Most eSIMs pick between CVMóvel and Unitel T+ automatically based on signal strength, but occasionally your phone gets stuck trying to connect to the weaker of the two — that’s when manual selection becomes useful.
Quick answer: If your data feels unusually slow or won’t connect, switching your phone’s network selection from automatic to manual and picking the other of Cape Verde’s two carriers by hand often resolves it faster than waiting.
Top Cape Verde eSIMs
Where to find network selection on iPhone
Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > your Cape Verde eSIM line > Network Selection, then toggle off Automatic to see the available carriers and choose manually.
Where to find network selection on Android
Typically under Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > your eSIM line > Network operators — the exact path varies by manufacturer, similar to the general setup differences covered in the Android eSIM guide.
When manual selection actually helps
This matters most on the outer islands, where one carrier’s tower placement can leave noticeably better signal than the other’s in the same town — Santiago is the exception, since both networks maintain their strongest 4G coverage there and the difference is rarely worth chasing manually.
Switching back to automatic
Once you’ve manually connected to a working network, it’s worth switching back to automatic selection before you travel to a different island, since the carrier that worked best in one location may not be the better choice elsewhere.
If neither network shows up manually
An empty or unresponsive network list when trying to select manually usually points to a deeper eSIM or activation issue rather than a coverage problem — the eSIM not working guide covers this scenario specifically.
FAQ
Do I need to manually select a network normally?
No, automatic selection works for most travelers most of the time.
When should I try manual selection?
If data feels unusually slow or won’t connect on automatic.
Where do I find this setting on iPhone?
Settings > Cellular > your eSIM line > Network Selection.
Where do I find this setting on Android?
Usually Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Network operators, varying by brand.
Should I switch back to automatic later?
Yes, particularly before moving to a different island.
What if no networks appear when I try manual selection?
That usually points to an activation issue rather than a coverage problem.
Final Recommendation
Leave selection on automatic by default, and only switch to manual if you’re actively troubleshooting a connection problem. See the coverage guide for what to expect from each carrier by island.