Why Is Your Cellular/Mobile Data So Slow?

Many people find their phone connections are not as fast as they would like. A slow internet connection results in the most frustrating experience that no one ever wants to experience, whether studying, working, or browsing the internet for entertainment. This can be due to several apps running in the background, network congestion, or your network settings needing to be updated. Regardless of the reason, users are always looking for ways to speed up their internet connection so they can use the internet on their phones in full swing.

This article looks deeper into different ways of speeding up the internet connection on Android and iPhones. Also, it highlights the reasons that cause the slowdown of internet connection. So, let’s begin with it.

Recommendation

Even though you have unlimited data or an internet plan, ISP throttling causes network congestion. You might suddenly get slow speed or face a particular time frame. You can avoid throttling by using the fastest VPN provider like CyberGhost or NordVPN.

You can easily change your IP using the fastest VPN and get around the ISP throttling filter.

Overview of the Problem: Why is My Internet So Slow?

People rely on their mobile devices for various tasks throughout the day. From checking email and social media to streaming music and movies, our phones and tablets have become essential in their lives. So when the internet connection starts running slowly, it can be extremely frustrating.

There are several reasons why your mobile internet connection might be running slow. Below is an insight into the most common reasons for slow internet, so have a look at them:

Network Congestion: Cellular and Wi-Fi connection speeds are faster if few people are connected. The network connection speed will decrease automatically if too many devices take up the bandwidth.
ISP Throttling: Sometimes, the ISP intentionally slows down the internet connection, especially when you perform heavy bandwidth activities like gaming or streaming.
Poor Network Connection: If you use a public Wi-Fi network, there are high chances of slow connection speed because other people compete for the bandwidth.
Too Many Apps Running In The Background: The fastest data plan won’t provide you with the desired speeds if too many apps run in the background. If your connection is slow, then this might be a possible reason.
Your Caches Are Full: Since the browser stores data in a cache, it helps quickly load websites, but a browser full of cache can also slow down your phone.

Besides this, if you are facing connection or speed glitches, it’s likely because of the network carrier outrages. Check the network provider websites to confirm and look for measures to fix the issue.

How To Speed Up Your Internet? Quick Fixes for Slow Connections

If your Android or iPhone is running slow, there are a few quick fixes you can try to speed things up. The following session covers the best way to resolve this issue and get maximum speeds while surfing the internet:

Use Data Compression Software

If you’re looking for a quick fix to speed up your internet on Android and iPhone, one of the best things you can do is use data compression software. This software can help reduce the amount of data transmitted over your connection, leading to a faster overall connection. A few different data compression software programs are available, so be sure to research to find the one that’s right for you. Once you’ve installed the software, enable it and let it do its job, and you will see an immediate difference in your connection speed.

Update Network Drivers

One of the most common causes of slow internet speeds on mobile devices is outdated network drivers. To ensure that your device is taking advantage of all the latest improvements in connectivity, it’s important to keep your network drivers up to date.

There are a few different ways to update your network drivers. Using a Windows PC; you can use the Device Manager to check for and install updates. You can go to Settings > General > Software Update on iPhone or iPad to check for and install updates.

Once you’ve updated your network drivers, you can witness a significant improvement in your internet speed.

Change DNS Settings

If you’re using a public Wi-Fi network, there’s a chance that the DNS settings are not optimal for your connection. You can change your DNS settings to a more reliable server to see if that speeds up your connection.

To change your DNS settings on an Android device, go to Settings > Wireless & Networks > Advanced > Wi-Fi Settings. Tap on the network you’re connected to and select “Modify Network.” Change the “IP Settings” from “DHCP” to “Static” and enter the following DNS servers:

8.8.4.4
8.8.8.8
2001:4860:4860::8888
2001:4860:4860::8844

On an iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap on the network you’re connected to. Select “Configure DNS” and choose “Manual.” Enter the following DNS servers:

8.8.4.4 
8.8.8.8

You can also use a free DNS service like OpenDNS or Google Public DNS. To learn more about changing your DNS settings, check out this support article from Google.

Boost Wi-Fi Signal Strength

By improving the Wi-Fi signal strength, you can speed up your internet connection on your mobile device. There are a few different ways to do this, and one way is to move closer to the router or modem. If that’s not possible or practical, you can try repositioning the router or modem to have a clear line of sight to your device. Additionally, you can try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network if one is available.

If you’re still having trouble with a weak Wi-Fi signal, you can use a Wi-Fi extender, amplifying the signal and extending the network’s range. Another option is to use a powerline adapter, which uses your home’s electrical wiring to create an Ethernet connection.

Both of these solutions will require some additional hardware, but they’re both relatively inexpensive and easy to set up. If you’re still having trouble after trying all these methods, you may need to contact your ISP for help troubleshooting the issue.

Rebalance Network Usage

If your internet connection feels slow on your Android or iPhone, you can rebalance your network usage. This means distributing the workload more evenly between your devices. For example, if you’re streaming video on your phone while also downloading files on your laptop, that’s putting a lot of strain on your network. Try turning off the video stream and seeing if that speeds up your download. However, you’re still having trouble; there might be an issue with your ISP or router. Contact customer support for help troubleshooting the problem.

Reduce Background Services

If you want to speed up your internet on Android or iPhone, you can reduce the number of background services running on your device. They can include anything from email and social media updates to weather and news alerts. While some of these services are useful, they can also use up much of your data and battery life. So if you’re noticing that your internet is running slowly, it’s worth considering which background services are active on your device and turn off any that you don’t really need.

Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh to do this on an iPhone. Here you’ll see a list of all the apps allowed to refresh in the background. You can toggle individual apps off or switch off background refreshing altogether.

On Android, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special app access > Background restrictions. Again, you can toggle individual apps off or restrict background activities for all apps.

By reducing the number of background services running on your device, you should see a noticeable improvement in your internet speed.

How To Prevent Bandwidth Throttling?

Bandwidth throttling also slows down your internet connection. But if you’re not sure whether or not bandwidth throttling is the cause of your slow internet speeds, there are a few ways to check. One way is to use an internet speed test site like Speedtest.net. If the results show that your download and upload speeds are significantly lower than what you’re paying for, you’re likely being throttled. Another way to check is to look at your bill from your ISP. If they list “data cap” or “bandwidth limit” next to your monthly charges, that’s another sign that you’re being throttled.

If you suspect you are being throttled, contact customer support for your ISP and ask them about it. If they confirm that you are indeed being throttled, consider switching to a different ISP or upgrading your service tier. Using a VPN is also a good idea to prevent bandwidth throttling. A VPN by hiding your IP address and changing your geolocation ensures fast connection speed and maximizes your security levels.

Advanced Solutions for Speeding Up Your Connection

If you’re struggling with a slow internet connection on your Android or iPhone, there are a few things you can do to try and speed it up. Here are some advanced solutions for speeding up your connection:

Use a different DNS server: If your current DNS server is slow or unreliable, switch to a different one. Many public DNS servers are available, such as Google Public DNS and Cloudflare DNS.
Use a VPN: A VPN can encrypt your traffic and route it through a faster server, potentially increasing your connection speed. Be sure to choose a reputable VPN service with fast servers.
Use an app like Speedtest by Ookla: This app will test your current connection speed and help troubleshoot any issues causing slow speeds.
Check for malware: Malware can sometimes cause slowdown issues by injecting ads or redirecting traffic. Run a scan with a trusted security app to check for malicious software on your device.
Install an Ad Blocker: Seeing too many pop-up ads also slows down the internet speed. Ensure you install a reliable ad blocker and stop intrusive ads from spoiling and slowing down your browsing experience.

You can also follow these security measures to increase your connection speeds.

Additional Tips To Speed Up Your Internet Connection on Android and iPhone

Besides the above-mentioned advanced methods, simple and easy tips might help improve your smartphone’s connection speed. Here’s a look at them:

Restarting your phone can also give a boost to slow connection speeds.
As the phone is being used up so, the cache memories get filled up automatically and slow it down. Clearing the browsing caches helps speed up the internet and browsing experience.
Resetting your network setting helps return your phone’s internet configuration to default and allows the 4G and 5G connection to be faster on iPhone and Android devices.
You can even download apps on your Android or iPhone that helps in boosting internet speed.
Select the latest preferred network type from the cellular network setting options and enjoy maximum speed.
You can enable the text mode while you’re doing a search, and it doesn’t require you to see pictures. This way, you can increase the speed at which the website downloads.
When other devices are connected to your phone’s hotspot so, the more devices are connected, the poorer speed you get. Disconnect the devices from your hotspot when they’re not in use.
Automatic downloads and updates also impact your connection speed. Disable this feature for music, books, podcasts, or photos.
If your phone is running on an older version, then it’s likely the reason why you might experience slow speeds. Ensure to update your device OS to the latest version soon as it’s released.

By following these additional tips and tricks, you can enjoy fast internet speed on Android and iPhone.

Final Thoughts

A slow internet connection can be a nuisance, but luckily there are simple steps to speed up your internet on Android and iPhone devices. Changing the DNS settings to reset the network connections and closing the background services to boost the Wi-Fi signal strengths help improve the connection speeds without purchasing more expensive equipment or new plans. Keep in mind that if none of these tips work, then chances are your ISP is throttling your connection, and the best way to get around the issue is to use a legitimate VPN provider.

FAQs

How do I fix a slow internet connection on mobile phones?

There are various ways to fix a slow internet connection. You can try restarting your device. If that doesn’t help, try closing all open apps and resetting your network connection. You can also clean your browser cache or delete unused files and apps, and if all else fails, you can factory reset your device.

Why might you face slow internet speed on Android or iPhone?

It could be an issue with your carrier, a problem with your phone or tablet, or even something as simple as too many devices connected to your Wi-Fi network. Besides this, sometimes, too many apps running in the background or ISP throttling is a prime reason you experience slow internet speed on your cell phones.

How to confirm that your internet speeds are slower than the regular internet speed?

You can always run a speed test by visiting speedtest.net or fast.com and have a real-time analysis of your internet speed. Conduct the test twice daily for a couple of days and then compare the results. If you are getting lower speeds than what was promised by the ISP, then you can contact the service provider to resolve the issue. In addition, you can also check the network outages before drawing any conclusion.

Can disabling the Wi-Fi Assist feature help in boosting the internet speed?

Wi-Fi Assist is a feature on iOS devices that automatically switches to cellular data when it detects a weak Wi-Fi signal. However, this can sometimes lead to slower speeds if you’re not in an area with strong cellular coverage, so it’s better to disable this feature. To turn off Wi-Fi Assist, go to Settings > Cellular and scroll down to the bottom of the page where it says “Wi-Fi Assist.” Toggle the switch off and see how it improves your speed.