APN Type Field

The APN (Access Point Name) type field specifies which types of data connections should use a particular APN configuration. After the APN itself, this is the second most critical setting.

If your carrier supports using a single APN configuration for all data types (including MMS), this field may contain the special value "*" (an asterisk; without the quotation marks). This instructs the device to use the same APN configuration for all types of data.

However, if different types of data need to be directed to separate APN configurations, you can assign different values in this field for each APN. Multiple values can be specified in a single field by separating them with commas.

Certain carriers may implement custom APN types beyond those defined in the standard. Always consult your carrier’s official documentation for the appropriate values to configure in this field for each APN, or alternatively, look up your network in the APN, MCC & MNC Mobile Network Database for detailed configuration.

APN Types – Complete Reference Table

APN Type	String Value	Description	Use Case
default	`default`	General internet data traffic and default data connections	Web browsing, email, app updates, general internet access
mms	`mms`	Multimedia Messaging Service traffic	Sending/receiving pictures, videos, audio files via MMS
supl	`supl`	Secure User Plane Location – geographic device location	GPS assistance, location-based services, A-GPS
dun	`dun`	Dial Up Networking connections	Mobile hotspot, tethering (legacy method)
hipri	`hipri`	High Priority Mobile data	Priority traffic for streaming, gaming, VoIP
fota	`fota`	Over the air Administration (Firmware Over-The-Air)	Device firmware updates, OS updates
ims	`ims`	IP Multimedia Subsystem	VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, video calling
cbs	`cbs`	Carrier Branded Services	Cell broadcast messages, emergency alerts
ia	`ia`	Initial Attach APN	Initial network attachment for LTE/5G
emergency	`emergency`	Emergency PDN for carrier services during emergency calls	Emergency services access during emergency calls
mcx	`mcx`	Mission Critical Service (PTT/Video/Data)	Push-to-talk, mission critical communications
xcap	`xcap`	XML Configuration Access Protocol traffic	Remote device configuration, enterprise settings
vsim	`vsim`	Virtual SIM service	eSIM provisioning, virtual SIM operations
bip	`bip`	Bearer Independent Protocol	SIM card applications, STK services
enterprise	`enterprise`	Enterprise traffic	Corporate VPN, enterprise applications
rcs	`rcs`	Rich Communication Services	Advanced messaging, RCS chat features
oem_paid	`oem_paid`	OEM paid networks (Automotive PANS)	OEM-specific paid services
oem_private	`oem_private`	OEM private networks (Automotive PANS)	OEM-specific private networks
	`*`	All types of traffic (wildcard)	Universal APN for all services

Most Common Types:

default – Required for basic internet access
mms – Required for multimedia messaging
supl – Recommended for GPS/location services

Advanced Types:

hipri – Does not boost performance by itself, merely tells device which APN to use for high-priority connections
ims – Essential for VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling
emergency – Critical for emergency services

Configuration Examples:

default,ia,supl          # Common combination for most users
default,ia,hipri         # For enhanced streaming/gaming
default,ia,supl,dun      # Includes tethering support  
*                        # Universal (use with caution)

Syntax Rules:

Use comma-separated values: default,mms,supl
No spaces between values
Case-sensitive (use lowercase)
Order doesn’t typically matter, but default is usually listed first

Common Values Explained

default

The APN configuration intended for general internet data should include "default" in this field. This tells your device to use this APN for all standard data communication unless overridden by another configuration.

Using "default" alone is sufficient in most cases. For instance, "default,supl" functions the same as just "default", provided "supl" is not explicitly required elsewhere.

Some carriers may advise specifying additional values like "supl" to avoid potential conflicts with other APN settings that do explicitly require it.

mms

The APN configuration for MMS (Multimedia Messaging System) should have "mms" in this field, which directs your device to use this APN for MMS traffic.

Note that MMS requires additional fields, such as the MMSC, and sometimes the MMS Proxy/MMS Port fields.

supl

This value indicates that the APN may be used for Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) data, allowing the device to determine its geographical location through the carrier.

Typically, SUPL data uses the same APN as general internet data, so specifying "supl" is not necessary when "default" is already present.

Less Common Values

dun

Indicates the APN can be used for Dial-Up Networking connections. This refers to an outdated method for using phones as dial-up modems, and it is no longer relevant for modern smartphone tethering. Generally, there’s no need to set this value.

hipri

Specifies that the APN should be used for HIPRI (High Priority) connections, though this has no effect in most configurations.

When applications request a HIPRI connection, the data typically uses the default APN. Specifying "hipri" would only be necessary if placed in a different APN configuration, which is highly unlikely for most carriers.

There is a common misconception that adding "hipri" boosts performance or unlocks new features, but this is incorrect. This field simply directs on which APN configuration to use. Leaving out "hipri" still allows HIPRI traffic via the default APN.

fota

This value indicates that the APN can be used for FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) updates, a process for updating phone firmware via the mobile network.

Typically, firmware updates use the current internet connection, which may include Wi-Fi or mobile data. When using mobile data, the same APN as general internet data will typically be used for FOTA, so specifying "fota" is usually unnecessary unless instructed otherwise by your carrier.