If you notice that video streaming is slower than expected while using your Vuoly eSIM, the issue may be related to network restrictions, VPN usage, or Apple’s Private Relay feature. Some mobile networks apply traffic management policies that can affect video speeds, especially when using privacy-enhancing tools.
Why Does This Happen?
Some mobile carriers manage network traffic to prioritize certain types of data. When using a VPN or Private Relay, your internet traffic is rerouted through an encrypted connection, making it harder for the carrier to identify your usage patterns. As a result, some networks may:
✔ Throttle video streaming speeds if they detect encrypted traffic coming from a VPN or Private Relay.
✔ Apply lower-quality streaming policies to VPN traffic, reducing resolution or buffering speeds.
✔ Restrict access to certain streaming services when using an anonymized connection.
While these measures are not applied by all networks, they can impact streaming speeds on services like YouTube, Netflix, or other video platforms when using a VPN or Private Relay.
How to Fix Slow Video Streaming on a Mobile Network
If you experience slow streaming speeds while using an eSIM, try the following troubleshooting steps:
1. Turn Off Apple’s Private Relay (iPhone & iPad)
Private Relay hides your IP address and encrypts your browsing activity, but some mobile networks may throttle encrypted traffic. To disable it:
Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Tap Apple ID (your name at the top) > iCloud.
Tap Private Relay and toggle it off.
Restart your browser or video streaming app and test your connection again.
📌 Note: Private Relay only affects Safari and certain apps, so disabling it won’t impact all your internet traffic.
2. Disconnect from Your VPN
If you're using a VPN, it may be causing slow speeds due to network restrictions. To test your connection:
Turn off your VPN temporarily.
Restart the video streaming app.
Check if streaming speeds improve.
If speeds return to normal, you may want to:
✔ Try a different VPN server or location.
✔ Use a VPN with split tunneling to allow video traffic to bypass encryption.
✔ Contact your VPN provider for optimized settings.
3. Switch to a Different Network Mode (4G/5G)
Some carriers apply different traffic policies based on network type:
Try switching between 4G and 5G in your phone’s settings to see if one provides better streaming performance.
To switch, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Voice & Data and select 4G, LTE, or 5G, depending on what’s available.
4. Test Streaming on Wi-Fi
If you’re experiencing slow video playback over mobile data, connect to a Wi-Fi network (if available) to check if the issue is related to the mobile network.
If the problem disappears on Wi-Fi, it's likely a carrier restriction on mobile data.
If streaming remains slow, there may be an issue with the video service itself or your device.
Final Thoughts
If you notice slow video streaming speeds while using a VPN or Private Relay, it may be due to network traffic management policies. Turning off Private Relay or temporarily disconnecting from your VPN can often resolve the issue.
Please note that video streaming and video calls consume a large amount of data, which can quickly use up your plan if your eSIM has a limited data allowance. Even if you have an unlimited data plan, some carriers may apply Fair Usage Policies (FUPs) that limit speeds for users consuming an unusually high amount of data in a short period. When good, reliable Wi-Fi is available, it’s often advisable to use it for data-heavy applications like video streaming and video calls.
For additional support, feel free to contact Vuoly’s customer service team!