Slow Data Speeds
Optimize your eSIM connection for maximum performance and faster internet speeds
Experiencing Slow Speeds?
Slow data speeds can be frustrating, but most speed issues have simple solutions. Follow our optimization guide to maximize your eSIM performance and get the speeds you're paying for.
Test Your Current Speed
Before optimizing, measure your current connection speed to establish a baseline.
Run tests on both Wi-Fi and eSIM to compare speedsOptimization Guide
Quick Speed Fixes
Instant Solutions
- Restart Device: Simple reboot can clear network congestion
- Toggle Airplane Mode: On for 30 seconds, then off
- Switch Network Type: Try 4G instead of 5G or vice versa
- Change Location: Move to area with better signal
- Close Apps: Stop bandwidth-heavy applications
5-Minute Fixes
- Clear Cache: Clear browser and app caches
- Update Apps: Ensure latest versions installed
- Check Data Usage: Verify you haven't exceeded limits
- Reset Network Settings: Refresh network configuration
- Test Different Times: Avoid peak usage hours
Network Optimization
Signal Strength Optimization
Signal Indicators
Signal Bars | Quality | Expected Speed |
---|---|---|
4-5 bars | Excellent | Full speed |
2-3 bars | Good | 75% speed |
1 bar | Poor | 25% speed |
Signal Improvement Tips
- Move closer to windows or outdoors
- Avoid basements and enclosed areas
- Stay away from interference sources
- Try different parts of your location
- Use Wi-Fi calling when available
Network Selection
Automatic vs Manual:
- Automatic: Device chooses best network
- Manual: You select specific carrier
To Change (iPhone):
Settings > Cellular > Network Selection
To Change (Android):
Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Operators
Network Technology
Speed Comparison:
- 5G: Up to 1+ Gbps (newest areas)
- 4G LTE: 20-100 Mbps (widely available)
- 3G: 1-10 Mbps (backup option)
Device Settings Optimization
iPhone Optimization
Key Settings to Check:
- Low Data Mode: Turn OFF for maximum speed
Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options - 5G Settings: Choose "5G On" or "5G Auto"
Settings > Cellular > Voice & Data - Wi-Fi Assist: Enable for seamless switching
Settings > Cellular (scroll down) - Background App Refresh: Optimize per app
Settings > General > Background App Refresh
Android Optimization
Performance Settings:
- Data Saver: Turn OFF for full speed
Settings > Data Usage > Data Saver - Preferred Network: Set to "5G/4G/3G Auto"
Settings > Mobile Networks - Adaptive Connectivity: Enable if available
Settings > Network & Internet - Developer Options: "Mobile data always active"
Developer Options (if enabled)
Settings That Slow You Down
Speed Limiters:
- Low Data Mode (iPhone)
- Data Saver (Android)
- Battery Saver Mode
- VPN connections
- Ad blockers (some)
Bandwidth Hogs:
- Cloud backup services
- Video streaming in background
- Large app updates
- File syncing services
- Multiple video calls
Background App Management
Identify Bandwidth-Heavy Apps
iPhone Data Usage Check
- Settings > Cellular
- Scroll down to see app usage
- Review data consumption per app
- Disable cellular for heavy users
- Reset statistics to track current usage
Android Data Usage Check
- Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage
- Tap "Mobile data usage"
- Review app data consumption
- Restrict background data for heavy apps
- Set data limits if needed
Apps to Restrict
- • Video streaming (Netflix, YouTube)
- • Social media with auto-play
- • Cloud storage sync
- • Music streaming
- • News apps with video
Pause When Needed
- • App updates
- • System backups
- • Photo uploads
- • File downloads
- • Game updates
Optimize Settings
- • Set video quality to 720p
- • Disable auto-play videos
- • Use Wi-Fi for large downloads
- • Schedule backups for Wi-Fi
- • Enable data compression
Advanced Speed Optimization
Fast DNS Servers:
- Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1
- Google: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
- Quad9: 9.9.9.9, 149.112.112.112
To Change DNS (iPhone):
Settings > Wi-Fi > (i) > Configure DNS > Manual
To Change DNS (Android):
Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS
APN Settings for Speed:
- APN Type: Ensure "default,supl" is included
- APN Protocol: IPv4/IPv6 (dual stack)
- Bearer: LTE (for 4G) or NR (for 5G)
- MTU Size: Try 1440 or 1500
Enable Carrier Aggregation:
Carrier Aggregation combines multiple frequency bands for higher speeds.
- iPhone: Usually enabled automatically
- Android: Settings > Mobile Networks > Advanced
- Look for "Enhanced 4G LTE" or "VoLTE" options
- Enable "LTE Carrier Aggregation" if available
Speed Expectations & Benchmarks
Network Type | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Typical Use |
---|---|---|---|
5G mmWave | 1-10 Gbps | 100-1000 Mbps | Ultra-fast everything |
5G Sub-6 | 100-1000 Mbps | 50-100 Mbps | 4K streaming, gaming |
4G LTE Advanced | 50-300 Mbps | 25-75 Mbps | HD streaming, video calls |
4G LTE | 20-100 Mbps | 10-50 Mbps | General browsing, streaming |
3G HSPA+ | 5-42 Mbps | 2-11 Mbps | Basic browsing, email |
Speed Factors
- Time of Day: Peak hours (7-9 PM) slower
- Location: Urban vs rural coverage
- Weather: Rain can affect signals
- Network Load: Congestion in busy areas
- Device Age: Newer devices support faster speeds
- Plan Throttling: Speed caps after data limits
Realistic Speed Expectations
Excellent Performance
- 50+ Mbps download
- 10+ Mbps upload
- Low latency (<50ms)
- Consistent performance
Good Performance
- 20-50 Mbps download
- 5-10 Mbps upload
- Moderate latency (50-100ms)
- Occasional slowdowns
Needs Improvement
- <10 Mbps download
- <2 Mbps upload
- High latency (>100ms)
- Frequent interruptions
Speed Troubleshooting Checklist
Systematic Troubleshooting Approach
Diagnosis Steps
- Baseline Test: Test speed on Wi-Fi first
- eSIM Test: Switch to eSIM and test again
- Signal Check: Verify 3+ bars signal strength
- Network Type: Confirm 4G/5G connection
- Location Test: Try different locations
- Time Test: Test at off-peak hours
- App Test: Close all background apps
- Restart Test: Reboot and test again
Resolution Checklist
Speed Monitoring Tools
Mobile Apps
by Ookla
Free
by Netflix
Free
Coverage + Speed
Free
Technical Details
Pro
What to Monitor
- Download Speed: Most important for browsing
- Upload Speed: Important for video calls
- Ping/Latency: Critical for gaming
- Jitter: Stability of connection
- Packet Loss: Connection reliability
Speed Test Best Practices
Do This
- Close all other apps before testing
- Test multiple times and average results
- Test at different times of day
- Test from different locations
- Use multiple speed test services
- Record signal strength during tests
Avoid This
- Testing with other apps running
- Testing only once and assuming that's normal
- Testing only during peak hours
- Testing from poor signal areas only
- Comparing different carriers unfairly
- Ignoring network congestion factors
Still Experiencing Slow Speeds?
When to Contact Support
If you've tried all optimization steps and still experience consistently slow speeds, it may be time to contact support.
Contact Support If:
- Speeds are consistently under 5 Mbps with good signal
- Speeds are significantly slower than advertised
- You've tried all troubleshooting steps
- Issue persists across multiple devices
- Problem occurs in areas with known good coverage
Information to Provide:
- Speed test results (multiple tests)
- Signal strength during tests
- Device model and OS version
- Time and location of tests
- Troubleshooting steps attempted
Related Articles
Connection Issues
Solve general eSIM connectivity problems
Network Coverage
Understanding network coverage and quality
Data Management
Optimize data usage and monitor consumption