VZWAPNService

A Verizon service that applies Verizon's data connection settings (APNs) on phones used on a Verizon line. You can disable it, with a caveat: read what stops working first.

What it does

VZWAPNService is a background service that Verizon supplies to phone makers; it has been seen on Motorola phones. It appears next to Verizon's APN library (com.vzw.apnlib), and its name points to the job of putting Verizon's access point names in place when a Verizon SIM is inserted, so mobile data, picture messages and the hotspot reach the right Verizon gateways. It has no icon and is idle with other carriers.

If you disable it

On a Verizon line, mobile data, picture messages or the hotspot may fail to connect if the APN settings are not restored. With another carrier's SIM, nothing you will notice.

How to disable it

On most phones Settings greys out Disable for this package, so ADB is the way to turn it off. The commands below work without root and can be undone.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.vzw.apnservice

adb shell pm enable com.vzw.apnservice

The stronger option removes it for your user only; the original copy stays on the phone and a factory reset brings it back. Prefer disabling: it is easier to undo.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.vzw.apnservice

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.vzw.apnservice

New to ADB? Set it up in about ten minutes.

Data and battery

Reads and writes the phone's APN settings for a Verizon SIM; Verizon has not documented it further.

Where it appears

• Made by Verizon.
• Android versions: 14.
• Seen on: Motorola ThinkPhone.