How to Delete APN Profiles (Step-by-Step Guide)

I’ve encountered many cases where mobile data refuses to work, and no amount of tweaking the APN (Access Point Name) settings helps. The logical step? Delete the APN profile and start fresh. However, not all APNs can be removed easily—some are hardcoded into carrier firmware, others regenerate due to system protections.

Carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile use carrier-locked APNs that block deletion, while Android 10+ restrictions and MNC (Mobile Network Code) validation prevent users from modifying network configurations.

This guide dives deep into APN deletion, exploring carrier firmware restrictions, Android OS limitations, ADB-based deletion, Engineering Mode solutions, and carrier-specific workarounds.

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Quick Summary

Deleting APN configurations can fix connectivity issues or remove old carrier settings that no longer work. Below is a quick rundown:

Android

• Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names.
• Pick the APN you want to remove.
• Tap the three-dot icon (⋮) and choose Delete APN.
• If it’s greyed out, the APN could be locked. (Try flashing unlocked firmware or contacting your carrier.)
• (Optional) Reboot the device afterward to make sure changes stick.

iOS

• Open Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Cellular Network (label might vary).
• If there’s an APN profile, select it, then tap Remove Profile.
• Some iOS versions store these under Settings → General → VPN & Device Management.
• If prompted, confirm with your passcode.
• (Optional) Restart the iPhone so it reconfigures properly.

Key Insights From This Guide

• How to delete APNs using standard methods (for unlocked devices).
• Why some APNs cannot be deleted (carrier restrictions, Android 14 API lockdowns).
• Advanced deletion techniques: Engineering Mode, ADB, Custom ROMs, and TWRP.
• Carrier-specific APN deletion issues and solutions.
• How to prevent APN profiles from regenerating.

If APN deletion fails, this guide offers solutions for carrier-locked devices, firmware restrictions, and Android system blocks.

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How to Delete APN Profiles Using Standard Methods

Deleting APN via Phone Settings (Unlocked Devices)

For unlocked phones, APN deletion is straightforward:

1. Go to Settings → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names (APNs).
2. Select the APN you want to delete.
3. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) and choose Delete APN.

💡 Pro Tip: If “Delete APN” is greyed out, the carrier has locked APN modifications. Move on to the advanced methods below.

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Resetting APN to Default (If Deletion Isn’t Allowed)

1. Go to Settings → Mobile Networks → APN Settings.
2. Tap Reset to Default.
3. Restart your phone to apply changes.

⚠️ Warning: This only restores factory APN settings—it won’t remove carrier-locked APNs.

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Why Some APN Profiles Cannot Be Deleted

Carrier-Locked APN Profiles

Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile use system-protected APNs, stored in read-only partitions.

📌 Example: A T-Mobile-locked Samsung device will restore APNs automatically after deletion because they are embedded in carrier firmware.

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Android OS Restrictions (Scoped Storage & Carrier Lockdowns)

Google restricted APN modifications in Android 10+ to prevent unauthorized changes.

• Android 10+: Scoped Storage prevents direct access to APN databases.
• Android 14+: CarrierConfigManager APIs lock APN fields remotely, blocking user modifications.

That’s why Android 14 users report that APNs disappear after saving or cannot be removed manually.

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Firmware and System Restrictions

Phone Brand	APN Deletion Restriction	Fix
Samsung (U firmware)	Carrier firmware blocks APN deletion.	Flash U1 firmware (unlocked).
iPhone (iOS 15+)	Carrier profiles store APNs in system partitions.	Remove carrier profile under Settings → General → VPN & Device Management.

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Advanced Methods to Delete APN Profiles

Using Engineering Mode (OnePlus, Xiaomi, Realme Users)

Some phones have hidden Engineering Mode settings that allow APN deletion:

1. Dial the following codes:
   • *#*#3646633#*#* (Xiaomi, Realme)
   • *#800# (OnePlus)
2. Go to Telephony → Network Testing → APN Management.
3. Delete the APN manually and restart your device.

🚀 This method works well for OnePlus and Realme devices.

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Removing APN via ADB (For Rooted and Non-Rooted Devices)

For Non-Rooted Devices (Read-Only Mode)

1. Connect your phone to a PC with ADB installed.

Run the command:

adb shell settings put global preferred_apn ''

adb reboot

2. This disables APN settings, but doesn’t fully remove them.

For Rooted Devices (Full APN Removal)

Mount system as read-write:

adb shell "su -c 'mount -o rw,remount /system'"

Delete APN from telephony.db:

DELETE FROM carriers WHERE name=’TargetAPN’;

VACUUM carriers;

2. Restart your phone.

✅ This method ensures that the APN is completely removed from the system database.

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Carrier-Specific APN Deletion Challenges & Fixes

Carrier	APN Deletion Issue	Fix
T-Mobile	APN auto-restores after reboot.	Leave MNC blank before saving.
Verizon	APN locked due to TrustZone validation.	Flash U1 firmware (Samsung users).
AT&T / Cricket Wireless	APN menu is greyed out.	Use Engineering Mode to unlock APN editing.

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Conclusion

• Unlocked phones allow APN deletion easily, but carrier-locked devices may block deletion.
• Advanced methods like Engineering Mode, ADB commands, and firmware flashing can help bypass APN restrictions.
• If APN deletion isn’t possible, try APN switching apps or force an APN override.