How to Activate GPRS on a Mobile Phone: 3 Simple Ways

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A simple tutorial for enabling GPRS on your Android

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: October 22, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Enabling in Settings
|
• Using a Code
|
• Editing the APN
|
• FAQ
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• Q&A
|
• Tips

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To use GPRS, you'll need to make sure your phone connects to a 2G GSM network instead of more modern networks like 5G, 4G, or 3G. Now that 2G networks have been phased out in many regions, GPRS is far less available, and not all carriers or phones support it. If you have a GSM phone, a SIM card from a GPRS-supporting carrier, and the correct settings, you can activate GPRS on your Android. This wikiHow article will teach you 3 ways to activate GPRS on your Android. If you have an iPhone, GPRS is enabled by default and will only activate if available and needed.

Activating GPRS on Android: Quick Overview

• A phone must be on a GSM or GSM/CDMA network to use GPRS. Call your carrier to determine your network type.
• If you can't enable GPRS/2G in your settings, you may be able to do so using a code.
• If GPRS isn't working and you know it's available, check your APN settings.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Enabling in Settings

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1. 
   1
   Ensure that your phone is on a GSM network. Your phone must be on a GSM network (or a GSM/CDMA network) in order for you to enable GPRS. However, keep in mind that even if you're on a GSM network, GPRS may no longer be available–it's an older technology (2G) that has been mostly phased out in the US and Europe, though there are still GPRS networks in rural regions in other countries.

   • The easiest way to tell is to look in your settings to determine whether you have an IMEI number or a MEID (or ESN) number. On Android, go to Settings > About.
     • If your phone has a MEID or ESN number only, it's CDMA, not GSM–you can't use GPRS.
     • If your phone has an IMEI number, your phone is GSM.
     • If your phone has both types of numbers, it supports both CDMA and GSM.
2. 
   2
   Turn on mobile data. On modern Android GSM phones in locations where GPRS is still available, GPRS is turned on automatically when mobile data is on. As long as GPRS is available where you are and your SIM card supports it, you can connect to GPRS networks when they are in range. If mobile data is turned off, swipe down from the top of the home screen, then tap the mobile data icon to enable the feature now.
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3. 
   3
   Open your Android's Settings. You will find it in your app list, as well as in your Quick Settings panel.
4. 
   4
   Select Connections or Network & Internet. You will see one of these options (or similar) in your Settings menu.
5. 
   5
   Tap Mobile Networks or SIMs. The option varies by Android model. If you have only one SIM and don't see "Mobile Networks," you will see the name of your SIM card instead–tap it to continue.
6. 
   6
   Enable 2G on a Samsung phone. You can skip this step if you're not using a Samsung phone. If you see a toggle switch labeled "Allow 2G Service," tap it to turn it on instead–this will enable 2G on some models. Then, tap Network mode, select the GSM or GSM Only option, if available. If not available, just choose the one that doesn't include the newest network types.

   • If there's a GSM/CDMA option, selecting it (as long as your SIM card supports GSM) is also fine.
   • Once 2G is enabled, your phone will be able to use GPRS when you're in range of a network that supports it, as long as your SIM card also supports the technology.
   • If these options don't exist, jump down to Using a Code.
7. 
   7
   Enable 2G on a non-Samsung phone. On Android 15 and earlier, toggle on "Allow 2G." If you're using Android 16 or later, you'll toggle off the 2G Network Protection switch.

   • Once enabled, tap the back button to return to Mobile Networks, and check the box next to "Use packet data" if available.
   • Once 2G is enabled, your phone will be able to use GPRS when you're in range of a network that supports it, as long as your SIM card also supports the technology.
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Section 2 of 4:

Using a Code

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1. 
   1
   Dial the service code in the Phone app. Depending on your phone, you may be able to use the service menu to force it to connect to a 2G/GPRS network. This doesn't work on all Android models. To get started:

   • Open the Phone app.
   • Dial this code: *#*#4636#*#*
   • As soon as you enter the last character, a menu will appear.
2. 
   2
   Tap Phone Information. If you have more than one SIM, you may need to select one now.
3. 
   3
   Select GSM Only under "Set preferred network type." This ensures your Android will only connect to 2G GSM networks–the type that support GPRS.

   • Now, if you're in range of a 2G GPRS network, your SIM supports it, and your APN is correct, your phone should connect to GPRS automatically.
   • If you need to undo this change, return to the Phone app, dial *#*#4636#*#*, and change the network type back to 5G/4G/3G/2G Auto, NR/LTE/WCDMA/GSM, or LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto.
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Section 3 of 4:

Editing the APN

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1. 
   1
   Get the needed APN information from your mobile carrier. An Access Point Name (APN) is a value that identifies your Android to the Internet, thus enabling GPRS (or any other form of cellular data) on your Android. If you've recently installed a new SIM card, cleared the APN settings, or factory-reset your Android, you may need to change or re-enter the APN configuration settings to enable GPRS. The easiest way to figure out your SIM card's APN settings is by contacting your carrier and asking for the proper APN configuration, though you may also be able to find this information on your account page on the carrier's website.

   • Unfortunately, not all Androids allow you to edit the APN settings. If your Android doesn't have an option to edit the APN, this method won't work for you.
2. 
   2
   Open your Android's Settings. You can do this by swiping down from the top of the home screen and tapping the gear, or tapping the Settings app in your app list.
3. 
   3
   Select Connections or Network & Internet. You will see one of these options (or similar) in your Settings menu.
4. 
   4
   Tap Mobile Networks or SIMs. The option varies by Android model. If you have only one SIM and don't see "Mobile Networks," you will see the name of your SIM card instead–tap it to continue.
5. 
   5
   Select Access Point Names. If you don't see this option, tap Advanced first.
6. 
   6
   Select Add. If you are able to add APN information, you will see an Add option at the top of the screen. If you don't see it, you may need to tap a menu first. If there isn't anything like this, you won't be able to add APN information manually.
7. 
   7
   Review or add new APN information. If you already have APN info saved, tap to review it, and make sure it matches your carrier's instructions. If it's incorrect, tap the menu and select Reset so you can add a new one. At that point, or if you didn't have APN information saved, you should be able to tap Add to add new APN info.
8. 
   8
   Add and save your APN data. To enter your APN information, enter your carrier's name ("Name" field), APN name ("APN" field), address ("MMSC" field), and any other details provided by your carrier. When you're finished, tap Save to save your changes. .

   • If your carrier and SIM support GPRS, and it's available in your region, you should be able to use it now.
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Section 4 of 4:

FAQ

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1. 1
   Can I use GPRS? GPRS networks are not as common now that most carriers have phased out 2G. In the US, for example, the only carrier that still has some remaining 2G networks is T-Mobile, and they've already started shutting down those networks. However, if you're in a country where GPRS networks are available, your phone is GSM, there is a GPRS network in range, and your settings are correct, you can use GPRS.

   • Ask your carrier to be sure. If GPRS is available but not enabled, your mobile carrier should be able to tell you if their network supports it, whether your SIM supports it, and whether your settings are correct.
2. 2
   What is GPRS on my phone? If your phone says you're connected to GPRS, your phone is connected to a 2G (well, 2.5G) network. If you see this on your phone (or in your phone bill), your phone is connected to a GPRS network, typically because a faster network type is not available.
3. 3
   Is GPRS still used today? It's not used as often, as countries are phasing out their 2G and 3G networks, but you can still find GPRS networks in some countries–especially in rural regions.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  Can you give me further instruction on how to activate GPRS on my phone?

  

  Community Answer

  Go to Maps, type in the location and then press Start. That's all there is to it.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  Is my husband able to keep track of all my movements with the GPRS?

  

  Community Answer

  If you are carrying or transporting the GPS enabled device (if it has a SIM card and the card is of the type to use a network for tracking) and he has an application that interacts with the device you are transporting, i.e. your phone, watch, car, tacker button), then yes, he can see where you are, as long as you have the device with you. If you don't want to be tracked, remove the SIM card on your phone or leave the device at home or somewhere else.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Tips

• GPRS is typically used for things like downloading files and uploading data via your phone's Internet.
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• GPRS is exceptionally slow when compared to more modern data options such as 5G or even LTE.
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