Why Is My T-Mobile Data So Slow And How To Fix?

Asking why is my T-Mobile data so slow? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we will identify the issue you’re experiencing and hopefully resolve it.

Luckily for you, there are more than enough troubleshooting methods available for you to try. In that regard, we’ve done our best to present them in the most accessible manner so everybody can apply them with ease.

There are many possible causes for your data to be slow. Everything from wrong configured settings to outer interferences and VPN can slow your data to the point where it is no longer usable.

Our solutions are covering both Android and iOS devices, so there is nothing to be concerned about.

Without further ado, let’s jump right into the first steps.

Why Is My T-Mobile Data So Slow?

Before you start applying the troubleshooting steps down below, there are several things that you will need to check, otherwise, your efforts will be worthless.

• Turn off Airplane Mode.
• Enable Data Roaming if you’re roaming across cellular networks.
• Turn off Wi-Fi and enable T-Mobile Data.
• Restart your device.

Once ready with the bullets above let’s try to get rid of the issue once and for all.

How To Fix Slow Or No T-Mobile Data?

The methods below are extracted from trustworthy sources and community guidelines that marked the same issue you’re experiencing as resolved.

We recommend applying them in the order they are listed below to achieve the best results.

Important: Before you begin, make sure to choose a Network Mode in the Device Settings (2G/3G/4G/LTE or Auto).

Method #1 Clean Up

First, you should clean your device from unnecessary files, where some of them are well-known to cause internet issues.

Regardless of the device you’re using, open the main browser you’re using to surf the internet and delete the following:

• Cache
• Cookies
• History

Next, go to the uninstall tab and get rid of any third-party browsers, launcher applications, and battery savers.

We also recommend uninstalling any applications that you don’t really need, especially if they are made by foreign developers.

Method #2 Configuration

If you’re still wondering why is T-Mobile data so slow, even after cleaning up your device, the key might be in the configuration.

Here we’ve prepared different approaches for both Android and iOS users. Depending on the type of your device, follow the dedicated steps.

iOS Devices

1. Erase the configuration profiles for any apps installed by you.
2. Ensure that the T-Mobile Carrier Settings are updated.
3. Reset the network configurations in Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

If you are having any trouble performing the above-listed steps, feel free to check Apple Support.

Android Devices

1. Erase the Cache Partition.
2. Turn off Data Limit or Data Usage Limit.
3. Enable Data Settings or Data Connection (If it is on, toggle it off and then on again).
4. Reset the APN Settings of your device to default.

Note: It is possible that your SIM card is not inserted properly so we recommend taking it out and carefully placing it back in.

Method #3 Update Your Device

As we progress closing the circle of possible causes, you will need to ensure that the slow T-Mobile data is not caused by an outdated OS.

Regardless of if you’re using an Android or iOS device try to update the firmware to the latest possible using WiFi.

If there is an update, the chances for your T-Mobile data to get better are great, so do not hesitate to apply any pending updates.

Method #4 Turn-Off Data Drainers

Asking how can I speed up my slow T-Mobile data? Well, disabling consumer software is one of the first things to do. 

If there are any applications that might be downloading data in the background, make sure to uninstall or temporarily disable them.

A huge and well-known data drainer would be VPN software, so if you’re using one, disable it until you solve the issue.

Here is some type of applications that are well-known to consume data in the background:

• Unauthorized apps/games
• Desktop launchers
• VPNs
• Antivirus software
• Foreign browsers

Once you uninstall/disable any potential threats, proceed with restarting your device. When rebooted, feel free to test your T-Mobile data performance.

Does T-Mobile Slow Down Data?

The straightforward answer is NO, but there are other things beyond troubleshooting that could slow down your data.

For instance, if you have used all the high-speed data, you might be placed in lower network prioritization where you will only have access to slow internet.

You can check that in your device’s settings under Cellular or Data Usage. Each billing cycle has 50 GB of high-speed data, and once used up, you’re left with a slow data transfer until the next refresh cycle.

How To Run A Network Test?

You can test your network by downloading the “Speedtest.net” from the dedicated app store using Wi-Fi and then perform a test.

Note: Switch to T-Mobile data before starting the test.

Here are the results you should get if your network is running with decent speed for reference:

LTE: Below 400 Kbps

3G: 3-6 Mbps

4G: 10-40 Mbps

If your results are similar, then there is nothing wrong with your network. At this point, we have tightened the circle of possible issues enough to conclude that the problem is coming from the signal.

How To Fix T-Mobile No Signal/Service Issue?

If you’re still here we assume that your issue persists even though you’ve applied all of our troubleshooting methods above.

Now, we can safely conclude that the problem is beyond troubleshooting and everything that depends on you is done.

Before you reach out to T-Mobile customer service, take a look at the top left of your screen, where the signal bars are. If there are two or fewer signal bars then you might be out of coverage.

Note: We will exclude the probability that you’re somewhere in a mountain or a place without coverage, because if this is where you are then you should have figured out the issue yourself.

Here is what you can do in case of no signal or no service:

1. Restart your device.
2. Switch WiFi calling preferences to Cellular Only or Cellular Preferred.
3. Turn off Wi-Fi and enable T-Mobile Data.
4. Go to Settings and set the device Network mode to Auto.
5. Update your device to the latest possible firmware.
6. Remove any cases that are covering the device.

Once ready, check if there is better cellular coverage. We are targeting two or more signal bars.

If the issue is still there then you might have to contact the T-Mobile customer service to identify the issue for certain.

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Bottom Line

We hope that now you know why is my T-Mobile data so slow. If our methods were not able to help, at least now you are one step closer to the true cause and its solution.

Keep in mind that if the T-Mobile network is having maintenance (bad day), the slow internet could be just a temporary issue that should be soon resolved on its own.

If you are interested in similar content, feel free to check our blog specializing in troubleshooting technology-related issues.