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Active network

Displays the name of the cellular network your phone is using.

Data connection

Turns your cellular data connection off and on. You might turn off your connection for different reasons—for example, to reduce your data usage if you're not on an unlimited data plan, or to make your battery last a little longer.

If your connection is turned off, you can still make and receive phone calls and send and receive text messages. But you can't do things like browse the web, search online, receive or send email, or get updated info for apps unless you're connected to a Wi-Fi network.

For limited Wi-Fi connectivity

Determines if your phone will use cellular data instead of Wi-Fi when it's connected to a Wi-Fi network with limited connectivity—for example, when your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network but can’t connect to the Internet with that connection.

• Use cellular data. If Wi-Fi connectivity is limited, your phone will use cellular data, and you can continue to do things on your phone that require an Internet connection. This will use your data plan and may incur charges.
• Don't use cellular data. Your cellular data won't be used if Wi-Fi connectivity is limited. When this happens, you won't be able to do things on your phone that use the Internet.

To have this setting, your phone must be running the latest version of the Windows Phone software (OS version 8.0.10211.204). See How do I update my phone software? for more information about how to update your phone.

Data roaming options

Determines if your data connection stays on when the phone is outside your mobile operator's network. Setting it to Don't roam can help prevent data roaming charges.

Mode selection

Determines which kind of cellular network your phone uses. The kinds of networks your phone can connect to depend on your phone model and mobile operator.

Highest connection speed

Determines the highest connection speed your phone can use. If you choose the highest one, your phone will use that cellular connection when it's available. But if there's a lower signal strength for that faster network in your area, searching for or trying to stay connected to it can take extra battery power.

When you choose a lower connection speed, your phone can connect to a slower cellular network that may have a stronger signal. This can also save battery power.

Network type

Determines how your phone tries to connect if your home network isn't available.

• Automatic. Default setting. Your phone tries to connect to the best cellular network. If your home network isn't available, your phone tries to connect to another available network.
• Home network only. Your phone connects only to your home cellular network. This prevents your phone from roaming when your home network isn't available.

Network selection

Lets you view a list of available networks in your current area, and then try to connect to one. The default setting is Automatic.

If you turn on your phone and see a message that the selected network isn't available, you can select another network here.

Add Internet APN

The Internet access point name (APN) is the address your phone uses to connect to the Internet. By default, the Internet APN is set automatically when your phone is first set up.

If your cellular data connection isn't working, try entering a new Internet APN based on your location and mobile operator. If you can connect to a Wi-Fi network on your phone or you're near your computer, try searching online to find the Internet APN settings for your mobile operator.

Add MMS APN

The MMS access point name (APN) is the address your phone uses to send and receive MMS messages. The MMS APN is also set automatically when your phone is first set up.

If you can't send or receive MMS messages, try entering a new MMS APN based on your location and mobile operator. On your phone or computer, try searching online to find the MMS APN settings for your mobile operator.