Sri Lanka eSIM APN Settings: Complete Setup Guide

If your Sri Lanka eSIM is installed and shows signal but mobile internet does not work, the APN may be missing or incorrectly configured.

The APN, or Access Point Name, tells your phone how to connect the eSIM profile to the mobile data network. Most devices configure it automatically, but some smartphones require the APN to be entered manually after installation or after arriving in Sri Lanka.

For NoveSIM Sri Lanka plans, the required APN is data.esim. The username and password fields should normally remain blank.

Quick answer: select your Sri Lanka eSIM for Mobile Data, enable Data Roaming and enter data.esim as the APN if mobile internet does not work. Save the settings, activate Airplane Mode for 30 seconds and restart the phone.

What Is an APN?

APN stands for Access Point Name. It is the network setting your phone uses to establish a mobile data connection.

The eSIM can be correctly installed and registered with a local network while still having no internet access if the APN is incorrect. This is why you may see signal bars, a network name, 4G, LTE or 5G without being able to open websites or use applications.

The APN is not the same as:

• The eSIM activation code.
• The QR code.
• The local mobile network name.
• The WiFi password.
• The SIM PIN.

It is a separate mobile data setting stored inside the phone.

Correct Sri Lanka eSIM APN Settings

Field	Correct Value
Name	NoveSIM
APN	data.esim
Username	Leave blank
Password	Leave blank
Authentication Type	None or automatic
APN Type	default,supl if required
APN Protocol	IPv4/IPv6 or automatic
Roaming Protocol	IPv4/IPv6 or automatic

Most users only need to enter data.esim in the APN field. Do not change MCC, MNC, proxy, port, server or bearer settings unless support specifically instructs you to do so.

When Do You Need to Enter the APN Manually?

Manual APN configuration may be required when:

• The eSIM shows signal but has no internet.
• 4G, LTE or 5G appears but applications do not load.
• The APN field is empty.
• The phone created an incorrect access point automatically.
• The eSIM worked before a software update but stopped afterward.
• The device changed network settings after switching SIM cards.
• Personal Hotspot is unavailable or does not provide internet.

If mobile data is already working normally, you do not need to change the APN.

Before Changing the APN

Confirm the basic mobile data settings first. An APN change will not solve the problem if the wrong SIM is selected for data or the travel line is disabled.

Setting	Recommended Value
Sri Lanka eSIM	Enabled
Mobile Data	Sri Lanka eSIM
Data Roaming on Sri Lanka eSIM	On
Data Roaming on primary SIM	Off
Automatic Data Switching	Off
Network Selection	Automatic
APN	data.esim

How to Enter the APN on iPhone

The APN menu is available on some iPhones and eSIM profiles. On other devices, it may be managed automatically and not shown.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Tap the line labelled Sri Lanka, Travel or NoveSIM.
4. Open Cellular Data Network or Mobile Data Network.
5. Find the Cellular Data APN field.
6. Enter data.esim.
7. Leave Username blank.
8. Leave Password blank.
9. Return to the previous menu to save the settings.

After entering the APN, activate Airplane Mode for approximately 30 seconds and then turn it off.

Recommended iPhone APN Fields

iPhone Section	APN Value
Cellular Data APN	data.esim
LTE Setup APN	data.esim if the field is available
Personal Hotspot APN	data.esim if hotspot does not work
Username	Leave blank
Password	Leave blank

If the Cellular Data Network menu is missing, do not worry. The eSIM profile may control the APN automatically.

Check the other settings first:

• The travel eSIM is selected for Mobile Data.
• Data Roaming is enabled.
• Allow Cellular Data Switching is disabled.
• Network Selection is automatic.

For more device-specific help, read our Sri Lanka eSIM for iPhone guide.

How to Enter the APN on Samsung

Samsung phones normally allow users to create or edit an APN from the Mobile Networks menu.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Connections.
3. Tap Mobile Networks.
4. Select Access Point Names.
5. Make sure the Sri Lanka eSIM is the active data SIM.
6. Tap Add or the plus symbol.
7. Enter NoveSIM in the Name field.
8. Enter data.esim in the APN field.
9. Leave Username and Password blank.
10. Tap the menu icon and select Save.
11. Select the new NoveSIM APN.

Restart the phone after saving the access point.

What If Samsung Does Not Save the APN?

If the APN disappears after saving, check that:

• The Name field is not blank.
• The APN field contains exactly data.esim.
• No unnecessary spaces were added.
• The Sri Lanka eSIM is enabled.
• You are editing the correct SIM profile.

On some Samsung devices, the APN menu may display settings for only the currently selected Mobile Data SIM.

How to Enter the APN on Google Pixel

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network and Internet.
3. Tap SIMs.
4. Select the Sri Lanka eSIM.
5. Tap Access Point Names.
6. Tap the plus symbol.
7. Enter NoveSIM as the Name.
8. Enter data.esim as the APN.
9. Leave Username and Password blank.
10. Open the menu and tap Save.
11. Select the new APN.

Then activate Airplane Mode for 30 seconds or restart the Pixel.

How to Enter the APN on Other Android Phones

Motorola, Xiaomi, Honor, Oppo, Sony and other Android manufacturers may use different menu names.

The general path is:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Mobile Network, SIMs, Connections or Network and Internet.
3. Select the Sri Lanka eSIM.
4. Open Access Point Names.
5. Add a new APN.
6. Enter NoveSIM as the Name.
7. Enter data.esim as the APN.
8. Leave Username and Password blank.
9. Save the profile.
10. Select it as the active APN.

Use the Settings search field and search for APN or Access Point Names if the menu is difficult to locate.

For more Android setup instructions, see our Sri Lanka eSIM for Android guide.

Should You Change APN Type?

Most users should leave the APN Type field unchanged or use the automatic default.

If your phone requires a value, use:

default,supl

Do not add values such as mms, dun or ims unless instructed by support. Incorrect APN types can prevent the profile from being saved or used for mobile data.

Should You Change MCC and MNC?

No. Leave MCC and MNC unchanged.

These values identify the mobile network and are normally assigned automatically by the eSIM profile. Entering incorrect numbers can make the APN invalid.

Also leave the following fields blank or unchanged:

• Proxy.
• Port.
• Server.
• MMSC.
• MMS Proxy.
• MMS Port.
• MVNO Type.
• MVNO Value.

How to Save and Activate the New APN

Entering the APN is not enough on some Android phones. You must also save and select it.

1. Enter the required values.
2. Open the menu in the top corner.
3. Select Save.
4. Return to the APN list.
5. Tap the circle or selector beside NoveSIM.
6. Restart the phone.

If another APN remains selected, the phone may continue using the wrong mobile data configuration.

What to Do After Changing the APN

1. Confirm that the Sri Lanka eSIM is selected for Mobile Data.
2. Confirm that Data Roaming is enabled.
3. Turn WiFi off.
4. Activate Airplane Mode for 30 seconds.
5. Turn Airplane Mode off.
6. Wait several minutes.
7. Open a lightweight website or Google Maps.

Testing with WiFi turned off confirms whether the eSIM connection is actually working.

Why Is Data Roaming Required?

A travel eSIM connects through a supported local partner network in Sri Lanka. The phone treats this as a roaming connection even though the data is included in your prepaid travel plan.

Use the following settings:

• Data Roaming on Sri Lanka eSIM: On.
• Data Roaming on primary SIM: Off.
• Mobile Data: Sri Lanka eSIM.
• Automatic Data Switching: Off.

If Data Roaming is disabled, the phone may show signal but refuse to start a mobile data session.

What If the APN Menu Is Missing?

The APN menu may be unavailable when:

• The eSIM profile manages the APN automatically.
• The manufacturer hides manual APN controls.
• The phone is managed by a company or organisation.
• The wrong SIM is selected for Mobile Data.
• The device software restricts access to carrier settings.

Try these steps:

1. Select the Sri Lanka eSIM for Mobile Data.
2. Restart the phone.
3. Search for APN in Settings.
4. Update the operating system.
5. Check whether the menu appears after enabling Data Roaming.

If the menu remains unavailable, the APN is probably controlled automatically. Continue with the other connection checks.

What If the APN Is Correct but There Is Still No Internet?

The APN is only one part of the mobile data setup. Check the complete configuration.

1. Confirm that the eSIM is enabled.
2. Select it for Mobile Data.
3. Enable Data Roaming.
4. Disable automatic data switching.
5. Keep Network Selection on Automatic.
6. Confirm that the plan is active.
7. Use Airplane Mode for 30 seconds.
8. Restart the phone.

Read our dedicated guide to fixing no internet on a Sri Lanka eSIM.

What If the APN Is Correct but the eSIM Shows No Service?

An APN does not control whether the phone can register with a mobile network. It only controls mobile data after registration.

If the phone shows No Service, check:

• The eSIM line is enabled.
• You are already in Sri Lanka.
• Network Selection is automatic.
• The phone is unlocked.
• Your location has mobile coverage.
• The device supports the required network frequencies.

Move outdoors, activate Airplane Mode for 30 seconds and restart the device.

For more help, see our Sri Lanka eSIM troubleshooting guide.

What If the Connection Is Slow After Entering the APN?

A correct APN enables the connection but does not guarantee a specific speed.

Speed depends on:

• Local signal strength.
• Network congestion.
• Your location.
• 4G or 5G availability.
• Your phone’s supported bands.
• The plan’s high-speed allowance.
• Background data usage.

If the connection is slow, switch temporarily from 5G to 4G, move outdoors and pause cloud backups or application updates.

Read our guide to fixing a slow Sri Lanka eSIM.

Personal Hotspot APN Settings

If mobile data works on the phone but Personal Hotspot does not, the hotspot APN may be empty.

On iPhone, open Cellular Data Network and enter data.esim under the Personal Hotspot section when the field is available.

On Android, hotspot normally uses the selected mobile data APN automatically. Confirm that:

• The NoveSIM APN is selected.
• The Sri Lanka eSIM is the preferred Mobile Data line.
• Hotspot use is supported by the selected plan.
• Data Saver is not blocking tethering.

Restart the phone after changing hotspot settings.

Can Resetting Network Settings Fix an APN Problem?

Resetting network settings can restore default mobile configurations, but it should be used only after simpler troubleshooting steps.

A network reset may remove:

• Saved WiFi networks and passwords.
• Bluetooth pairings.
• Custom APN settings.
• Mobile network preferences.

After a reset, you may need to enter data.esim again.

Do not perform a factory reset and do not delete the eSIM. Contact support before using major reset options.

Common APN Mistakes

• Entering data.esim in the Name field but leaving the APN field blank.
• Adding a space before or after data.esim.
• Entering a username or password.
• Changing MCC or MNC.
• Forgetting to save the new APN.
• Saving the APN but not selecting it.
• Editing the APN for the primary SIM instead of the travel eSIM.
• Testing mobile data while WiFi remains active.
• Deleting the eSIM when the APN does not work immediately.

How to Check Which SIM the APN Belongs To

On Dual SIM phones, each SIM can have separate mobile data and APN settings.

Before editing:

1. Open the SIM Manager.
2. Select the Sri Lanka eSIM for Mobile Data.
3. Open the mobile network settings for that eSIM.
4. Then open Access Point Names.

This reduces the risk of changing the APN for your home SIM by mistake.

When Should You Contact Support?

Contact support when you have entered the APN correctly and completed all other mobile data checks without restoring internet access.

Provide:

• Your order number.
• Your phone model.
• Your current location in Sri Lanka.
• A screenshot of the APN settings.
• A screenshot showing the selected Mobile Data SIM.
• A screenshot showing Data Roaming.
• The network name displayed on the phone.
• A description of whether the phone shows signal, 4G, LTE or 5G.

Keep the eSIM installed. Do not share the full QR code publicly or install it on another device.

Related Sri Lanka Guides

• Sri Lanka eSIM Guide
• How to Install a Sri Lanka eSIM
• How to Activate a Sri Lanka eSIM
• How to Use an eSIM in Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka eSIM Not Working
• No Internet on a Sri Lanka eSIM
• Why Is My Sri Lanka eSIM Slow?
• Sri Lanka eSIM for iPhone
• Sri Lanka eSIM for Android

FAQ

What is the correct APN for a NoveSIM Sri Lanka eSIM?

The correct APN is data.esim. Leave the username and password blank.

Do I always need to enter the APN manually?

No. Most phones configure it automatically. Enter it manually only when the eSIM has signal but mobile internet does not work.

What should I enter in the Name field?

You can enter NoveSIM. The Name field is only a label. The important value is data.esim in the APN field.

Should I enter a username or password?

No. Leave both fields blank unless support gives you different instructions.

Should I change MCC or MNC?

No. Leave them unchanged because they are normally assigned automatically by the eSIM profile.

Why can I not see the APN menu on iPhone?

The APN may be managed automatically by the eSIM profile. Check Mobile Data, Data Roaming and Network Selection instead.

Why does the APN disappear after I save it?

Make sure the Name and APN fields are completed, the correct eSIM is selected and the APN contains no unnecessary spaces.

Do I need Data Roaming enabled?

Yes. Data Roaming must be enabled on the Sri Lanka travel eSIM.

Why do I have signal but no internet?

The Sri Lanka eSIM may not be selected for Mobile Data, Data Roaming may be disabled or the APN may be incorrect.

Can the APN fix No Service?

No. No Service is a network-registration issue. The APN only controls mobile data after the phone has connected to a network.

What APN should I use for Personal Hotspot?

Use data.esim when a separate Personal Hotspot APN field is available.

Should I delete the eSIM if the APN does not work?

No. Keep the profile installed. Many travel eSIM QR codes can only be used once.

Final Recommendation

If your Sri Lanka eSIM shows signal but has no internet, confirm that the travel eSIM is selected for Mobile Data and that Data Roaming is enabled.

Enter data.esim as the APN, leave the username and password blank, save the settings and select the new APN if required.

Then activate Airplane Mode for approximately 30 seconds, turn it off and restart the phone. Keep Network Selection on Automatic and do not delete the eSIM while troubleshooting.

Browse Sri Lanka eSIM plans here.