Slow Internet with a Canary Islands eSIM? Causes and Speed Fixes

Slow internet on a Canary Islands eSIM does not always mean that the eSIM is faulty. Mobile speed can change throughout the day depending on network congestion, signal strength, terrain, phone capabilities, background data usage and the conditions of the selected plan.

You may notice slower loading in busy resorts, airports, ferry terminals, mountain areas, volcanic parks or remote beaches. Speed can also drop after a daily high-speed allowance has been reached on an unlimited-style plan.

The best approach is to identify whether the problem comes from weak coverage, local network congestion, phone settings or data-plan limits. Most speed issues can be improved without deleting or reinstalling the eSIM.

Quick fix: Move outdoors or closer to a populated area, turn Airplane Mode on for approximately 30 seconds, restart the phone and pause cloud backups or app updates. Confirm that the travel eSIM is selected for mobile data, Data Roaming is enabled and the APN is set to data.esim.

What Counts as Slow eSIM Internet?

Slow internet can appear in different ways:

• Webpages take a long time to open.
• Maps load slowly or lose detail.
• WhatsApp photos take longer to send.
• Social media videos buffer.
• Video calls freeze or drop in quality.
• Hotspot connections feel unstable.
• Cloud backups take a long time.
• Download speeds change significantly between locations.

Before changing settings, test more than one service. A single slow application may be experiencing its own problem even when the mobile connection is working normally.

Most Common Causes of Slow eSIM Data

Possible Cause	Typical Sign
Weak signal	Few signal bars and unstable loading
Network congestion	Slower speed in busy areas or peak hours
Fair usage limit reached	Connection works but remains consistently slower
Background data use	Data is consumed even when apps are not open
Wrong phone settings	Travel line is active but performance is inconsistent
Hotspot overload	Speed drops when several devices connect
Device limitations	Older phone performs worse than newer devices nearby

Check the Signal Strength First

Signal strength has a major effect on mobile speed. A phone may stay connected even when the signal is too weak for fast or stable data.

Coverage is usually strongest in:

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
• Puerto del Rosario.
• Arrecife.
• Major resorts and tourist centres.
• Airports and ferry ports.
• Populated coastal areas.
• Main roads between towns.

Coverage may be weaker in:

• Volcanic parks.
• Mountain roads.
• Deep ravines.
• Remote beaches.
• Rural inland areas.
• Basements and underground parking.
• Large reinforced buildings.
• Ferries far from the coastline.

Move outdoors, closer to a window or toward a populated area before changing advanced settings.

Network Congestion in Tourist Areas

Mobile networks can slow down when many people use the same local cell tower at the same time.

This is more likely:

• During evening hours in busy resorts.
• At airports after several flights arrive.
• Near popular beaches.
• During festivals and public events.
• At cruise ports.
• Inside crowded hotels.
• At major attractions and viewpoints.

If the connection becomes faster early in the morning, late at night or after moving to another area, local congestion is a likely cause.

Use Airplane Mode to Refresh the Network

Airplane Mode forces the phone to disconnect and register again on an available mobile network.

1. Turn Airplane Mode on.
2. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
3. Turn Airplane Mode off.
4. Wait several minutes for the network to return.
5. Turn WiFi off and test mobile data again.

This can improve performance when the phone remains attached to a weaker network connection after moving between locations.

Restart the Phone

A restart can refresh the mobile modem and complete changes to the SIM, roaming or APN settings.

Restart the phone after:

• Changing the preferred mobile data line.
• Updating the APN.
• Moving between islands.
• Leaving Airplane Mode after a flight.
• Changing network selection.
• Experiencing several hours of unstable data.

Confirm the Correct eSIM Settings

Setting	Recommended Configuration
Travel eSIM	Enabled
Preferred Mobile Data Line	NoveSIM or Travel
Data Roaming on Travel eSIM	Enabled
Primary SIM Data Roaming	Disabled
Automatic Data Switching	Disabled
APN	data.esim

The wrong data line or automatic switching between SIMs can create unstable performance.

Check the Preferred Mobile Data Line

Your phone may still be trying to use the primary SIM for mobile data.

On iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.
3. Select Cellular Data.
4. Choose the travel eSIM.
5. Disable Allow Cellular Data Switching.

On Samsung

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Connections.
3. Select SIM Manager.
4. Under Preferred SIMs, select Mobile Data.
5. Choose the travel eSIM.
6. Disable automatic data switching if available.

On Google Pixel

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Select SIMs.
4. Select the travel eSIM.
5. Enable Mobile Data.
6. Set it as the preferred data SIM.

Make Sure Data Roaming Is Enabled

Travel eSIMs normally use partner networks, so Data Roaming must be enabled on the travel line.

When roaming is disabled, the phone may fail to use the connection correctly or may behave inconsistently.

Keep roaming disabled on your primary SIM to reduce the risk of charges from your home operator.

Check the APN

An incorrect APN can cause no internet, unstable loading or poor connection behaviour.

APN Field	Value
Name	NoveSIM
APN	data.esim
Username	Leave blank
Password	Leave blank

Leave all other fields unchanged unless different details were specifically supplied.

How to Set the APN on iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.
3. Select the travel eSIM.
4. Select Cellular Data Network when available.
5. Enter data.esim in the APN field.

The APN menu may not appear when the profile configures it automatically.

How to Set the APN on Android

1. Open Settings.
2. Open the mobile network settings.
3. Select the travel eSIM.
4. Open Access Point Names.
5. Create or edit an APN.
6. Enter data.esim.
7. Save and select the APN.
8. Restart the phone.

Check Whether a High-Speed Limit Was Reached

Some unlimited-style plans include a fair usage policy. This can provide a fixed amount of high-speed data during each 24-hour period, followed by reduced speed until the allowance resets.

For NoveSIM unlimited-style plans, the usual fair usage structure may provide 1GB of high-speed data per 24 hours, followed by reduced speed until the daily allowance resets.

Check the exact product terms because conditions can vary between plans.

Plan Status	Possible Experience
High-speed allowance available	Normal speed depending on local network conditions
Daily allowance reached	Internet continues at reduced speed
Allowance reset	High-speed access becomes available again
Plan expired	Mobile data may stop completely

A reduced-speed connection can still support messaging and basic browsing but may struggle with video, hotspot use or large downloads.

Check Your Remaining Data

Limited-data plans may become slow or stop when the allowance has been used.

Check:

• Your NoveSIM account.
• The plan validity period.
• The remaining data allowance.
• The phone’s mobile data usage.
• Whether hotspot devices consumed unexpected data.

The phone’s counter may not exactly match the provider’s system, but it can help identify heavy usage.

Pause Background Data Usage

Background applications may use a large part of the available connection without being visible.

Common causes include:

• Google Photos or iCloud backups.
• Play Store or App Store updates.
• Operating system updates.
• Cloud file synchronization.
• Social media video preloading.
• Podcast and music downloads.
• Email attachments.
• Automatic messaging media downloads.

Pause backups and updates, then test the connection again.

Enable Data Saver or Low Data Mode

Data-saving settings can reduce background activity and free more bandwidth for the application you are actively using.

Low Data Mode on iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.
3. Select the travel eSIM.
4. Select Data Mode.
5. Enable Low Data Mode.

Data Saver on Samsung

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Connections.
3. Select Data Usage.
4. Select Data Saver.
5. Enable it.

Data Saver on Google Pixel

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Select Data Saver.
4. Enable Use Data Saver.

Stop Automatic App Updates

Application updates can consume speed and data in the background.

Use WiFi-only updates during the trip, especially for:

• Large games.
• Social media applications.
• Navigation applications.
• Streaming services.
• Operating system components.

Resume updates on hotel WiFi when convenient.

Pause Photo and Video Backups

Automatic cloud backup is one of the most common causes of unexpected data consumption and slower performance.

Photos and videos recorded during the trip may begin uploading immediately.

Set backups to WiFi only in:

• Google Photos.
• iCloud Photos.
• OneDrive.
• Dropbox.
• Other cloud storage applications.

Reduce Video Quality

Streaming and social media video use much more bandwidth than maps or messaging.

To improve performance:

• Reduce streaming quality.
• Disable autoplay.
• Avoid live video in weak-coverage areas.
• Download entertainment over WiFi.
• Use audio-only calls when video quality is unstable.

Check Hotspot Use

Personal Hotspot can make the mobile connection feel slow because several devices share the same data connection.

Connected laptops may automatically:

• Download software updates.
• Synchronize cloud files.
• Back up photos.
• Refresh email attachments.
• Stream high-resolution video.

Disconnect unnecessary devices and disable automatic updates before testing speed again.

How Many Devices Should Use the Hotspot?

For the most stable experience, connect only the devices you actively need.

Connected Devices	Expected Effect
One smartphone	Best available performance
One laptop	Suitable for light browsing and email
Several devices	Lower speed for each device
Streaming and updates	Rapid data use and possible slowdown

Try Another Location

A speed test in one hotel room does not represent the entire island. Mobile performance can change significantly over a short distance.

Test again:

• Outside the building.
• Near a window.
• On a higher floor.
• In another street.
• After reaching a larger town.
• Away from a crowded beach or event.

If speed improves after moving, the issue is probably local signal quality or congestion.

Try Automatic Network Selection

Automatic network selection normally allows the phone to choose a supported partner network.

Confirm that automatic selection is enabled before testing manual options.

On iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.
3. Select the travel eSIM.
4. Select Network Selection.
5. Enable Automatic.

On Android

1. Open the travel eSIM settings.
2. Select Network Operators.
3. Enable automatic selection.

Can Manual Network Selection Improve Speed?

Manual selection may help if the phone remains connected to a weak network while another supported option is available.

Use it only after testing automatic selection.

1. Open Network Selection or Network Operators.
2. Disable automatic selection.
3. Wait for the scan to finish.
4. Select a supported network.
5. Wait for registration.
6. Test mobile data.

Return to automatic selection if performance does not improve or before travelling to another island.

Why Speed Changes During Island Hopping

The same eSIM can generally remain installed while you move between islands, but the phone may connect through different local networks.

Speed can change because of:

• Different local coverage.
• Network congestion.
• Terrain.
• Time of day.
• Temporary registration delays.
• Ferry distance from the coastline.

Use Airplane Mode for 30 seconds after arriving on another island if performance remains unusually slow.

Why Internet Is Slow on Ferry Routes

Mobile networks mainly cover land and coastal areas. A ferry may move beyond strong terrestrial coverage.

During the crossing:

• Signal may weaken.
• Speed may fluctuate.
• The phone may switch between networks.
• Data may disappear temporarily.

Download tickets, maps and arrival details before departure. The phone should reconnect as the ferry approaches land.

Why Internet Is Slow in Volcanic and Mountain Areas

Mountains, craters and deep valleys can block or weaken mobile signals.

Areas near hiking trails, volcano viewpoints and rural roads may have lower speeds even when a connection remains visible.

Before visiting remote locations:

• Download offline maps.
• Save the route.
• Download tickets.
• Save emergency contact details.
• Carry a power bank.
• Do not rely entirely on live navigation.

Could the Phone Be Limiting Speed?

Older or region-specific phones may support fewer mobile frequency bands or older network technologies.

Performance can also be affected by:

• Battery Saver mode.
• Overheating.
• Outdated software.
• Low available storage.
• VPN applications.
• Damaged internal antennas.
• Limited European network-band support.

Restart the phone, disable the VPN temporarily and allow the device to cool if it is unusually hot.

Disable VPN Temporarily

A VPN can slow the connection because traffic is routed through another server.

To test:

1. Disconnect the VPN.
2. Close and reopen the browser or application.
3. Test the mobile connection again.

If speed improves significantly, choose a closer VPN server or leave the VPN disabled for non-sensitive activities.

Check for Phone Overheating

Smartphones may reduce performance when they become too hot.

This can happen during:

• Direct sunlight.
• Navigation while charging.
• Video calls.
• Hotspot use.
• Large downloads.
• Recording high-resolution video.

Move the phone into the shade, stop charging temporarily and allow it to cool before testing again.

Does 5G Always Mean Faster Internet?

No. A strong 4G connection may be faster and more stable than weak or congested 5G.

Speed depends on:

• Signal quality.
• Network capacity.
• Phone compatibility.
• Location.
• Plan conditions.
• Time of day.

Do not assume that the absence of a 5G symbol means the eSIM is not working correctly.

Should You Reset Network Settings?

A network settings reset is not the first recommended fix. It can remove:

• Saved WiFi networks.
• WiFi passwords.
• VPN settings.
• Bluetooth pairings on some devices.
• Custom mobile network settings.

Try the standard speed fixes first. Reset network settings only when specifically recommended for your device or support case.

Do Not Delete the eSIM

Deleting and reinstalling the eSIM does not normally improve speed. Some travel eSIM QR codes can only be used once.

Before contacting support, keep the profile installed and check:

• The preferred data line.
• Data Roaming.
• Automatic data switching.
• The APN.
• The plan status.
• Background data usage.
• Signal strength.
• Local network congestion.

When to Contact Support

Contact support when the connection remains unusually slow in several populated locations after completing the standard checks.

Prepare:

• Your order number.
• Your exact phone model.
• Your current island and location.
• The displayed network name.
• The number of signal bars.
• Whether the problem occurs indoors and outdoors.
• Whether hotspot is enabled.
• Whether the high-speed allowance may have been reached.
• Screenshots of the eSIM, roaming and APN settings.
• Confirmation that Airplane Mode and a restart were tried.

Slow Internet Troubleshooting Checklist

• Move outdoors or closer to a populated area.
• Turn Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds.
• Restart the phone.
• Select the travel eSIM for mobile data.
• Enable Data Roaming.
• Disable automatic data switching.
• Set the APN to data.esim.
• Check remaining data and plan validity.
• Check whether a daily high-speed limit was reached.
• Pause cloud backups and app updates.
• Disconnect unnecessary hotspot devices.
• Disable the VPN temporarily.
• Allow an overheated phone to cool.
• Try another location or time of day.
• Do not delete the eSIM.

Related Articles

• eSIM Not Working in the Canary Islands
• Canary Islands eSIM Not Connecting
• How to Use an eSIM in the Canary Islands
• Mobile Data for Island Hopping Canary Islands
• Internet for a Canary Islands Road Trip

FAQ

Why is my Canary Islands eSIM internet slow?

Common causes include weak signal, local network congestion, background data use, hotspot activity, device limitations or a reduced-speed fair usage period.

How can I improve my eSIM speed?

Move outdoors, use Airplane Mode for 30 seconds, restart the phone, pause cloud backups and confirm that the eSIM, roaming and APN settings are correct.

What APN should I use?

Use data.esim. Leave the username and password blank unless different settings were specifically supplied.

Why did my unlimited eSIM become slower?

You may have reached the daily high-speed allowance under the plan’s fair usage policy. Speed is normally restored after the allowance resets.

Can a busy resort make mobile data slower?

Yes. Many users connected to the same local network can reduce speed during peak periods.

Why is internet slower in volcanic or mountain areas?

Terrain can block or weaken mobile signals, particularly in deep valleys, remote trails and isolated inland locations.

Can hotspot use slow down the eSIM?

Yes. Several connected devices, laptop updates and video streaming divide the available bandwidth and consume data quickly.

Should I manually select another network?

Try automatic network selection first. Manual selection may help if another supported network has stronger coverage in your location.

Should I delete and reinstall the eSIM?

No. Deleting the eSIM does not normally fix slow speed and the QR code may not be reusable.

What should I send to support?

Send your order number, exact phone model, island and location, network name, signal strength, plan status and screenshots of the eSIM, roaming and APN settings.

Final Recommendation

If your Canary Islands eSIM internet is slow, begin with the factors that most commonly affect mobile speed: signal strength, local congestion, background data usage and the plan’s high-speed allowance.

Move to an open or more populated area, refresh the connection with Airplane Mode, restart the phone and confirm that the travel eSIM is selected for mobile data. Keep Data Roaming enabled, automatic switching disabled and the APN set to data.esim. Do not delete the eSIM while troubleshooting because the QR code may only work once.