UK iPad APN Settings for O2 Network
Yesterday I struggled for ages trying to get my iPad on the O2 3G Network, first of all you should install the micro sim into your iPad then sync with iTunes, this downloads new mobile carrier details to enable 3G. However in my case the APN Details were incomplete and it took me ages to work out what to do.
Under Settings – Cellular Data – APN you need to have the following entered:
APN: ibrowse.o2.co.uk
Username: browse
Password: password
I also found that you could only register your micro sim on the iPad, which is also very confusing at first I disabled WiFi and launched Safari, a pop up appeared and mentioned that I was not registered for 3G Network and would I like to register, when I clicked Now i got an error not found message.
To register i enabled WiFi Network then went to settings Cellular Data and clicked a register button in this screen, this took me through a wizard which let me choose my data plan and then pay via credit / debit card.
It’s a shame the iPad / O2 does not make this more simple It would be great if you was not registered and only on 3G that the Safari popup asking you to register actually worked and allowed you to register, as it seems a shame for WiFi to be a requirement for registering for 3G.
Its actually Apple’s issue with the sotware, so it has nothing to do with O2…
Yep it’s a tough one the process was certainly not smooth enough for my liking, hopefully it was an Apple glitch as it would be great for O2 iPad pay and go users to be able to buy 3G access just over a 3G Signal instead of needing to be on WiFi first to do so.
If O2 / Apple could enable this it would be great, and I am sure they would get a lot more sales with users wanting 3G Access here and there.
Hi, I’m having problems. I asked the people in the apple shop to activate my iPad when i bought it but it seems the guy who spent barely any time helping me did a piss poor job with setting 3G up because I still haven’t got it, and I queued up on Friday for it!
I’ve done everything that you’ve mentioned but when I went to settings Cellular Data there is no register button in this screen. HELP!
Just found your blog hoping you info might help sort out my problems but I seem to have the correct APN settings going off your post.
Mine registered ok, but I’ve found 3G is a complete waste of time on my iPad. I have 5 bar signal strength on O2 but almost every webpage times out trying to connect. Those that do take forever. I did a speedtest.net to several local servers and the best I can manage is 25kbps (Its awful)
I loved the iPad over the weekend connecting via wifi but 3G performance has definitely wiped the smile off my face.
Hi Pete,
Do you have the 3G Text on your iPad at the top right? it sounds like you are just on normal GPRS Network and not the full 3G?
I have found that std GPRS access is fairly slow but when I have the 3G Text displayed it is very quick, watching youtube or live TV over 3G has been very quick.
Thanks Aaron
Thank you all for this – very useful and reassuring that I’m not the only one having problems. I am now registered and have my home wifi showing in the settings but still seem to be on 3G all the time. Any suggestions most appreciated! thanks
Thanks for the info, works a treat now, cheers, PeteB
I’m visiting London from the States and can’t get past the registration screen because it won’t accept a U.S. billing address for my credit card. So lame.
guys its very easy
if you have a sim card with unlimited internet please do not update the carrier settings on your computer if u have please delete them
there is no need for any apn setting my sim card works without any settings.if i update the carrier settings it messes it up so i deleted them from my computer and now it works just fine
INFORMATION SPOT ON 4 MINUTES LATER I WAS CONNECTED WELL DONE THANKS
I have been struggling with an iPad for over a day now to get it to connect via 3G.
I registered the SIM and topped up etc. via the WiFi but I have to agree with Phil – the speed is atrotious.
So far I have only managed to load the Google homepage and that took about 30 seconds. Since then, nothing! Just keeps timing out.
I have 5 bars of signal and the 3G notice is up so it’s not a signal issue.
Also, when both Wifi and 3G are enabled, it keeps switching to 3G (and therefore not working very well) when I try and browse. Anyone know how to stop that?
as I discovered today after installing iOS 4.2 on my ipad the APN settings have been omitted, this field is gone from the latest BETA, no way to get 3g, I found unlockit.co.nz enter this site on your 4.2 iOS running iPad and it’ll update your carrier settings and you’ll have 3g again because there is no reverting back from 4.2 even if you have a time machine backup as I discovered.
I have a 02 sim card (unlimited data from ebay) which I converted to a MicroSim. All working fine until yesterday; Still have a good signal although internet just stopped working.
Can my sim be flagged and blocked by providers?
Can a software updates break the 3G? My last action was to install “Mywi” (no rock version).
Also iTunes has been asking to update “carriers information” which I haven’t done.
Hope to get some advice.
I was in Edinburgh the other weekend and attempted to get 3G on my 32g iPad and had no luck what soever.
I know realise that I have never used the 3G but my wifi!
I’m off to Apple tomorrow and returning the iPad for a 32 G wifi version only! It’s a real rip off, basically the O2 network is not fit for purpose for the iPad.
It makes you so angry that not only are you sold a system that cannot work, no one owns up to the it!
thank you for this. worked just fine.
Does any one know how to connect to bt open zone wifi through iPad 2… With 02 your meant to get free access but I can’t see how to get connected
Hi Arron
Just wanted to add my thanks. A year after you posted this its still being published as plug and play which it it far from.
For Vodaphone APN Settings go to Cellular Data and adjust to:
APN: Internet
Username: web
Passord: web
Thanks again.
Dave
These settings for O2 (IBrowse) is for pay as you talk settings only Pay monthly are different settings;
APN = idata.o2.co.uk
User= vertigo
Password = password
Hi
if your using a mobile broadband sim
APN needs to be changed to mobile.o2.co.uk
my ipad was running 3g fine untill i went on holiday, i swithched off the data roaming for going, but cant get back on 3g
the apn settings are ibrowse and browse, ive tried changing to vertigo but it just changes right back, any ideas? i’m on pay monthly with o2 1G plan