Why Is My Data So Slow & How to Make It Faster

Slow internet on your phone is usually caused by a weak signal, network congestion, reaching your data plan’s high-speed limit, or apps using data in the background. In many cases, you can fix it quickly by restarting your phone, toggling Airplane Mode off and on again, switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, closing background apps, or moving closer to your Wi-Fi router.

If the problem persists, continue with the steps below to identify the specific problem and troubleshoot.

Why is my internet data so slow on my phone?

A slow data connection on your phone could be caused by a poor connection, network congestion, browser cache issues, or too many apps running in the background. It’s also important to distinguish between the different types of “slow internet,” because the cause (and fix) can vary. For instance, your phone’s slow internet may be due one or more of the following issues:

• Slow mobile data: Usually caused by weak signal, network congestion, or data throttling.

• Slow Wi-Fi: Often related to router distance, interference, or network issues.

• Slow phone performance: Caused by limited memory, background apps, or outdated software, even if your connection is fast.

If you know which kind of slow internet issue you’re having, jump down to one of the sections below:

• Weak signal strength

• Network congestion

• ISP throttling

• Outdated network settings

• Too many background apps

• Browser cache issues

• Mobile hotspot sharing

• Malware infection

Weak signal strength

In areas with poor coverage, your phone may struggle to connect to the cellular network. A weak or unstable signal can be caused by physical obstructions, such as walls and buildings, or by being too far from cell towers.

If your phone’s mobile data is slow due to a weak connection, try moving to an area with stronger signal, or connect to Wi-Fi instead, if available.

Below, we’ll show you how to check your network strength on an Android or iPhone. Use this table to determine what range your signal strength falls in (measured in dBm, decibel-milliwatts).

These ranges are for guidance only. Benchmarks may vary by carrier.

Check network strength on Android

To check your network strength on Android:

1. Go to Settings > About phone.

2. Tap Status > Network > SIM.

Some Android models have a network diagnostics tool in the Mobile networks section of Settings.

Check network strength on iPhone

On iPhones, you can view metrics like signal strength and signal quality using Field Test mode. To access this feature:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi.

2. Open the Phone app, dial *3001#12345#*, then tap the call button.

3. Look for the RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) value under the LTE or 5G menu.

Menu names and numeric displays may vary slightly depending on your iOS version and carrier.

Network congestion

Network congestion occurs when too many users connect to the same cellular tower at the same time. Since each tower has limited bandwidth, available speeds must be shared among everyone connected, which can result in slower internet speeds. This is more common in densely populated areas, during rush hours, and at large events.

Network congestion is a problem that’s on your carrier’s side, but you can try to improve your speed by moving to a different location, toggling Airplane Mode off and on again, or switching between 4G and 5G. Alternatively, you can connect to a trusted Wi‑Fi network.

ISP throttling

Throttling occurs when your internet provider or mobile carrier intentionally slows down your internet speed because you reached a data usage limit, or during periods of network congestion. In some cases, ISPs may slow down specific types of traffic, such as video streaming or large file transfers, while general browsing remains fast.

To test if you’re being throttled, you can use a tool like Speed Test, then connect to a reputable VPN and repeat the test. If your speeds improve with the VPN, it may suggest throttling.

A VPN encrypts your data and masks your IP address, and it’s helpful when throttling is targeting certain types of traffic, like streaming or gaming.

Network settings

Network settings are the parameters that control how your phone connects to mobile data, Wi-Fi, and other devices. If these settings are corrupted or misconfigured, they can cause slow internet speeds.

Resetting your network settings can restore the default configuration and help to get your phone’s internet back up and running.

Background apps

Apps or browser tabs that are actively using data in the background (such as syncing, streaming, or auto-refreshing) can slow your mobile data by competing for bandwidth. Close your open mobile apps and tabs, and disable the use of background data to reduce the pressure on your connection and speed up data.

On Android, you can go to Data usage and tap an app to see its foreground vs background data usage. On an iPhone, there’s no background data view, but you can check overall data usage in Cellular settings and look for background activity under Battery.

Browser cache issues

Your browser cache stores website data to help pages load faster when you visit them again. However, corrupted or outdated cache files can have the opposite effect. Keeping your browser and extensions up to date can help prevent issues. You can also use private browsing modes or clear your browser cache regularly.

Some signs of problems with your browser cache are:

• Pages that only partially load.

• Pages with formatting issues.

• Images or page elements that appear in the wrong places.

• Activation or log-in issues.

Mobile hotspot sharing

Your mobile data may be slow if other devices are taking up all your bandwidth via your mobile hotspot. Sometimes devices connect automatically without you realizing it, so make sure your hotspot is secured with a strong password to keep it private.

On Android, you can check if your hotspot is on by looking for the hotspot icon at the top of your screen. If multiple devices are connected, you’ll see a number next to it. On an iPhone, swipe down from the top right and tap the network card, the number of connections appears under the hotspot icon.

Malware infection

Malware can slow down your mobile data by consuming system or network resources. Malicious apps may run in the background, sending and receiving data without your knowledge.

A common hacking ploy is hiding spyware inside fake apps, which consume bandwidth as they upload stolen data from your device. Active malware also drains device memory, which can also hinder browsing speeds.

Run a scan with a dedicated mobile cybersecurity tool to detect and remove any malware that’s making your phone’s internet slow. Then, make sure you have Avast One for Android or iOS installed for ongoing protection against malicious apps.

To reduce your exposure to malware, only install apps downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, and always check the ratings and reviews before installing them.

Why is my 5G so slow?

Most factors that affect mobile data speeds in general also affect 5G. Slow 5G is often caused by a weak signal, network congestion, or carrier limitations.

Here are some other common reasons for a slow 5G:

• Signal penetration issues: Some 5G networks (especially high-band 5G) use high-frequency radio waves with shorter wavelengths that struggle to penetrate thick materials like walls or floors. If your connection is weak indoors, try moving to a window or where the signal is less obstructed.

• Distance from the tower: Your signal can weaken as you move farther away from the tower, especially with higher-frequency 5G.

• Phone limitations: Some phones (especially older or lower-end models) aren’t compatible with 5G at all. They may have less advanced modems, support fewer frequency bands, and have weaker antennas, which can result in slower data speeds.

• Carrier limitations: Some providers deprioritize data on certain unlimited plans during peak hours to manage network congestion, which can result in slower 5G speeds.

• Coverage is still expanding: While the global 5G rollout is progressing, reaching 55% of the world’s population in 2025, it still doesn’t offer as much coverage as 4G/LTE networks. This leads to slower or less stable connections in some areas.

• Poor switching between 4G and 5G: Frequent or unstable switching between 4G and 5G can cause temporary drops in speed. This often happens in areas with weak or inconsistent signals.

How to make mobile data faster

To improve your mobile data speed, start with quick connection resets and simple fixes, then move to more advanced steps if needed.

Start with quick fixes:

• Restart your phone.

• Turn Airplane Mode on and off.

• Secure your mobile hotspot.

• Switch network mode.

• Switch to Wi-Fi.

Then check usage and settings:

• Close open apps and browser tabs.

• Check and limit data usage by app.

• Clear the cache on your mobile browser.

• Enter your browser’s Reader Mode.

• Turn off background data for apps.

• Pause resource-draining apps.

If the issue continues:

• Update your network settings.

• Reinsert your SIM card.

• Install an ad blocker.

Restart your phone

Restarting your phone can resolve issues that may be affecting your data connection by reconnecting your phone to the cellular network, clearing background glitches, and resetting network-related processes.

Turn Airplane Mode on and off

If your phone's internet is slow, switching Airplane Mode on and off can help by refreshing your network connection.

• On Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen to access Quick Settings Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on, then tap it again to turn it off.

  

• On iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right of your screen to open the Control Center Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on then tap it again to turn it off.

  

Secure your mobile hotspot

Anyone nearby can connect to an unsecured hotspot and hog your data. To keep it private, set a strong password and turn off your hotspot when you’re not using it. You can also rename your Service Set Identifier (the name that shows up) to make it less noticeable and harder for strangers to identify your network.

Use a strong password and, where your device allows it, the most secure available hotspot settings. Here are the steps to password-protect your mobile hotspot on Android and iPhone. The steps may vary slightly depending on your device.

On Android:

To set a password for an Android hotspot, navigate to your mobile network or mobile hotspot preferences.

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to access Quick Settings.

2. Press down the portable hotspot icon to open its settings (on some Androids you’ll then need to choose Set up portable hotspot).

3. In the password field, set a new password. On this screen you can also change your SSID (network name), encryption protocol, and AP band. Then, tap the checkmark to confirm or tap OK.

   

On iPhone:

To change your iPhone’s hotspot password and keep it private:

1. Open Settings and tap Personal Hotspot.

2. Tap Wi-Fi password, then follow the onscreen instructions to change the password.

3. Turn off Allow Others to Join to make your hotspot private, and disconnect anyone using it.

Switch network mode

If the 5G signal is weak or inconsistent, your phone may experience slower speeds. Try switching between 5G and 4G/LTE to see which one gives you a more stable connection.

Depending on where you are, the 4G/LTE networks may offer wider and more reliable coverage.

Here’s how to check and change which network you’re on:

• On Android: Open Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile network (or SIMs). Tap Preferred Network Type or Network Mode and select a different network.

• On iPhone: Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data. Select a different network.

Switch to Wi-Fi

Switching to Wi-Fi can bypass your weak mobile data signal, which can help solve your problem temporarily. First, turn off mobile data so your phone doesn’t try connecting to your weak signal. Then, connect to an accessible Wi-Fi network with the most bars.

• On Android: Swipe down to open the Control Panel and tap the mobile data icon to turn it off. Tap and hold the Wi-Fi icon, then select the Wi-Fi network you want to join.

• On iPhone: Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data). Turn off Cellular Data then navigate back to Settings > Wi-Fi. Toggle on Wi-Fi and select the network you want to join.

Beware that when using public Wi-Fi, your internet traffic is often not encrypted, making it more vulnerable to interception. Cybercriminals on the same network can eavesdrop on your online activities and steal sensitive information like credit card numbers and login credentials. If a public, open network is your only Wi-Fi and you need to do sensitive things (like banking), it’s usually more secure to connect to the internet through your mobile data, even if it’s slower.

You may find Wi-Fi slow as well, but that’s usually a problem with the internet connection itself, or other interferences, rather than your device. If you find that switching to Wi-Fi still isn’t helping your internet connection speed up, try these tips:

• Move closer to your router: Walls, furniture, and distance can weaken your signal.

• Reboot your router: Restarting your router can resolve temporary performance issues.

• Reduce interference: Keep your router away from devices like microwaves or cordless phones.

• Forget and reconnect to the network: Remove the Wi-Fi network from your phone and reconnect to refresh the connection.

• Switch between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands: 5GHz is faster at short range, while 2.4GHz works better over longer distances.

Close open apps and browser tabs

Closing your open apps and browser tabs frees up RAM, cache, and processing power, which, if overloaded, can lead to a slow phone or a slow browser. Your browser may also preload videos on open tabs, even if you’re not actively watching them, taking up internet bandwidth.

On Android

To close open apps on an Android:

• Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or tap the square or three-lines icon) and swipe an app up to close it. Tap Close all to close all apps at once.

In Chrome

To close Chrome browser tabs:

• Tap the Tab Switcher icon (square with a number in the top-right). Tap X on the tab you want to close or tap the three-dot menu (top-right) and choose Close all tabs.

On iPhone

To close open apps on an iPhone:

• Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle. Swipe up on each app card to close it.

You can’t close all apps at once on an iPhone. However, iOS is designed to manage apps effectively and pause many of them in the background automatically so they don’t take up resources.

In Safari

To close open tabs in Safari:

• Tap the Tabs icon (two overlapping squares in the bottom right). Tap the X in the corner of the tab or long-press the Tabs icon and select Close All Tabs.

Check and limit data usage by app

Some apps use more mobile data than you’d expect. Check your data usage statistics to see which apps are using the most, and then close the app or stop it from using mobile data.

On Android

To identify which apps use the most data on Android:

• Open Settings > Network & internet (or Connections) > Data usage > Mobile data usage. Scroll down to see your top data-draining apps, then tap an app to see more details.

Exact steps likely vary depending on your device and Android version.

On iOS

When cellular data is turned off for an app, it can only use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet.

This prevents data-hogging apps from slowing your mobile data by competing with other apps for bandwidth.

To limit cellular data for apps on iOS:

• Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data). Scroll down to see how much cellular data each app has used, then toggle off any app that you don’t want using mobile data.

Turn off background data for apps

Many apps consume background data along with system resources, storage space, and bandwidth. You can prevent them from using mobile data while running in the background and consuming your phone’s data, battery life, and internet speed.

On Android

Here’s how to disable background data for individual apps. Steps may vary slightly depending on your device.

• Open Settings > Apps. Select the app you want to manage, then tap Mobile data (or Data usage), and toggle off Allow background data usage.

Repeat this process for any apps you want to prevent running in the background. You can also force stop the app. This completely shuts it down and stops its background activity temporarily. Just keep in mind that once you open it again, it will run normally.

You can also enable the Data Saver feature to prevent all apps from using mobile data in the background.

• Go to Settings > Network & internet (or Connections) > Data usage > Data Saver. Toggle on Turn on now.

On iOS

To disable background app data usage on an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. To configure an individual app, toggle its corresponding switch.

   

2. To disable the Background App Refresh function for all apps, tap Background App Refresh and select Off or Wi-Fi (to allow apps to refresh on Wi-Fi only).

   

Pause resource-draining apps

You can also force-stop an app to temporarily halt its background tasks, including background data usage. This prevents the app from running until you reopen it.

On iPhone, force-quitting an app is essentially the same as closing it from the App Switcher. On Android, you can force stop an app via Settings > Apps, but you can also automate the process using a cleaning tool like Avast Cleanup.

Avast Cleanup Sleep Mode suspends background apps, freeing up memory and stopping unnecessary processes, which may ultimately free up bandwidth and help boost your internet speeds. This helps to reduce drains on your data, CPU and battery, and it makes it easy to clean up your Android phone and get more space with just a few taps.

Here’s how to use Avast Cleanup to force stop apps on Android:

1. Install Avast Cleanup.

2. Tap Apps, then look under Drainers > Data.

3. Select the apps you don’t want running in the background and tap Force stop. You can do the same for apps that hog storage resources or drain your battery.

You can also go back to the main screen and hit Quick Clean to identify all the hidden clutter on your phone, such as invisible cache files, temporary files, browser caches, bloatware, and other junk files.

If you’re on iOS, check out our guide to cleaning up your iPhone.

Clear the cache on your mobile browser

A large or corrupted browser cache can affect your device’s performance and cause pages to load more slowly or display broken layouts. Clearing out your cache can help your browser run smoothly.

Here’s how to clear your cache in Chrome and Safari.

In Chrome on Android:

1. Tap the three dots in the top-right, then choose History > Delete browsing data.

2. In the time range drop-down menu, choose All time, then select the box for Cached images and files. Tap Delete data.

In Safari on iOS

Here’s how to clear your browser history and cache and delete cookies in Safari on iOS:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Safari.

2. Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data. Select the timeframe, then tap Clear History.

Reset your network settings

Resetting your network configuration returns your Wi-Fi and mobile data settings back to their defaults and can fix issues with slow mobile data and connection problems. Keep in mind that after you reset, you may need to sign in to your Wi-Fi network again. Mobile carrier functionality or account information is not deleted.

On Android

The way to reset your network settings on Android may vary slightly depending on which phone you have, but the process is similar across most devices.

1. Open Settings, tap System (or General Management), then tap Advanced (if available).

   

2. Tap Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi mobile & Bluetooth (or Reset network settings). Tap Reset settings and confirm.

   

On iOS

1. Open Settings > General. Scroll down and choose Transfer or Reset iPhone.

   

2. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings. Enter your passcode and confirm.

   

Reinsert your SIM card

A damaged, dirty, or improperly inserted SIM card can cause slow data speeds and prevent your phone from connecting reliably to your carrier.

To check if this might be the issue, first Power off your phone. Then, carefully remove the SIM card from the SIM tray and inspect it for visible damage or dirt. Clean it gently with a dry, lint-free cloth, then reinsert it and power your phone back on.

You can also try inserting the SIM card into another phone to see if the connection works normally. If it does, it may be an issue with your SIM tray.

Install an ad blocker

Ad blockers do not increase your mobile network speed but they can make your data feel faster by reducing mobile data usage and improving page loading times.

When installing an ad blocker:

• Verify that it’s compatible with your browser or device.

• Choose a trusted developer.

• Compare performance impact and customization features.

Another way to block ads is to switch to a web browser that blocks them automatically. Avast Secure Browser has a built-in feature called Privacy Guard that blocks ads and trackers, helping the sites you visit load faster.

Enter your browser's Reader Mode

Reader Mode is a browser feature that presents web pages in a simplified view by removing distracting ads, images, and resource-heavy elements. It is primarily designed for simple content pages such as blogs or news articles, so it doesn’t work on all pages.

Using it won’t increase your mobile network speed, but it can help websites load faster and use less data in some cases.

In Chrome on Android:

1. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and choose Settings > Accessibility. Toggle on Simplified view for web pages.

2. When opening an article that supports Reading Mode, tap Show simplified view at the bottom of the screen.

In Safari on iOS

Tap the aA or Menu icon on the left side of the address bar and choose Show Reader. Doing this leaves only the main text of the webpage, potentially helping your searches load faster.

Remove malware and protect your phone

Malware can run background processes that consume mobile data and memory, making your phone and internet connection feel sluggish. If you think your phone may be infected, run a scan with a malware removal tool to find and remove any lurking threats.

Then, follow these additional steps to secure your device:

• Restart your phone: This allows your phone to boot up fresh and operate normally without being impacted by malware

• Update to the latest version of your operating system: Some malware uses exploits in outdated operating system versions to gain access. Updating can close the exploit.

• Clear browsing data: Clearing browsing data can help remove malicious scripts, cookies, or cached website data that’s causing harmful redirects or pop-ups.

• Delete sketchy apps: Some apps can contain malware or tracking code designed to spy on you or siphon your data. Delete any apps you don’t recognize, or that aren’t from the App Store or Google Play.

• Restore your phone from a backup: If you have a backup available, restoring it can bring back a version of your phone from before the malware entered.

• Perform a factory reset: This should be your last option. It’s irreversible but should help clear any malware that you haven’t been able to remove. You can also restore your phone to a prior backup so you don’t lose everything permanently.

For more help, see our step-by-step guides on how to remove a virus on Android or iPhone.

Give your phone a fresh start with Avast Cleanup

We’ve got one final performance booster for mobile users — our very own Avast Cleanup. It’s an all-in-one cleaning app that helps ensure you get the most out of your phone.

Avast Cleanup can deliver up to 12 GB more storage space, 60% more battery life, and 20% more speed. When your phone is performing just as well as the day you bought it, your internet experience will feel a whole lot faster too. Install Avast Cleanup for free today and get a smoother, speedier mobile experience.