How to setup an APN

How to setup an APN to allow you to use a UK SIM abroad

You may have heard of an APN but what does it mean? APN stands for Access Point Name which provides the information needed to connect to the internet. Basically, your APN defines your connectivity settings. Depending on the network, different settings are mandatory.

If you are using a main network operator such as EE, Vodafone, o2 or Three there is no need to manually setup an APN as this is an automatic process.

For any MVNO’s (mobile virtual network operator) such as Sky, GiffGaff, Smarty, Tesco’s to name a few, there will be an APN required which has to be entered into your router to make it work.

Please refer to your ‘Quick Start Guide‘ for the exact APN for your SIM card.

If you have a 4G Compact Ultra router, please click here

If using a 5G Compact Pro router, please click here

The following information is for customers who own a 4G Compact or 4G Compact+ only. Please use the links above if you have any other 4G/5G router.

Here are the key points:

Please reset your router – keep the device powered on whilst you hold the reset pin for 10 seconds
If using an Apple phone, download the Huawei AI Life app. If using an Android phone or laptop, there are separate instructions at the bottom of this page.
To use any SIM outside of the UK, you need to enable roaming on your router which can be done via the menu button on the top of your router (Compact & Compact+ models) or via the app (details below)
Most UK SIM cards are subject to a fair usage policy – please check your networks small print and terms and conditions before you travel

Turning on roaming and setting up an APN:

The example is shown with the APN for Smarty – please make sure you enter the correct APN settings for your specific network if not using Smarty. If you are unsure of this, please contact us.

Please follow the information below to make sure your Compact/Compact+ router is setup to roam abroad.

APPLE DEVICES – follow these instructions if you are using an iPhone

1.) Download the Huawei AI Life app from your app store

For iPhone users, if you have previously installed this app please visit your app store, clicking your account symbol top right and either choose ‘update all’ or find the Huawei AI app and choose ‘update’ – it will display ‘open’ if you have the latest version.

2.) Connect to the router via WiFi. Critically, both ignore any message of no internet and if Huawei popup / page loads immediately after you must then press CANCEL (top right) and select USE WITHOUT INTERNET to ensure you remain connected.

3.) Ensure you have remained connected via WiFi and the WiFi symbol is at the top of the phone screen, if not please repeat Step 2. If so, proceed to open Huawei AI app and your router should immediately be displayed. If not shown, ensure you have remained connected via WiFi

4.) The default router password for a Compact+ is admin, upon opening the app you are forced to change this and so it may now be either your WiFi password or one you have selected. If none of these are accepted, you can reset the router by removing the battery cover and with the battery inserted and router turned on press and hold the reset pin for 10 seconds.

5.) Once logged in, click Show More > Advanced and enable roaming. For Compact routers this can also be done using the on-screen display, so may already be enabled.

6.) If you are using the Smarty SIM, navigate to:

SHOW MORE > APN & press the plus ( + ) SIGN top right to create a new profile.

Enter the following APN exactly as shown below – it is case sensitive so be sure to double check before saving:

Name: Smarty
APN: mob.asm.net
User/Pass <leave these blank>

7.) You should now be online; if it doesn’t connect straightaway, please turn your router off and on again.

Bear in mind that Smarty has a fair usage policy of 12GB/mth when outside of the UK. You can buy add-ons and activate roaming passes to negate this which can be controlled online at www.smarty.co.uk

A helpful article can be found here on their website – https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/982374-our-add-ons#h_6ee0f9fcbb

ANDROID DEVICES – follow these instructions if you are using an Android phone

Connect to your router as normal

Open your web browser and navigate to the router’s IP address (192.168.8.1) place these numbers into your web address bar where you normally type in www.

The default router password for a Compact+ is admin – it may ask you to change these details on first usage. If you have already changed them, please enter your custom password. If you have forgotten this, please reset the router by holding the reset pin in the back of your router for 10 seconds with the unit powered on. This will take everything back to factory default.

It may load the Mobile version, if so, please click PC version.

Click SETTINGS –> DIAL UP –> PROFILE MANAGEMENT

Enter the following details which are case-sensitive so be sure to double-check before saving.

Name: Smarty
APN: mob.asm.net
User/Pass <leave these blank>

Now, on your physical router click the menu button on the top and scroll down until you see Data Roaming, toggle this to the on position by pressing the power button.

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