Why your mobile data is so slow and how to fix it

A sluggish device isn't exactly unusable, but it's certainly not a pleasant experience, either. Every time you visit a new web page, it loads a few pieces at a time while your blood pressure creeps up. Or your videos start, freeze, then start again in quick bursts. And wherever you go, that glacial loading bar taunts you. 

At Asurion, we understand how frustrating it can feel when your trusty devices stop working correctly. Whether you're dealing with a slow hotspot or shopping for phone insurance, we've got the answers you need. 

If you're wondering, "Why is my data so slow all of a sudden?" this post walks you through how to get back up to speed.

Why your mobile data might be slow

Reliability is one of the biggest differences between Wi-Fi vs. mobile data. As long as your router is connected correctly, your Wi-Fi loading times are usually pretty consistent. But once you stray outside this network, your devices can move at drastically different speeds. Here are a few possible culprits: 

• Poor signal: If you've ever hiked deep into a forest or spent time cleaning out a basement, you probably asked, "Why is my cellular data so slow?" The signal gets weaker when you're farther away from a cell tower or something blocks it, like a mountain. 
• Congestion: Atlanta and Houston drivers know that it's almost impossible to get anywhere quickly during rush hour. The same concept applies to your mobile internet performance. If you're surrounded by people at a concert or football game, your speed will drop as all those devices clog the metaphorical interstate. 
• Outdated SIM card: Sometimes, the issue lies with your device. An old or broken SIM card may not connect as well to the mobile network, slowing down your phone. 
• Carrier throttling data: Your internet provider may cap how much 5G data you can use each month. When you reach that limit, you may be switched to LTE (long-term evolution). LTE vs. 5G speed is completely different, with LTE loading much slower. To build on the highway metaphor, it's like getting kicked off the 70-mile-per-hour toll freeway and rerouted onto crowded city streets. Major downgrade. 
• Apps using too much background data: If apps are unning in the background, they might bog down your internet. On Android, check this by going to Settings > Internet. Tap the gear symbol next to your Internet provider, then tap App data usage. The steps on iPhone® are similar: Settings > Cellular > Show All.

Quick fixes to speed up your connection

You're not doomed to live with a slow iPhone or tablet forever. There are plenty of ways to boost your mobile data speed. 

Reset it 

Start by restarting your device. Sometimes, a simple refresh is all you need to fix slow mobile data. Turning Airplane mode on and off can also reset your network connection. 

Move to a new spot 

Picking the right location is one of the best signal strength tips. No matter how many times you reset your phone in the remote desert, you're probably still not going to be able to watch a Netflix show. Go somewhere close to cell towers for the quickest 5G connection fix. 

Turn off apps 

If that doesn't work, try shutting down any background apps using data. Maybe you forgot that you opened Google Maps earlier, and it's slowing down your phone's performance. 

Switch from LTE to 5G 

Still asking, "Why is my mobile data so slow?" Don't panic. Check if your device is using LTE, and if so, move to the 5G network. It's not as fast as most Wi-Fi connections, but it's a big improvement from LTE.  Here's how to do it on iPhone: 

1. Open Settings and tap Cellular > Cellular Data Options or Settings. 
2. Tap Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options. 
3. If you don't see 5G Auto under Voice & Data, tap it and see if it lets you switch. 

If you want to improve cellular data speed on Android, the process looks similar: 

1. In Settings, tap Network & Internet. 
2. Tap SIMs and toggle Mobile Data on and off. If your phone is 5G-capable, it should reconnect to the nearest available network. 

Install updates 

Outdated software may not connect to the internet properly. Go to Settings > System and install any pending updates to optimize your phone connection. 

When to call your carrier or seek help

So, you've tried these mobile data troubleshooting tips, and your TikTok videos are still loading at a snail's pace. You may be experiencing data plan speed issues with your carrier. 

Reach out to them if: 

• Your phone's data connection is slow at multiple locations, even in areas where you usually get good reception. 
• You have slow internet on your phone towards the end of your billing cycle, which may be caused by throttling. 
• Your SIM card is a few years old.