GPS Tracker SIM or APN Not Working? How to Get the Tracker Online
Timi
A tracker with power and GPS but no connection to the platform almost always has a SIM or APN problem.
What the SIM and APN do
The SIM gets the tracker onto a mobile network. The APN (access point name) tells the tracker how to connect to that network’s data service, so it can send data to the internet.
A tracker can have a perfectly good SIM, full signal, and still send no data if the APN is wrong.
Check the SIM first
- Is it in properly? Check orientation and that it is fully seated.
- Is it the right size? Adapters can slip.
- Is it active? New SIMs need activating. Old SIMs can be deactivated if unused.
- Does it have data? Pay as you go SIMs run out. Contract SIMs can be capped.
- Is there a PIN? Trackers cannot enter a SIM PIN. Put the SIM in a phone, turn off the PIN, then put it back.
- Does it support the right network? 3G is now off in the UK. A SIM or tracker relying on 3G will not connect. See our guide to the 2G and 3G switch-off.
Then check the APN
Get the right APN
Every SIM provider has its own APN. M2M and IoT SIM providers often use their own custom APNs. Some also need a username and password.
Get the exact APN from your SIM provider. Do not guess based on the network the SIM uses. An MVNO or IoT SIM on a big network often has a completely different APN.
Set it on the tracker
Most trackers let you set the APN through their configuration tool or by SMS. Formats vary by brand. Examples:
- Teltonika: in the Configurator, or by SMS with parameter commands. Our guide to GPS trackers not responding to SMS commands explains the format.
- Concox and Jimi: often
APN,yourapn#by SMS. - Coban: often
apn123456 yourapn, using the device password. See our Coban tracker offline guide.
Always check the manual for your exact model and firmware.
Check for typos
APNs are case sensitive on some networks. One wrong character means no data. Re-check carefully.
Then check the server
Once data works, the tracker needs to know where to send it. The server address and port must match your platform. A tracker moved from another platform, or reset to factory settings, often has the wrong one.
Signs it is the SIM, not the tracker
- The tracker does not reply to SMS. Usually SIM, network or power.
- The tracker replies to SMS but stays offline. Usually APN or server.
Single network vs roaming SIMs
A single network SIM is only as good as that network’s coverage. If vehicles travel through areas where it is weak, they drop offline. Multi network roaming SIMs designed for devices can switch to the strongest network, which means fewer gaps.
Managed SIMs remove the headache
Tracking down APNs and topping up SIMs for every tracker wastes hours. Traknova supplies hardware with managed SIMs already configured, so trackers come online when fitted and you can see connection status for every device on one dashboard.
See our GPS tracking page, or our wider guide to GPS trackers offline and not connecting.
Summary
Check the SIM is active, has data and has no PIN. Then set the exact APN from your provider. Then check the server. That gets most trackers online.