eSIM Internet Too Slow? Here's How to Speed It Up
Slow eSIM speeds are usually fixable. Check your APN, network mode, and roaming settings — most speed issues are resolved in under two minutes.
If your eSIM is connected but internet is noticeably slow, the cause is almost always one of a handful of settings issues — not a fault with the eSIM itself.
Step 1: Check which network you're on
Look at the status bar icon. If it shows 'E', 'EDGE', 'H', or '3G', your phone has connected to an older, slower network. This can happen when 4G/5G is available but your phone hasn't latched onto it yet. Toggle airplane mode off and on — your phone will rescan for the best available network.
Step 2: Set network mode to 4G/LTE
iPhone
Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Voice & Data → select LTE or 4G. Avoid 5G Auto if coverage is spotty — it can cause the phone to disconnect while hunting for a 5G signal.
Samsung Galaxy
Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode → LTE/4G (or LTE/3G/2G auto). Deselect 5G if speeds are poor.
Google Pixel
Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → your eSIM → Preferred network type → LTE (recommended) or LTE/3G/2G.
Step 3: Verify APN settings
A missing or incorrect APN (Access Point Name) can cause slow or no data even when you're connected. Vyroam plans set this automatically, but it's worth checking:
- 1iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → APN Settings. There should be a value in the APN field.
- 2Android: Settings → Connections / Network & internet → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names. Confirm an APN entry exists for the active eSIM.
- 3If the APN field is blank, contact Vyroam support for the correct setting.
Step 4: Disable Data Saver mode
Data Saver on Android limits background data and can throttle active connections. Disable it while travelling:
- 1Samsung: Settings → Connections → Data Usage → Data Saver → Off
- 2Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → Data Saver → Off
Step 5: Stop background apps consuming data
If other apps are downloading updates or syncing in the background, your browsing will feel slow even with a good connection. Restrict background data temporarily:
- 1iPhone: Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Off (or Wi-Fi Only)
- 2Android: Settings → Connections → Data Usage → Mobile Data Usage → tap each high-usage app → Restrict background data
Location matters most
In rural areas, tunnels, basements, and dense urban canyons, slow speeds are often just poor local coverage — not a settings issue. Check speed again once you're outdoors in an open area.
Need help with your plan?
Contact Vyroam support or browse plans with 4G/5G coverage for your destination.