One of the questions that come up a lot when people purchase a new phone is “Why is my mobile data so slow?”
It’s a question that naturally arises from the frustration of paying for a new phone that supposedly will give you blazing speed, only to find that it’s not meeting your expectations.
But if this is a problem that’s affecting you, don’t worry because we’ll give you some pointers on why this might be happening, and what you can do to make things better.
Common Reasons For Slow Mobile Internet
- Phone is working too hard / too many apps running
- Phone is old or damaged
- Phone data plan does not match phone abilities
- Internal modem is poor quality
- Location outside of high speed coverage area
- Interference from technology, machinery, or environment (using in densely populated areas, blocked by new buildings, new high rises, tunnels, etc.)
- Weak signal strength
How to Boost Your Mobile Internet on Data
1. Check what apps are running and using bandwidth
The most common reason you might be experiencing slow Internet speed starts with the phone itself. The first thing to think about is how many apps are running on your phone simultaneously, and how many of them are connecting to the Internet to upload or download data.
Some of the apps you’re running might really need to have that access and you probably want them to have it. But there are often certain apps that are making data connections just to deliver advertising to you or upload information about your browsing habits. You’ll probably be less keen on those having access.
If you have an Android phone, you can find out exactly which apps are using up your data bandwidth by going to Settings → Connections → Mobile Data Usage.
If you see apps on the list that really don’t need to be running or connecting to data, then you can go to Settings → Apps, then select the app you want to restrict. Select the “Mobile Data & WiFi” option and then find “Background Data” and set the toggle to off.
For the iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular to see which apps are hogging bandwidth. Then you can go to “Cellular Data” to turn off access for specific apps.
2. Check if you have data roaming enabled
After COVID ends more and more people wants to go abroad and keep connected whilst roaming abroad. Regardless of that, enabling data roaming can help give you a speed boost by connecting you to the strongest connection in range instead of seeking out your own carrier’s infrastructure exclusively.
For Android phones you could have to go to Settings → Network & Internet → Internet → Settings → Roaming. Note that there are so many different variations of Android (and manufacturers often try to impose their own style on each one) that you may need to adjust these instructions slightly.
The iPhone is simpler, because there’s only one way to do anything. To switch roaming on or off, you would go to Settings → Cellular Data → Cellular Data Options → Roaming On/Off.
Be aware that if you travel outside of EU & UK roaming can costs significantly more as roaming in certain locations can be expensive. Luckily with Melita affordable roaming options are available in 60 countries so you can keep yourself connected even travelling to different places than the EU & UK. Some postpaid packages like Endless JetSet also offer non-EU roaming bundle every month so if you frequently travel to any of the 60 countries in Zone 6 & 7 you can keep yourself connected with no additional cost.
3. Check you have the correct network option selected
While new phones will generally have 4G (LTE) or 5G available, these networks are not always enabled by default. You may need to go into the settings and enable the fastest connection type your phone can handle. Not only that, but you may have bought a 5G phone but then you didn’t buy a 5G data plan. In that case, your phone is only going to connect at 4G speeds even though it’s capable of operating at 5G speeds.
If you’re in an area where there is no 5G coverage available, your phone will only connect at 4G speed, but it should detect when you move into 5G range and automatically switch over to the faster connection.
On most Android phones, you can find the setting under Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Mode, and then select “5G/4G (LTE)/3G/2G”. This will ensure your phone always tries to connect to 5G first.
For iPhones, the setting will be under Settings → Cellular Data Options → Enable LTE → Voice & Data.
One last thing to note is that it’s important not to get confused between 5G cellular data and 5GHz WiFi. They’re very different technologies.
Last, but not least if something seems to be stuck, it is always the best idea to simply reboot your phone. By simply turning off and on can fix some annoying connectivity issues that would otherwise would ruin your day.
How to Boost Your Mobile Internet of Wi-Fi
Mobile data is something you’ll normally only want to access when there’s no private WiFi connection available. If you’re experiencing problems with WiFi, there are many possible causes.
Some phones don’t have very good modems installed by default. If you suspect your phone is one of them, it might be time to upgrade. One of the best recent phone series for excellent WiFi connections is the Samsung S22/Plus/Ultra series.
Other things that will have an impact on WiFi connection speed include how close you are to the router and at what angle, how many other devices are connected to the same router simultaneously, and whether there are any devices or machinery in the nearby area that could be causing interference with the signal.
If the problem is occurring in your own home or place of business, you can possibly improve the signal strength by installing WiFi extenders such as network switches and hubs.
Boost Your Internet Speed With Melita’s Mobile Data Plans
If you’re wondering why your data is so slow, often the main culprit is having the wrong mobile data plan. Restricted speeds can result in slower internet speed on your phone, worse experience, lower resolution, more lags and longer waiting times to get whatever you would like to see, hear or read. You can avoid that problem by checking in with Melita to find the best option to suit your needs. Luckily full speed unlimited data is easily available as low as €15.99 with nationwide 5G available for Endless postpaid plan customers.
Melita’s goal is to help you always get the best value for your phone and your Internet needs. Part of that service is helping you match your data plan to get the best out of your phone’s abilities and your own use.
Melita postpaid mobile plans
Postpaid plans give you the advantage of a consistent monthly expense where you don’t need to remember to top up your credit.
You will find plans from Melita to suit your needs and budget. To get the very best value, consider one of our Endless Mobile plans. These plans offer many benefits, and those benefits grow when you combine multiple phones under a single package. For families and businesses, this can add up to big savings.
Melita prepaid mobile plans
When youprefer to pay when you would like to rather than to pay regularly every month and don’t need 5G speeds, prepaid plans offer flexibility. With prepaid, you can top up your credit when you need to, and bundles start from as low as €5 per month, most of them including not only mobile data but MelitaWiFi too that you are able to use at more than 80.000 Hotspots all over Malta and Gozo!.
Contact us if you need more information
We hope you found this information helpful, but if you want to find out more about upgrading your phone or changing your mobile phone plan, you can get in touch easily by visiting https://www.melita.com/contact-us/ (scroll to the bottom of the page to find a live chat window, or contact us on Facebook Messenger.)
