprint network?
Regards
Bob
Hi, there.
So. I read your entire blog and found it very helpful. Now my question is a very silly one, but I’m really confused.
I have an iPhone 4. I want to setup a net10 account and be able to talk and text on this phone. However, I’m not sure what to do. Do I purchase a net10 plan and then follow your procedure, enter my APN values from my purchase, and then it will work? Or do I have to buy a SIM card and a plan and then follow the procedure? I just want to be able to call and text on a pay as you go plan. I’ve been confused about this for a long time and I feel your blog can maybe help me figure this all out.
Thanks!
Brittany
Hi Brittany,
Yes. I can help you. Moving to prepaid is confusing. But you did the right thing by researching it first. I set up this web site to help people figure this all out. I do spend a lot of time helping people who have already switched to Net10 or Straight Talk.
So, lets get started with a few simple questions. Your iPhone 4. Is it on AT&T or another carrier? And is your phone on contract?
Regards
Bob
It works!! Method 1 worked fine for me. Iphone 4 unlocked. Thank you so much.
Mimi,
Great news
Regards
Bob
Thank you for your help it works!!!!
Hi Liz,
That is great news.
Regards
Bob
I don’t have the Cellular Data Network page that has that list of settings to change. How do I gain access to it?
Hi Toni,
Did you SIM swap? if no, read the entire guide
if yes, see: Net10 Data, Internet and MMS APN Frequently Asked Questions
Regards
Bob
Am trying to get my picture messaging to work it’s not working but everything else do plz help me fix this
Hi Eva,
Did you SIM swap? If you don’t know what that is, read the second half of the guide. Can you send MMS, but not receive. During the last two weeks a lot of people are having that problem. See I Can’t Receive MMS Picture Messages Using Straight Talk or Net10 on My iPhone Using iOS 7.0.4.
Regards
Bob
Apn settings not working
Hi,
Follow the steps outlined here, I Can’t Receive MMS Picture Messages Using Straight Talk or Net10 on My iPhone Using iOS 7.0.4 Ten repeat the steps in the guide.
Let me know how it goes.
Regards
Bob
Thank you it worked for a iPhone 3GS!! Thanks a millón!!
Yini,
Great news. Glad it worked.
Regards
Bob