If you're traveling abroad and running a VPN over your eSIM, you may sometimes notice that it won't connect or suddenly slows down. Because a VPN runs on top of your eSIM's data connection, troubleshooting gets much easier once you figure out whether the issue lies with the VPN app or with the connection itself. This article organizes the key things to check by situation and lays them out as steps you can try in order. Work through them calmly, one at a time, and you'll be more likely to pinpoint the cause.
- First confirm the eSIM itself has working data before suspecting the VPN
- If only the VPN misbehaves, switch the server or protocol
- When it's slow, try a nearby server or a less busy time of day
- Review device-side settings too, such as low-power/low-data modes and a restart
- Bloomy is data-only (no phone number, calls, or SMS), but app-based calls like WhatsApp still work
The short version: When a VPN won't connect or runs slow, the basic order is to check (1) whether the eSIM itself has working data, (2) the server your VPN app connects to, and (3) your device and power-saving settings. It also helps to keep in mind that VPN connectivity and speed depend on your network conditions and can't be guaranteed to stay the same at all times. For the general approach to using a VPN alongside an eSIM, see "Can You Use a VPN with an eSIM? How to Set It Up and What Can't Be Guaranteed."
Start here: is the eSIM itself getting data?
Before blaming the VPN, confirm that the underlying eSIM data connection is working. With the VPN turned off, try opening a website in your browser or loading a maps app. If that doesn't work, you'll need to look at the connection side first rather than the VPN.
- Toggle airplane mode off and on once
- Check that the eSIM line is selected as your primary line / mobile data
- Check your data roaming setting (travel eSIMs sometimes need it switched on)
- In areas with weak signal, move to a different spot and try again
If you're unsure about the eSIM's settings or activation steps, the setup guide walks through the basics. If you still can't get data even with the VPN off, start with the troubleshooting page.
When the eSIM works but only the VPN won't connect
If the internet works fine with the VPN off but stops once you turn it on, review the VPN app's settings in order.
Try a different server
Most VPNs let you choose which server (country or region) you connect through. If a particular server is congested or unstable at that time of day, it can be hard to connect. Switching to a server in another country or a nearby region often helps.
Review the protocol and auto-connect settings
Many VPN apps let you switch the connection method (protocol). If one is giving you trouble, choosing a different method can be more stable. Sometimes simply quitting and reopening the app, or signing back in, is enough to fix it.
Update the app and your OS
An outdated VPN app or phone OS can interfere with connecting. If an update is available, apply it and then try again.
When it connects but feels "slow"
When you route through a VPN, your data passes through an extra server, so speeds can drop compared with not using one. This is expected to some degree given how VPNs work and isn't necessarily a fault. If it feels significantly slow, checking the following can help.
| What you're noticing | What to check |
|---|---|
| Video or video calls keep stalling | Switch to a nearby server / avoid peak hours |
| Slow at certain times of day | Local network congestion may play a part. Change location or time and recheck |
| Consistently slow | Change the VPN protocol, restart the app, restart the device |
| Worried about your data balance | Check your remaining data (a VPN still uses data) |
Speed depends on local network conditions, your area, and congestion by time of day. It fluctuates with or without a VPN, so it's good to know up front that no service can guarantee "the same speed all the time."
Device-side things to review
When the app and connection both seem fine, your device settings may be the cause.
- Low-power mode: may limit data to save battery. Turn it off temporarily and test
- Low-data mode: settings that restrict data can affect how the VPN behaves
- Restart the device: a quick reboot can reset the connection and VPN and make things more stable
- App interference: check that no security app or a second VPN is running at the same time
How to think about it when nothing helps
If you've tried everything and it still won't improve, try to isolate the cause. If the eSIM works normally with the VPN off, the connection itself is fine and the issue is more likely the VPN app or the server you're connecting to. Conversely, if you can't get data even with the VPN off, start by reviewing the eSIM's settings and signal conditions.
Keep in mind that VPNs vary by provider and app, and some networks you connect to may restrict VPN connections. It's difficult to guarantee detailed VPN behavior from the eSIM side, so when things don't work, checking your VPN provider's own help resources alongside this can make a solution easier to find. For more on the assumptions and approach behind using both together, see our guide to using a VPN with an eSIM.
What you can do with a Bloomy eSIM
A Bloomy eSIM is data-only by design. A VPN runs on top of that data connection, so the first step is to set up an environment where your data works reliably. You can find a plan that fits your destination and usage by country, data amount, and number of days.
To compare plans for where you're headed, start from the eSIM comparison page; for setup and activation steps, see the setup guide. If you run into trouble, our FAQ is worth a look too.
* Whether a VPN connects and how fast it runs depend on your network conditions and your VPN provider's specifications. The points here reflect general guidance as of June 2026 and may change depending on the situation. Plan details and pricing (in USD) can vary, so please confirm at the time of purchase. Connection quality varies with the local network, your device, and the area, and usage is subject to a fair-use policy.
