Accessing mobile data with plan.com
For your phone to connect to the internet, use apps and communicate via 4G Calling or MMS (media rich text messages), it needs to be configured correctly. These settings are available under your device's APN (Access Point Name).
Think of an APN (Access Point Name) as a gate. On one side of the gate is the big wide world of mobile data and the Internet. On the other side, is your device.
Your device's APN identifies the Internet Protocol (IP) address that your mobile device connects to for data services, ensuring your device connects to the appropriate service offered by plan.com.
In order for the gate to open as you'd like and allow data to flow through freely from the other side, the correct settings have to be configured on the device receiving the mobile data.
When you first connect to the plan.com network, you'll automatically receive a 'powered by plan.com' text message that will ask you to update your data settings. Typically, even before updating your data settings, you will be able to access UK mobile data, make calls and send and receive texts. So, what's the big deal? Why the hassle to change your data settings?
Well, if the correct data settings aren't present, data may still flow through the gate, but one or two device features may not consistently perform as you'd expect.
Yes, it's a pain and we're sorry, but less than a minute, that's all it takes for you to configure to the plan.com APN.
What are the correct APN details?
Please note, these instructions only apply to users connected to the O2 network. EE network users do not need to perform these changes.
APN: data.plan.com
Username: plan
PASSWORD (Leave this field empty)
For specific instructions for your device type, please see APN Settings.
Why Do I Have To Change My Data Settings?
There might be instances where you switch on your device, and your data doesn’t work as the settings didn’t configure automatically. Take note that activation of data services may take up to 24 hours after a SIM change/activation.
Evolving technology could also require you to update your APN settings to access the new data networks that plan.com provides.
If you've changed from another provider to plan.com, your data settings might need an update to ensure you're connected to the right service.
Effect of Changing Your APN Settings
Changing your APN may not affect your phone service (calls and SMS), but incorrect APN settings may interfere with your data services. In addition, due to the changing nature of voice calls, services such as 4G Calling and Visual Voicemail do require data access. Therefore, it's helpful to familiarise yourself with these configurations and update them when needed or rely on the automatic settings as provided by welcome to plan.com.
Configuring the APN on Your Device
A full guide to APN settings, including a step-by-step visual walkthrough for major operating systems, is available here: https://www.plan.com/apn-settings
However, here's an overview:
iOS Devices
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select Mobile Data or Cellular, depending on your iOS version.
- Select Mobile Data Network or Cellular Data Network.
- Under the Mobile Data or Cellular Data section, scroll down till you see the APN field where can check and configure the APN settings that your iPhone is using.
Android Devices
- Swipe up from the home screen, to access your apps.
- Open the Settings app.
- Open Connections.
- Open Mobile Connections.
- Open Access Point Names to check and configure connections.
Windows Devices
- Open the Start menu.
- Select the Settings app.
- Follow the path Network & internet > Cellular > Mobile operator settings > Add APN.
- Check or configure your existing APN settings as needed.
Understanding your device's data connection, its settings, can help you ensure you're always connected and that your mobile experience is optimised.
As a plan.com customer ensuring your APN settings are right corresponds with the robust, customisable, and user-friendly data service that you are provided.