About APN and Cellular profile payloads in Apple Configurator 2.1

Learn about the differences in how Apple Configurator 2.1 handles APN and Cellular payloads.

Apple Configurator 2.1 uses the Cellular payload (introduced in iOS 7) to define APN settings instead of the older APN payload used in Apple Configurator 2.0 and earlier.

You can use Apple Configurator 2.1 to install profiles with either payload, but you should avoid editing a profile that contains an APN payload with Apple Configurator 2.1.

If you edit a profile that contains an APN payload with Apple Configurator 2.1, it's converted to use the newer Cellular payload – but the payload data will not be formatted properly. To use the new payload, delete the converted Cellular payload then add a new Cellular payload:

1. Choose Data APN from the Configured APN Type menu.

2. Enter the APN name.

3. If you're using PAP authentication, choose PAP from the Data Authentication Type menu. If you're using CHAP authentication, first choose PAP from the menu, then select CHAP.

4. Enter the User Name and password for the APN.

5. Optionally, enter your Proxy Server address and port.

6. Be sure to tab out of the last text field, then save your profile.