If your tukango eSIM is connecting but speeds feel sluggish, the cause is usually either network conditions or a phone setting. Here's how to diagnose and fix it.
Run a quick speed test
Before troubleshooting, measure your actual speed:
- Open the Speedtest by Ookla app or fast.com
- Run the test on cellular only (turn off WiFi)
- Compare to the expected speeds for your region (typically 20-100 Mbps for 4G, 100-500 Mbps for 5G)
If you're getting under 5 Mbps, something's wrong. If you're getting 20+ Mbps, that's normal — apps like video streaming and large downloads will work fine.
Common causes
Network congestion
Cell towers get crowded at peak times (rush hour, big events, busy areas). The same tower at midnight might be 10× faster.
Fix: Move to a less crowded area or try again later.
Weak signal
Indoor walls, basements, and concrete buildings block cellular signal. A 1-bar connection is much slower than a 4-bar connection.
Fix: Move closer to a window, go outside, or onto a higher floor.
3G/2G fallback
Your phone might be connecting to an older network instead of 4G/5G.
Fix: Force 4G/5G:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [tukango line] → Voice & Data → 5G or LTE
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode → LTE/5G
- Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → tukango → Preferred network type → 5G or LTE
Wrong carrier selection
Automatic network selection might pick a slower partner network instead of the premium one.
Fix: Manually select the network listed first on your tukango plan page (it's usually the fastest local carrier).
Quick fixes
Restart your phone
Resets the cellular radio and re-selects the best available network.
Toggle airplane mode
30 seconds on, then off. Forces a fresh network registration.
Disable VPN
VPNs route your traffic through a remote server, often slowing speeds significantly. Try disconnecting and re-testing.
Close background apps
Some apps consume bandwidth even when you're not using them. Force-close apps you're not actively using.
When speed is genuinely poor
Some destinations simply have slower mobile infrastructure than others. A premium 5G plan in Singapore feels different from 4G in rural Albania. Here's what to expect:
| Region | Typical speed |
|---|---|
| Major US/EU cities | 50-300 Mbps |
| Most of Asia (cities) | 30-200 Mbps |
| Rural Europe | 10-50 Mbps |
| Rural / mountainous areas | 1-20 Mbps |
| Remote regions | <5 Mbps or none |
If you're in a city and getting under 10 Mbps consistently, contact tukango support — we can verify the network and offer alternatives if available.
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