Your Samsung Galaxy S26 shows a strong signal, but your mobile data is slow, apps keep disconnecting, or web pages refuse to load. In many cases, the problem is simple: your phone has connected to a different roaming partner than the one recommended by your travel eSIM provider.
The good news is that this is usually easy to fix.
Most travel eSIMs support one or more local networks. Sometimes your phone automatically chooses a network with weaker performance, more congestion, or limited compatibility with your plan.
This guide explains why it happens and how to manually switch to a better network.
Why Does My Galaxy S26 Connect to the Wrong Network?
The most common causes are:
1. Automatic Network Selection Is Enabled
Samsung phones automatically connect to a network when you arrive in a new country. The selected network is not always the fastest or best option for your eSIM.
2. Your eSIM Supports Multiple Networks
Many travel eSIMs can connect to more than one carrier in the same country. Your phone may switch between networks depending on signal conditions and availability.
3. Temporary Network Congestion
A network with a strong signal can still perform poorly if many people are using it at the same time, especially in airports, city centers, and major tourist destinations.
4. Dual-SIM Settings Are Causing Conflicts
If Data Switching is enabled, your phone may repeatedly check both SIMs and change network preferences, causing unstable connections.
5. Network Settings Need Refreshing
Occasionally, cached network information can cause connection issues after crossing borders or changing carriers.
How to Force the Correct Network
Follow these steps in order.
Step 1: Open Network Operator Settings
Open Settings.
Tap Connections.
Select Mobile Networks.
Tap Network Operators.
This menu allows you to choose a carrier manually.
Step 2: Turn Off Automatic Network Selection
Find Select Automatically.
Turn the toggle OFF.
Wait while your phone searches for available networks.
This process can take one to two minutes.
Step 3: Choose Another Available Network
A list of local carriers will appear.
Select the network recommended by your eSIM provider. If your provider doesn't specify a preferred network, try another major carrier if your current connection is slow.
After selecting a network:
Wait one minute.
Open a website.
Run a speed test if possible.
If performance is still poor, try another supported network.
Step 4: Disable Data Switching
Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
Under Mobile Data, select your travel eSIM.
Turn Data Switching OFF.
This prevents your phone from changing data connections automatically.
Step 5: Refresh the Connection
Turn Airplane Mode ON.
Wait 30 seconds.
Turn Airplane Mode OFF.
Wait for the phone to reconnect.
This refreshes your network registration and often improves performance.
Will Switching Networks Cost Extra?
No.
Manually selecting another supported network does not create additional charges. Your usage still comes from your existing travel eSIM data allowance.
However, you should only select networks that are supported by your eSIM provider.
Why Does My Phone Switch Back?
This can happen because:
Automatic network selection was turned back on.
The selected network temporarily lost coverage.
The phone restarted after a software update.
Your eSIM provider automatically changed network preferences.
If this happens, simply repeat the manual selection process.
What If None of the Networks Work?
Contact your eSIM provider and ask:
Which networks are supported in your destination.
Whether there are temporary outages.
If there are any special APN settings required.
Your provider can also confirm if your plan is experiencing network restrictions.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 sometimes connects to a slower or less suitable network when using a travel eSIM. Fortunately, the fix is usually straightforward.
To improve your connection:
Turn off automatic network selection.
Try another supported carrier.
Disable Data Switching.
Refresh the connection using Airplane Mode.
Contact your provider if the issue continues.
Taking manual control of your network settings often restores faster and more stable mobile data within a few minutes.