How To Optimise eSIM For Faster Data

Want faster data speeds with your eSIM? Here’s how you can make it happen:

• Choose the right eSIM plan: Opt for 4G/5G plans with clear high-speed data limits. Avoid plans with hidden throttling or unclear "unlimited" terms.
• Check device compatibility: Ensure your phone supports local 5G or LTE bands at your destination.
• Update settings: Set your eSIM as the primary data line, enable 5G in your network settings, and keep your software and carrier settings up to date.
• Monitor data usage: Use your device’s tools or provider apps to track consumption and avoid hitting data caps.
• Troubleshoot slow speeds: Move to areas with better coverage, toggle between 4G/5G, restart your device, or reset network settings if needed.

ZIM Connections offers plans across 200+ destinations with transparent data policies, making them a reliable choice for travellers. Whether you’re navigating maps or streaming on the go, these steps will help you stay connected without interruptions.

First Look Speed Test and Pricing of Global Data eSIMs

What Affects eSIM Data Speeds

Getting the most out of your eSIM while travelling means understanding the factors that influence its data speeds. Your connection depends on a combination of local network infrastructure, your device’s compatibility, and the specifics of your data plan. Let’s break down how these elements affect performance.

Network Coverage and Local Infrastructure

Local network quality is a major factor in determining eSIM data speeds. The signal strength you experience depends on your device’s antenna, the network’s capabilities, and environmental conditions. Physical barriers like thick walls, mountains, or even bad weather can weaken your signal. For instance, staying in a hotel with dense walls or travelling through hilly terrain might result in slower speeds.

Distance from mobile towers and network congestion also play a role. Busy areas such as airports or shopping centres, especially during peak hours, can lead to reduced speeds. Rural or remote locations often have older network standards, which may not fully support modern devices, further impacting performance.

To improve your connection, try to stay in open areas or near windows. If possible, manually select a stronger local network using your device’s settings.

Device Compatibility and Network Bands

Your device’s technical capabilities are just as important as external factors. For fast data speeds, your phone must support the specific network bands used by local carriers. This becomes especially important when travelling internationally, as not all devices support the full range of 5G bands required in different regions.

For example, a phone that works perfectly with a UK carrier might not support 5G in parts of Europe or Asia due to differences in frequency bands. While most modern devices handle global LTE bands, 5G compatibility can vary significantly. Before you travel, check whether your phone supports the necessary 5G bands for your destination.

On an iPhone, you can do this by navigating to Settings > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and ensuring 5G is enabled. Android users can check their Preferred Network Type settings. Keep in mind that some carriers may restrict eSIM functionality or limit 5G access unless you’re on a specific plan. Regularly updating your operating system and carrier settings can also improve compatibility.

As Yoho Mobile advises:

Ensure your device is on our eSIM compatible devices list and supports the necessary frequencies for your destination.

Data Plan Policies and Speed Limits

The terms of your eSIM data plan can directly affect your connection speeds. Many plans include speed throttling or data caps that slow down your internet after reaching certain limits. Even "unlimited" plans often come with Fair Usage Policies (FUPs) that impose restrictions like data caps, speed reductions, or deprioritisation during busy periods.

For example, some plans may throttle speeds to 128–512 Kbps after you exceed your data allowance, making it difficult to stream videos or hold video calls. Others might advertise high-speed allowances, such as 50GB, but only provide a portion of that data at full speed, with the rest at reduced speeds.

ZIM Connections addresses these concerns by offering straightforward eSIM plans with clear high-speed data limits across over 200 destinations. Their 5G/4G plans aim to deliver consistent speeds without hidden throttling policies that could disrupt your connectivity.

To avoid surprises, carefully review the terms and conditions of any eSIM plan. Look out for data caps or throttling details, and use provider apps or built-in tools to monitor your usage. Taking these steps will help you choose a plan that meets your needs for reliable, high-speed data.

How to Choose the Right eSIM Plan for Speed

Picking the right eSIM plan can make all the difference when it comes to staying connected during your travels. It’s not just about flashy marketing claims – it’s about digging into the details of speed, coverage, and reliability to find the best fit for your needs.

Prioritise 4G/5G Plans with High-Speed Data

When evaluating eSIM plans, focus on those that clearly offer 4G or 5G high-speed data. Some providers advertise "unlimited" data but fail to clarify speed restrictions, leaving you uncertain about when your connection might slow down.

Be cautious of plans that throttle speeds after a specific data limit. While "unlimited" sounds appealing, it often comes with hidden speed caps that can drastically reduce performance, especially after hitting a daily or monthly threshold.

Think about how you’ll use your data while travelling. For activities like streaming, frequent navigation, or remote work, you’ll need a plan with generous high-speed data. On the other hand, if your usage is limited to messaging and checking emails, a smaller plan may suffice. To save data, consider downloading maps, music, or podcasts before your trip.

ZIM Connections is one provider addressing these issues head-on. They offer clear 4G and 5G plans across over 200 destinations, with transparent policies on data limits and speed reductions. This kind of clarity can save you from frustrating surprises mid-trip.

Compare Regional and Global Plans

Beyond speed, it’s also essential to decide between regional and global eSIM plans based on your travel itinerary. Global eSIMs are a great choice for trips spanning multiple countries, as they often cover 100+ destinations in a single plan. Regional eSIMs, on the other hand, are tailored to specific continents or areas and can be more affordable if you’re sticking to one region.

Make sure to review coverage maps to confirm the eSIM will work in all the countries you’re visiting. Some global plans even boast coverage across 190+ destinations. For those who need fast internet, prioritise providers offering 5G or LTE in your chosen destinations.

Also, consider whether you’ll need to use your phone as a mobile hotspot. Some eSIM plans limit or restrict hotspot functionality, which could be a dealbreaker if you rely on sharing your connection with other devices like laptops or tablets. ZIM Connections, for example, offers both regional and global plans, covering 125+ countries, giving you the flexibility to stay connected without juggling multiple eSIMs.

Scrutinise Plan Details for Speed Caps

The fine print in eSIM plans often hides crucial details about speed restrictions, which can have a big impact on your experience. Look closely at fair usage policies (FUPs) to understand limits on data, speed throttling, hotspot usage, and how your connection might be deprioritised during peak times.

Many "unlimited" plans come with caveats. Some may slow your speed after you hit a daily data cap, while others throttle speeds during high-demand periods or after you’ve used a set amount of high-speed data. Additionally, hotspot usage often has its own restrictions, which could affect your ability to connect other devices.

To avoid surprises, monitor your data usage with built-in phone tools or provider apps. These can help you track your consumption and set alerts before you hit any limits. If anything about your plan is unclear, don’t hesitate to contact customer support for clarification.

Seek out providers that are upfront about their fair usage policies. Clear disclosures about when and how speeds may be reduced allow you to plan your usage effectively and avoid unexpected slowdowns. Armed with this knowledge, you can optimise your device settings and make the most of your eSIM plan while travelling.

Setting Up Your Device for Best eSIM Performance

After selecting the ideal eSIM plan, the next step is making sure your device is set up correctly. Even the fastest eSIM won’t perform well without proper configuration. Here’s how to ensure your device is ready to deliver top-notch performance.

Set eSIM as Your Primary Data Line

If you’re using both a physical SIM and an eSIM, your device needs to know which one to prioritise for data. By setting your eSIM as the primary data line, you ensure your internet access relies on your eSIM plan rather than defaulting to the physical SIM.

For iPhones with dual SIM capability, navigate to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) and select your eSIM as the primary data source. Additionally, enable the Allow Cellular Data Switching option in the same menu. This feature allows your iPhone to automatically switch between the eSIM and physical SIM based on coverage and availability.

A common mistake travellers make is not adjusting these settings, which can result in unnecessary charges as their device continues to use the physical SIM for data. Always double-check your settings before browsing or streaming. After setting your eSIM as the primary data line, make sure your device software is up to date for seamless compatibility.

Update Software and Carrier Settings

Keeping your device’s software and carrier settings updated is essential for smooth eSIM operation. Updates often include fixes and improvements that enhance connectivity, while outdated software can lead to compatibility issues with modern network features.

Apple highlights the importance of carrier updates:

"Carrier settings updates let your carrier provider update carrier network and related settings to improve cellular network connectivity and performance. Carrier settings updates can also add support for new features like 5G or Wi-Fi Calling."

To check for updates, go to Settings > System > Software update on Android devices or Settings > General > About on iOS devices. Once updated, restart your device to ensure all new configurations are applied.

Reset Network Settings if Necessary

If you’ve configured your eSIM and updated your software but still face performance issues, resetting your network settings might help. Sometimes, outdated or corrupted network configurations can interfere with connectivity, even if everything else seems in order. A network reset clears these glitches and provides a fresh start.

The good news? Resetting your network settings won’t delete your eSIM profile – it remains securely stored within your device’s hardware. After the reset, reconnect to your essential services and confirm the eSIM is still set as the primary data line.

This step is particularly useful if your eSIM initially worked well but has since shown inconsistent or poor performance. While the reset process varies by device, it’s usually found under network or general settings. Though it requires some reconfiguration, this troubleshooting step often resolves persistent connectivity issues that other methods can’t fix.

sbb-itb-273ea09

How to Monitor and Manage Data Usage

Once your eSIM is set up and running smoothly, keeping an eye on your data usage becomes crucial. Regular monitoring ensures you stay within your plan limits and avoid any unexpected slowdowns. By staying on top of your data consumption, you can maintain the performance tweaks you’ve implemented and enjoy fast, reliable connectivity.

Track Data Usage with Your Device’s Tools

Your smartphone comes equipped with built-in features to track data usage across all active SIM profiles. For example, on an iPhone, you can find this under Mobile Data, while Android users can check under Data Usage. These tools allow you to see which apps are consuming the most data and reset usage statistics, which can be especially handy when travelling or starting a new billing cycle.

Keep in mind that your device’s data readings might not always match those provided by your carrier, so minor discrepancies are possible.

Reduce Background Data Consumption

Background apps can quietly use up your data allowance, so limiting their activity is a smart way to conserve your plan. Here are some tips to manage background data usage:

For iOS devices:

• Turn on Low Data Mode in your mobile data settings.
• Disable Wi-Fi Assist to prevent your phone from switching to eSIM data when your Wi-Fi signal is weak.
• Stop iCloud Backup over mobile data to avoid large, unexpected uploads.

For Android devices:

• Activate the Data Saver feature in your network settings (the exact name and location might vary depending on your device’s manufacturer).

For all devices, consider these additional steps:

• Turn off background app refresh and auto-play features to save data.
• Download music, films, and shows ahead of time instead of streaming them on the go.
• Use data-saving browsers like Google Chrome‘s Lite mode or Opera Mini.
• Download offline maps for navigation and disable automatic app updates.

"eSIM technology allows users to manage their mobile connections more flexibly and practically. However, data usage may become a rapidly increasing need."
– Travel Tips Pocket eSIM

Set Alerts for Data Usage

Setting alerts for your data usage can help you avoid unexpected overages. Both Android and iOS devices offer different ways to keep track of your consumption:

For Android users:

• Open Settings and navigate to Network & Internet > Internet.
• Tap the settings icon next to your carrier’s name and select Data warning & limit.
• Enable data warnings and set a limit in MB or GB.
• On Google Pixel devices, you’ll find similar options under the SIM settings.

For iPhone users:

• While iOS doesn’t have built-in data alerts, you can monitor usage in Settings > Mobile Data. You can also set reminders in the Reminders app to check your data at the start of each billing cycle.

You can also use your carrier’s app or your device’s alert system to set a data warning at a threshold that suits your plan. Just remember, carrier-reported usage may differ slightly from your device’s internal tracking, so cross-referencing both can give you a clearer picture of your consumption.

Fixing Slow eSIM Data Speeds

When eSIM data speeds start crawling, it can be frustrating. But don’t settle for sluggish performance – there are practical steps you can take to identify and fix the problem. By approaching the issue methodically, you can often restore your connection to its optimal speed.

Check Signal Strength and Improve Coverage

The first thing to examine is your device’s signal strength. Those bars in your status bar aren’t just for show – they’re a quick indicator of your connection’s quality. A weak signal is one of the most common reasons for slow speeds.

If the signal is poor, try moving to a location with better coverage. This might mean stepping outside, going to a higher floor, or standing near a window. Signal strength can vary based on factors like your location, network congestion, and even the materials used in the building you’re in. For instance, urban areas tend to have stronger signals compared to rural ones, while indoor spaces often have weaker reception than outdoors.

Even if your signal appears strong, other factors like network congestion or interference can still slow things down. Peak usage times or crowded areas can overwhelm networks, making it hard to maintain good speeds.

Switch Between 4G and 5G Networks

Sometimes, switching between 4G and 5G can make all the difference. While 5G generally delivers faster speeds and lower latency than 4G, its coverage isn’t universal yet. In some areas, 4G may actually provide a more stable connection.

Head to your device’s network settings and toggle between 4G and 5G to find which works better in your location. In places where 5G signals are weak or patchy, sticking with 4G might offer more consistent performance.

One of the perks of eSIM technology is its ability to switch networks quickly and efficiently, which is especially handy when travelling or changing carriers. By understanding how factors like location, network congestion, and being indoors affect signal strength, you can make smarter choices about which network to use.

Restart Your Device and Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, the simplest fixes are the most effective. Restarting your device can refresh its connection to the network and resolve temporary glitches. This step also clears temporary files and resets network processes that might be slowing things down.

If restarting doesn’t help, check for software updates. Updates often include fixes for bugs that could be impacting network performance. Running outdated software can lead to compatibility issues that slow your connection.

For persistent issues, try resetting your network settings. On Android devices, this can be done by navigating to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth. This action removes all saved network configurations and restores default settings, which can resolve configuration-related problems.

Additionally, closing background apps and clearing your device’s cache can free up resources and improve performance. If your eSIM is linked to multiple networks, try switching to a different one to see if another carrier offers better service in your location.

Keep in mind that connection speeds often depend on factors like coverage, network congestion, and how your carrier prioritises traffic. If these steps don’t solve the issue, it may be worth reaching out to your carrier to check for network problems or specific eSIM configuration requirements.

Conclusion: Get Faster eSIM Data Speeds

Boosting your eSIM data speeds requires understanding the factors that impact connectivity and making smart adjustments. Start with a plan that offers clear high-speed data allowances and reliable 4G or 5G connectivity. Be cautious of budget eSIM plans that may throttle speeds right from the start. Choosing a dependable plan is key to maintaining a fast and stable connection.

Your device setup also has a significant effect on performance. Make sure your eSIM is set as the primary data line, keep your device software up to date, and toggle between 4G and 5G as needed. Reducing background processes can also help enhance speed and efficiency.

Managing your data usage effectively can prevent throttling and ensure consistent performance. Use built-in tools to monitor your consumption, download large files or maps over Wi-Fi before travelling, and set up usage alerts to avoid hitting your data cap.

If you notice slower speeds, check your signal strength and try moving to an area with better coverage. Restarting your device, switching networks, or adjusting APN settings can also help resolve speed issues.

While optimising your device and usage habits is important, the choice of provider makes all the difference. A reliable provider lays the foundation for fast eSIM performance. For example, ZIM Connections offers dependable 4G and 5G connectivity in over 200 destinations worldwide. With a variety of local, regional, and global plans, they ensure you stay connected without worrying about slow speeds or unexpected throttling. Their transparent pricing and unlimited data options mean you can travel without interruptions.

Take these steps to improve your eSIM experience and choose a provider you can depend on. Visit ZIM Connections to explore their plans and see how the right eSIM provider can redefine your connectivity while travelling.

FAQs

How can I check if my device supports local 5G networks when using an eSIM abroad?

To ensure your device works with local 5G networks when using an eSIM abroad, start by confirming that your phone is 5G-capable and supports the frequency bands used in your travel destination. You can typically find this information in your device’s specifications, either in the settings menu or the user manual.

Make sure 5G is enabled in your phone’s settings and verify that your eSIM plan includes 5G connectivity. For hassle-free connectivity, you might want to explore services like ZIM Connections, which provide international eSIM plans with 5G coverage across more than 200 destinations. This way, you can enjoy faster speeds and reliable connections no matter where your travels take you.

What should I consider before choosing an ‘unlimited’ eSIM data plan, and how can I avoid common issues?

While the idea of ‘unlimited’ eSIM data plans might sound enticing, there are a few key details to keep in mind. Many of these plans operate under fair use policies, which could mean data caps or slower speeds once you’ve used a certain amount of data. On top of that, not all plans work perfectly with every device or network, which might result in slower connections or even issues with staying connected.

To steer clear of these potential hiccups, take the time to review the fair use terms of any plan you’re considering. Make sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology and keep an eye on your data usage to avoid exceeding any limits. Selecting a trustworthy provider with clear policies can help ensure smooth and reliable connectivity during your travels.

What can I do if my eSIM data speeds are slow even in areas with good signal coverage?

If your eSIM data speeds seem slower than they should be, even in a good coverage area, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot:

• Restart your device: This can help refresh the connection to the network and resolve minor glitches.
• Update your software: Check for any pending software updates, as outdated versions might impact your device’s performance.
• Confirm network compatibility: Make sure your device supports the network type (like 4G or 5G) included in your eSIM plan.
• Reset network settings: This clears any incorrect configurations that might be affecting your connection.
• Check APN settings: Ensure the Access Point Name (APN) settings match those required by your eSIM provider.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, try moving to a location with better signal strength or manually adjusting the network mode in your device settings. For smooth international connectivity, ZIM Connections offers eSIM plans with reliable 4G and 5G speeds, keeping you connected in over 200 destinations with ease.

Related posts

• Travel Checklist: eSIM Setup Before Your Trip
• eSIM Data Plans: Local vs Regional vs Global
• 5 Tips for Better eSIM Speeds During Peak Hours
• Local Numbers with eSIM: How It Works