Your phone needs an APN (access point name) to know how to connect to your network’s internet. Most phones set it automatically when you insert a SIM. But after a SIM swap, a phone imported from abroad, or a software update, the APN can be missing or wrong. When that happens, mobile data is on but nothing loads.
The APNs for Ghana’s networks
| Network | APN |
|---|---|
| MTN | internet |
| Telecel | browse |
| AT | Ask AT or try automatic settings (see below) |
MTN’s APN comes from MTN’s own help centre. Telecel’s comes from Android’s built-in carrier database, which lists it for Telecel’s network code (620-02, formerly Vodafone Ghana). We could not find a current APN published by AT, so contact AT on 100 if your AT data does not connect.
How to find the APN screen
The path differs a little between phone brands. Try:
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access Point Names.
- Tecno, Infinix, itel and most others: Settings → Network & internet (or Mobile network) → SIM card → Access Point Names.
- Can’t find it? Open Settings and search for “APN”.
On a dual-SIM phone, choose the SIM you want to fix first.
How to add a new APN
These steps follow MTN’s own instructions and work for any network:
- Open Access Point Names.
- Tap the menu (three dots) or the + button and choose New APN.
- In Name, type the network name (for example MTN or Telecel).
- In APN, type the APN from the table above.
- Leave the other fields as they are unless your network tells you otherwise.
- Tap the menu again and choose Save.
- Back on the APN list, tap the circle next to your new APN to select it.
- Turn mobile data off and on, or restart the phone.
Or let the network send the settings
- MTN: dial *156# and select option 2 to receive and install settings. MTN notes this is not available on every phone.
- Reset to default: on the APN screen, open the menu and choose Reset to default. This often restores your network’s correct settings automatically.
Basic phones (2G/WAP)
For older feature phones, MTN lists WAP settings: account name MTN, APN wap, proxy IP address 172.17.3.5, port 8080.
APN is right but data still fails?
Then the APN was not the problem. Work through our full list of fixes for mobile data not working on Android. Network-specific guides: MTN internet settings and Telecel internet settings.
This guide was checked in October 2026. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.
Common questions
What is the MTN APN in Ghana?
MTN’s APN is “internet”, according to MTN’s help centre.
What is the Telecel APN?
Android’s carrier database lists “browse” for Telecel (formerly Vodafone Ghana). If it does not work, confirm with Telecel customer care.
Will changing the APN break anything?
Only change the APN for your own network. If things get worse, choose Reset to default in the APN menu.
Why can’t I edit my APN?
Some phones lock the network’s APN. In that case add a new APN with the + button, or use Reset to default.
