Understanding travel SIM card expiry is crucial for maintaining connectivity during your international trips. Travel SIMs operate differently from regular monthly plans, with specific expiry conditions that can leave you without service unexpectedly. Whether you are using a traditional physical SIM or a modern eSIM, knowing when and why your service ends helps you stay […]
Experiencing slow eSIM data while traveling: How to fix
Slow eSIM data speeds can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to navigate new places, stay in touch with family, or share your travel experiences. The good news is that most slow data issues have identifiable causes and can be resolved with a few simple steps.
Let’s see why this problem happens in the first place and how to fix it. Here we list 9 common causes why eSIM data is slow while traveling and solutions for each.
In this article
1. Outdated devices and firmware
Why this happens: Old devices or outdated software may not support newer network technologies or have bugs that affect connection speed. Your device might be missing important updates that improve network performance.
How to fix:
- Update your device to the latest operating system version. Take the steps below:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Android: Go to Settings > System > System Update
- Make sure your carrier settings are updated by checking for carrier updates in your settings.
2. Network coverage issues
Why this happens: You might be in an area with weak signal strength, such as rural locations, basements, or buildings with thick walls. Poor coverage means slower speeds or no connection at all.
How to fix:
- Check your carrier’s coverage map to see if you are in a good coverage zone. If not, you should move to an area with better signal reception, preferably outdoors or near windows.
- Try switching between different network types (5G, 4G, 3G) as some may work better in your location:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data, then select 4G or 3G
- On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Preferred Network Type
- Try switching to manual network selection to choose the strongest available network.
3. Network congestion
Why this happens: It may be because there are too many people using the same cell tower at the same time, especially in busy tourist areas, airports, or during peak hours. This slows down the network for everyone.
How to fix:
- Connect to Wi-Fi when available to reduce pressure on the cellular network.
- Consider switching to a less crowded network if multiple carriers are available.
4. Incorrect APN settings
Why this happens: Your device might have wrong Access Point Name settings, which tell your phone how to connect to the internet through your carrier’s network. Without correct APN settings, your connection will be slow or won’t work.
How to fix: Contact eSIM provider to get the correct APN settings for your destination, then look them up in your eSIM setup instructions. Follow these steps to check your APN settings:
- On iOS: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network
- On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Access Point Names
5. eSIM profile problems
Why this happens: Your eSIM profile might be corrupted, not properly activated, or have installation errors that prevent it from connecting properly to the network.
How to fix: Make sure you follow the eSIM setup instructions exactly and have a stable internet connection during installation. Then, restart your device after installation. If the problems still persist, contact your eSIM provider for support.
6. ISP issues
Why this happens: Your internet service provider or the local carrier network might be experiencing technical problems, maintenance work, or outages that affect internet speeds for all users in the area.
How to fix:
- Check if other people in your area are experiencing similar issues. Then, try restarting your device or switching to a different network if available.
- Wait for the carrier to resolve the issue, or contact eSIM provider support to report the problem and check for known outages.
7. Data plan limitations
Why this happens: You may have used up your high-speed data allowance and your connection is now throttled to slower speeds. Some plans also have daily usage limits or fair usage policies that reduce speeds after certain amounts of data.
How to fix: Check your data usage in your device settings. If you have exceeded your limit, consider upgrading to a plan with more high-speed data.
Also, you should monitor your usage regularly and use Wi-Fi when possible to save cellular data.
8. Device compatibility issues
Why this happens: Your device might not support all the frequency bands used by local carriers in your destination country. This means you can only connect to slower networks or have limited network options.
How to fix:
- Check if your device is compatible with the local networks before traveling.
- Make sure your device software is up to date, as updates sometimes add support for new frequency bands.
9. Background app activity
Why this happens: Apps running in the background are constantly using your data connection for updates, syncing, and notifications. This consumes bandwidth and slows down your internet speed for other activities.
How to fix:
- Turn off background app refresh for apps you don’t need. Do these steps:
- On iOS: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps and disable background activity for specific apps
- Enable data-saving modes on your device to reduce unnecessary background activity:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Low Data Mode and turn it on
- On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver and turn it on
- Also, turn off automatic app updates and cloud syncing while using cellular data.
If you want to have stable and fast mobile data of eSIM when traveling, consider buying Gigago eSIM for your trip. We offer eSIM plans using services from top mobile network carriers in the world, ensuring smooth and high-speed connection throughout your trip.