Slow speeds usually come down to network type, location, or device settings. Here's how to diagnose.
Check which network you're on
In your phone's status bar, look for the network indicator next to the signal bars: 5G, 5G+, LTE, 4G. 5G is significantly faster than LTE in supported areas.
Enable 5G if it's off
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → travel eSIM → Voice & Data → 5G On (or 5G Auto).
- Android (Pixel): Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → eSIM → Preferred network type → 5G/LTE/3G/2G.
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode → 5G/LTE/3G/2G.
What speeds to expect
- 5G in a major city — 100 to 400+ Mbps.
- LTE in a city — 30 to 80 Mbps.
- LTE in suburbs or rural — 10 to 30 Mbps.
- Slower than that — likely a coverage gap, not the eSIM.
Still slow?
- Try a network manual selection: Settings → Cellular → Network Selection → pick a different operator.
- Make sure VPN is off — it can dramatically reduce throughput.
- Check for an iOS or Android update — carrier settings updates ship in OS updates.