A poor mobile data connection is typically the consequence of a basic issue that’s straightforward to remedy. However, it may also be a sign of mobile malware, which is a more significant issue. Learn how to fix poor mobile data and install Norton to keep your device safe from mobile threats.

Why is the internet so slow on my phone?

Your phone’s internet could be slow because of a weak connection, network congestion, ISP throttling, a full browser cache, inefficient network settings, apps operating in the background, or even a malware infestation. Learn how to troubleshoot and fix the issue to have your mobile data working at optimum speed.

1. A bad connection

Physical barriers like buildings or tunnels may be interfering with your connection if your signal connection indicator only displays a few bars or none at all. Alternatively, you can be too far from a cell tower, which is most prevalent in less populated areas or while camping.

Check your connection in your phone’s settings to see your precise signal strength, expressed in decibel-milliwatts (dBm) rather than a visible bar. Here’s how:

• Android: You should be able to locate your dBm under Network Type or SIM Status in the Network and Internet settings menu.
• iPhone: To find your dBm on an iOS device, activate Field Test Mode (FTM) by dialing *3001#12345#* and pushing the call button. When the FTM Dashboard opens, verify the value next to RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power).

Then, go to the dBm chart below to discover if you’re experiencing with connectivity troubles. Keep in mind these ranges change significantly depending on the phone and network provider.

2. Network congestion

The network may become congested and your internet connection may slow down if too many individuals connect to the same cell tower. People are more likely to rely on mobile data than Wi-Fi or wired networks during high usage periods, major public events, and natural catastrophes.

To control heavy traffic during these times, internet service providers (ISPs) may adopt bandwidth throttling – purposely slowing down internet connections.

3. ISP throttling

Internet service providers may also limit your mobile data connection if you’ve over your monthly data cap or are on a budget plan without priority speeds. You can see throttling even with an unlimited plan after you hit a threshold that serves as a “soft” data cap.

When this occurs, you’ll probably notice that websites take slower to load, videos begin to delay, and downloads take longer.

You can normally check your data limit, and how much of it you’ve used in the current billing cycle, under the cellular or mobile data sections of your phone’s settings.

4. Full browser cache

Browser caches store temporary files to make websites load faster when you revisit them. But when they’re full of outdated or superfluous data, it can cause websites to load old material, render wrongly, or take longer to load, resulting to a slower browser. An overflowing cache might also lead to overall slowdown, frequent crashes, and reduced storage space on your device.

5. Inefficient network configurations

Your network settings effect how your phone connects to and uses the internet. If they’re set up wrongly or unoptimized for your individual usage, they could contribute to connection troubles.

Here are a few instances of crucial network settings that could be slowing down your mobile data:

• Your ability to use the internet outside of your network’s service region, such as when you travel abroad, is impacted by data roaming. When you travel, your data could slow down owing to network compatibility variations or roaming agreement conditions.
• Access Point Names (APNs) give your phone instructions on how to connect to the network of your mobile carrier. Your phone may have trouble establishing a reliable connection if the APN is using the incorrect protocol or server address.
• Which cellular network generation your phone uses depends on the network mode settings. These technologies range from 2G, which is the oldest and works for basic speak and text, to 5G, which offers high-speed internet access. If your phone defaults to an outdated network mode, it could reduce your data rates, even if you have a strong signal.

6. Background apps

Certain apps continue to function even while you are not using them. They may do this to send you messages, scan for threats, sync data, or install updates. But if too many apps are functioning behind the scenes, they might deplete bandwidth and processing power, slowing down your mobile data.

How to speed up your mobile data

Reestablishing your internet connection, cleaning your cache, shutting down background programs, making sure your SIM card isn’t broken, improving your network and internet speeds, applying software updates, utilizing a VPN, and getting rid of any hidden malware are some ways to speed up your mobile data.

To troubleshoot a slow mobile data connection, follow these instructions.

1. Restart your phone

By deleting temporary files and restarting background processes, restarting your phone can fix any system issues causing your mobile data connection to lag. It can also fix connectivity issues by attaching your device to the nearest mobile tower.

2. Switch airplane mode on and off

Another technique to have your phone look for the strongest signal and re-establish a faster, fresher connection with the cell tower is to turn airplane mode on and off.

On iPhones, you can swipe down from the upper-right corner of your screen to access airplane mode in your Control Center, which is the menu that displays utilities. You can reach the airplane mode toggle on Android phones in the notification panel that displays when you slide down from the top of your screen.

3. Clear your browser cache

A full browser cache can increase the consequences of sluggish data and cause websites to load slowly or erroneously. By removing temporary files that are consuming space and system resources, clearing your cache forces the browser to retrieve current, fresh material from the web, which can speed up loading times and make browsing more enjoyable.

Here’s how to clear the cache on your phone:

• Android: Open Chrome > tap the three dots in the upper right corner > pick Delete browsing data > tap More options > select your options > hit Delete data.
• iPhone: Open Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data > select a timeframe to remove > hit Clear History.

4. Close background apps

While some apps need to run continually to function effectively, you can close useless apps to avoid them from running in the background and wasting your bandwidth. This facilitates the speedier and more seamless operation of the apps you’re now using by freeing up system and network resources.

On an Android or iPhone, you can close background apps by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and flicking the desired apps toward the top.

5. Assess your SIM card

If your SIM card is outdated or damaged, it could struggle to sustain a consistent signal which can lead to reduced speeds and connectivity issues. To determine if your SIM card is causing data slowdowns, you’ll need to take it out and inspect for signs of damage like scratches, cracks, or rust.

Look for a small rectangular SIM tray around the edge of your phone – there’s usually a tiny hole next to it. Insert a SIM ejector tool into the hole and press gently until the tray pops out so you can reach the SIM card.

6. Improve your mobile network

Check your settings to identify if you’re on an older network like 2G or 3G. You may experience increased latency or delays when browsing, streaming, or downloading since these networks have slower data transfer speeds. Switching to a faster network mode like 4G or 5G can increase speeds and eliminate buffering.

If you’re not sure which network you’re on, use these steps to figure it out:

• Android: Open Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network or SIM. Then, check for a label that says Preferred network type or Network mode. The network you’re on will be shown, and you can choose the quickest option supported by your carrier and phone.
• iPhone: Open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data. Here, you can select the highest-grade network your phone can connect to.

Disclaimer:

This information is only meant to be informative and educational. Depending on the network coverage, the condition of the device, the carrier’s policies, and the way you use it, internet speed and mobile data performance may change. The steps suggested are common ways to fix problems, but they don’t always work. When making changes to a network or system, users should follow the instructions given by the carrier and the device manufacturer.