Get better internet immediately by pressing one button on phone

A simple phone trick could dramatically improve your mobile internet connection when travelling abroad, and it doesn’t cost a penny. Connectivity experts warn that your phone can unintentionally compromise your internet speeds after travelling to another country.

Upon arrival, most smartphones automatically connect to the first available roaming network, often one inside the airport, and then stubbornly cling to it, even when you move elsewhere and a stronger signal becomes available. Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of Saily, NordVPN’s travel eSIM app, explained that this automatic behaviour is built into how devices select roaming partners.

“When you land in a foreign country, your phone automatically scans and registers available networks,” said Maknickas.

“If your home network has several roaming partners at your destination with equal priority, your device will usually latch onto the strongest signal at the airport, and then stick with it.”

That means your device might continue relying on the same network even after you’ve left the terminal, resulting in slow or patchy internet at your hotel, apartment, or office.

The good news is that a quick toggle of aeroplane mode can reset the connection and instantly improve performance.

“Once you reach your hotel or main base, switch on aeroplane mode for 10 to 20 seconds, then turn it off,” said Maknickas.

“This forces a clean network reselection and lets your phone choose the best local tower or roaming partner for your exact location.”

To make the most of this trick, follow these three simple steps: let your phone connect as usual when you first land, so you can navigate through the airport and clear customs.

When you reach your accommodation, turn on aeroplane mode for around 10 to 20 seconds. Turn it off again and allow your phone to reconnect. Check your bars, 4G/5G indicator, or run a quick speed test.

This short reset triggers a fresh network scan, allowing your phone to connect to a faster, more reliable tower nearby instead of sticking with the one it latched onto at the airport.