Return to articles

How to Speed Up the Internet on Your iPhone

Find out all the best ways to improve the Internet speed on your iPhone, plus tips for other smartphone users, in this post from SmartMove.

All smartphone users rely on the Internet to extend important functions on their devices. Apps, streaming, and necessary updates are all delivered over the Internet, and fast speeds are essential for a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Users of Apple’s iPhone rely on an integrated cloud-based platform for continuous delivery of service. Disruptions in Internet service or slowdowns in streaming speed leave these and other smartphones with limited functionality. 

If your iPhone or iPad’s Internet connection is slow, it’s important to identify the potential causes, so you can work on fixing it.

Here are some steps to take to get to the root of the problem resulting in your iPhone’s slow Internet connection.

Clear Your Browser Cache

When iPhone users explore the Internet using the mobile browser, apps can sometimes get stuck with bad data. Try cleaning the browser cache and clearing out your history to make sure an overflowing cache isn’t behind your slow Internet problems.

Check Your Internet Connection’s Strength

Rather than an issue on the client device or in the settings, slow Internet speeds can also be the result of a bad Internet connection.

When you’re having trouble with poor Internet speed, make sure you check it with a speed test before doing anything else. To get a proper reading, you’ll need to check the speed with multiple connected devices. If a speed test from your laptop or another connected device shows a fast Internet speed, the Internet connection isn’t to blame.

Another reason for a slow Internet connection could be because you’re using public or encrypted network traffic. If your iPhone’s Internet speed is only slow at the coffee shop with public WiFi, it’s just the public Internet. Similarly, if your Internet is only slow when you’re accessing the Internet through a friend’s VPN, the encryption is likely to blame.

 

Find a Better Location

Depending on where you are, you might not have access to a good network connection. This lack of good, reliable access can be the result of a user’s physical, geographic location or simply their distance from the source of their network connection.

If you’re using WiFi, make sure you’re not too far away from your router. Those who live in a location without a good Internet infrastructure—such as in some rural areas—might need to rely on cellular data to access the Internet.

If the problem is your proximity to your router, consider a signal booster. Or, if you have to rely on data to connect to the Internet, cellular service boxes can offer some help where WiFi coverage is limited.

 

Don’t Use VPN or Public WiFi

Even if you have a good Internet connection, the use of encrypted or public networks can dramatically impact your iPhone’s speed.

Public hotspots are not only slow, they can also be dangerous. Hackers can gain access to devices connected to public WiFi and insert malicious software or steal data, including passwords. As much as possible, avoid them.

You can use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your traffic and keep it safe, but this also slows down your connection and can make it difficult to access key services.

iOS users can go to WiFi in their Settings menu to check which network they’re connected to and the signal strength.

Upgrade Your Cellular Data

Cellular data might be slowing your iPhone’s connection down. Oftentimes, when users consume a large amount of data, Internet service providers throttle their service, leaving them with limited bandwidth.

If you’re using cellular data to access the Internet, check with your provider to ensure your service is working correctly. You should confirm your sim card is seated correctly and that you haven’t gone over your data cap.

Maintain Your Home Network

If you’re accessing the Internet via a home network, check your router to make sure everything is working correctly. 

Set up a static IP address to ensure your iPhone is always getting the best connection. WiFi can be configured to use WEP, WPA, and WPA2. Modern devices should use WPA2 to provide the most secure experience with the best speeds.

Reboot After Updates

Smartphones are constantly patched and updated to keep them safe from vulnerabilities and to give users up-to-date applications and experiences. The latest software updates can sometimes interfere with basic connectivity features.

Recently updated software might interfere with network operations on your device. Try restarting it to see if the connection improves. To reboot an iPhone such as an XS, you need to hold the volume down and slider until an options menu appears. On an Android phone, simply hold down the power button and select reboot.

Fix Network Settings

If your Internet connection is fine for other devices, it may be that your iPhone’s Internet settings aren’t configured correctly. You can often speed up your connection with the right settings.

Try resetting the settings on the device and setting up the connection again. To reset network settings, go to your device’s WiFi, and select ‘Forget this network,’ then reconnect by putting in your network credentials again.

Rather than using a manual network setup, use the automated wizard and make sure you’re selecting the

correct encryption type. You should also check to see if you’re in airplane mode if you’re not getting any connection at all.

 

SmartMove Gets the Best Speed

If you’re having trouble with your Android or iPhone’s Internet connection and other devices are affected as well, it might be time to consider a new ISP. Find out if SmartMove can connect you with faster Internet speeds and a better deal today!
 
 
Get Connected

Enter the address where you'd like your Internet service.

Find My Provider
Or give us a call: 1.877.298.8998
Share

Ready To Get Connected

Enter your address to get started