iOS: Installing carrier settings updates

Carrier settings updates are small files (about 10 kb) that are installed on your iPhone or iPad Wi-Fi + 3G. Carrier settings include updates to Access Point Names (APNs), MMS settings, features such as tethering, and default apps such as Stocks, Maps, and Weather. You might receive notifications periodically about installing a carrier settings update.

Follow these instructions to install carrier settings updates for your iPhone or iPad running iOS 4 or later:

1. Make sure your device has a valid connection to the Internet.
2. Tap Settings > General > About. If an update is available, a prompt will appear.

If your iPhone or iPad has a version of iOS earlier than iOS 4, follow these instructions:

1. Make sure you have a working Internet connection on your computer.
2. Download and install the latest version of iTunes.
3. Connect the iOS device to your computer and open iTunes.
4. Select the device on the left side of the iTunes window and click Check for Updates. If a carrier settings update is available, iTunes displays a prompt.
5. Restart your device.

Note: Occasionally a carrier may release a mandatory update. This type of update will display only an OK button instead of an Update button, to let you know that the update was downloaded and installed.

If you need to know the version of the carrier settings your device has, tap Settings > General > About and look next to "Carrier".