Android APN Backup

APN

An APN determines how an Android device connects to a data network. Each type of connection uses a different APN. Android devices that are manufactured for specific networks come with pre-installed APN files, allowing the device to properly connect to its service provider's data network. Without an APN file, Internet connectivity, MMS messaging and other actions that require data transfer can be negatively affected. For example, if you were trying to send an MMS message, the Android device would search for an APN file associated with the task and be unable to connect to the network, preventing it from completing the command.

APN Backup

The Android Market offers multiple applications, including APN Backup & Restore, APN Manager and Apn Global, that can backup your Android device's APN files and restore them if necessary. Copies of your Android device’s APN files, located in the internal memory, are saved to the SD card, where they are protected if the smartphone's ROM is altered.

Use

Backing up APN files is important if you have a rooted Android device and are attempting to install a custom ROM. An Android ROM refers to the version of the operating system that is running on the smartphone. Rooting the device allows you to completely replace the original Android version with one designed by a third-party developer. During this process, essential components, such as APN files, may be deleted. Back up an APN file to the SD card prior to installing a custom ROM for speedy restoration of the file after the process is complete.

Acquisition

Download APN backup applications from the Android Market by tapping the 'Market' icon in the device's App Drawer, pressing the 'Search' key, typing in the name of the application, selecting it from the list of search results and selecting 'Download.' Confirm that APN files have been saved to the SD card by opening the native file managing application from the smartphone's App Drawer and navigating to the folder associated with the APN backup application you've downloaded from the Android Market.