The IT Nerd

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.

NordVPN’s travel eSIM app Saily is launching a premium subscription plan, Saily Ultra, which offers unlimited global eSIM data combined with special benefits for travelers.

The Saily Ultra plan combines top-tier essentials with exclusive perks:

• Unlimited global data coverage. Saily Ultra enables users to browse however much they need, all while crossing borders. The plan provides unlimited eSIM connectivity in more than 110 destinations.
   
• State-of-the-art cybersecurity tools. Alongside Saily’s built-in security features, Ultra users get access to Nord Security’s full product suite — monthly subscriptions to the advanced cybersecurity tool NordVPN, password manager NordPass, secure cloud storage NordLocker, and personal data removal service Incogni.
  
• 8% back in Saily credits. Ultra users get back 8% on purchases in the form of credits, while other Saily users receive up to 5%.
  
• Ultra plan also grants priority access to Saily’s 24/7 support team.
  
• Additional features are coming soon. Access to airport lounges, fast tracks, and more information about new benefits will be released soon.

The monthly plan offers auto-renewal, as well as complete freedom to cancel and reactivate it at any time.

The convenience of the Saily Ultra plan is ideal for frequent and business travelers, as well as digital nomads. Business travelers can rely on Ultra for seamless travel and quick communication, while digital nomads benefit from reliable data and strong cybersecurity for remote work. For frequent travelers, Ultra means less airport chaos with lounge access and fast-track lines.

An eSIM service — and much more

Saily has been focusing on expanding its offering. During the past year, the eSIM app has introduced numerous connectivity and convenience-related features — flexible unlimited data plans, auto top-ups, new plans for countries and regions.

The introduction of unique security features made Saily stand out from the other travel eSIM services even more. Virtual location, web protection, and ad blocker transformed Saily from an eSIM service provider to a comprehensive security app for travelers.

When using Saily’s security features, users can change their geolocation and block potentially malicious websites, trackers, and ads. Third-party audits showed that users save 28.6% of their mobile data on average with the ad blocker enabled.