Just toggling airplane mode can improve the connection
A reliable internet connection while traveling is a modern necessity, but your mobile device can sabotage its quality. Connectivity experts explain that this happens because your device may prioritize one network over another, regardless of their quality or strength.
“When you land in a foreign country, your phone automatically scans and registers available networks,” says Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of Saily, NordVPN’s travel eSIM app. “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.”
Airports typically provide strong coverage from multiple carriers, since carriers have an incentive to connect as many devices as possible. If your phone attaches to one network in the terminal, that initial connection can persist even when a stronger or faster network is available at your hotel or local area, potentially leaving you with a weaker connection.
Instead of relying on unsecured Wi-Fi or searching for a local SIM card, a simple fix can help. “Once you reach your hotel, apartment, or office — the spot where you’ll spend the most time — toggle airplane mode once. That will force a clean network reselection and let your phone choose the best local tower and partner for your location,” says Maknickas.
The $0 travel hack
To secure a better quality connection, follow these steps:
- On arrival, let your phone connect as usual so you can get moving.
- When you reach your base, turn on airplane mode for 10-20 seconds, then turn it off.
- Give it a minute to settle. Watch for bars, 4G/5G indicators, and more importantly, check a quick speed test or load a map.
This break triggers a fresh scan of available networks. Because you’re now in a different environment, the best option may change, and your phone will lock onto that instead of keeping the airport pick.
Additional tips to keep in mind
To avoid potential issues, Maknickas also shares a few additional pieces of advice:
- Some carriers can nudge your phone toward preferred partners. The toggle still helps the device reassess signal quality, but you may be steered back. If performance is poor, switch to manual network selection in settings and pick the carrier that has the best performance.
- Don’t overdo it. Constant toggling while moving can make the device chase towers and drain battery. The point of this hack is one reset at the main location.
About
Saily is a travel eSIM app that ensures secure and affordable mobile internet connection abroad. Saily offers 24/7 instant customer support, flexible plans, and coverage in 200+ destinations. Saily was created by the experts behind NordVPN — the advanced security and privacy app. For more information: https://saily.com
Vykintas Maknickas is the CEO of Saily. After spending the bigger part of a decade at Nord Security, Vykintas is now overseeing Saily, the newest addition to Nord Security’s product family. He is a professional with comprehensive knowledge of the past, present, and future of cybersecurity and stays up to date with the latest threats and opportunities in the digital world.
Guest Post – Travel hack: Restart this one phone setting for faster interne
Posted in Commentary with tags Saily on November 21, 2025 by itnerdJust toggling airplane mode can improve the connection
A reliable internet connection while traveling is a modern necessity, but your mobile device can sabotage its quality. Connectivity experts explain that this happens because your device may prioritize one network over another, regardless of their quality or strength.
“When you land in a foreign country, your phone automatically scans and registers available networks,” says Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of Saily, NordVPN’s travel eSIM app. “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.”
Airports typically provide strong coverage from multiple carriers, since carriers have an incentive to connect as many devices as possible. If your phone attaches to one network in the terminal, that initial connection can persist even when a stronger or faster network is available at your hotel or local area, potentially leaving you with a weaker connection.
Instead of relying on unsecured Wi-Fi or searching for a local SIM card, a simple fix can help. “Once you reach your hotel, apartment, or office — the spot where you’ll spend the most time — toggle airplane mode once. That will force a clean network reselection and let your phone choose the best local tower and partner for your location,” says Maknickas.
The $0 travel hack
To secure a better quality connection, follow these steps:
This break triggers a fresh scan of available networks. Because you’re now in a different environment, the best option may change, and your phone will lock onto that instead of keeping the airport pick.
Additional tips to keep in mind
To avoid potential issues, Maknickas also shares a few additional pieces of advice:
About
Saily is a travel eSIM app that ensures secure and affordable mobile internet connection abroad. Saily offers 24/7 instant customer support, flexible plans, and coverage in 200+ destinations. Saily was created by the experts behind NordVPN — the advanced security and privacy app. For more information: https://saily.com
Vykintas Maknickas is the CEO of Saily. After spending the bigger part of a decade at Nord Security, Vykintas is now overseeing Saily, the newest addition to Nord Security’s product family. He is a professional with comprehensive knowledge of the past, present, and future of cybersecurity and stays up to date with the latest threats and opportunities in the digital world.
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