Slow internet on your Fairphone 5 can feel especially frustrating when you're trying to browse or stream. The good news is that a few adjustments to your phone's settings can often make a big difference. I'd start with the quick fixes first, as they solve the majority of slowdowns.
Since the Fairphone 5 runs a clean version of Android 14, the settings paths are straightforward and free of manufacturer bloatware that can sometimes interfere.
Restart Your Phone and Modem
This is the simplest and most effective first step. A restart clears temporary software glitches that can bog down your connection. For the Fairphone 5, just press and hold the power button for a few seconds and tap "Restart."
Don't forget to restart your WiFi router or modem as well. Unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This refreshes your entire home network.
Switch Between WiFi and Mobile Data
If your WiFi is slow, try turning it off to use your mobile data, and vice versa. This tells you where the problem lies. Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the Quick Settings panel and tap the WiFi or Mobile Data icon to toggle it.
For a more thorough network refresh, you can use the built-in internet toggle. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet and tap the refresh icon (two arrows in a circle) next to your network name.
Clear Your Browser's Cache and Data
Over time, your browser stores old website data that can become corrupted and slow things down. Clearing it gives you a fresh start. If you use Chrome, open the app and tap the three-dot menu in the top right.
Go to History > Clear browsing data. For the best clean-up, select "All time" as the time range and check the boxes for "Cached images and files" and "Cookies and site data." Then tap "Clear data."
Enable Data Saver on Mobile Networks
This Android feature restricts background data for all apps, which can speed up your active browsing and reduce overall data usage. It's perfect for when you're on a slower mobile connection.
To turn it on, go to Settings > Network & internet > Data Saver. Toggle "Use Data Saver" on. You can also tap "Unrestricted data" to allow specific apps, like your messaging app, to bypass the restriction.
Check for System and App Updates
One of the Fairphone 5's biggest strengths is its long-term software support. Updates often include connectivity improvements and bug fixes. Go to Settings > System > System update to check for the latest Android version.
Also, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, and go to Manage apps & device > Updates available. Update all your apps, as outdated versions can have performance issues.
Reset Your Network Settings
This will erase all saved WiFi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and mobile data preferences, so you'll need to reconnect to your WiFi afterward. It's a strong fix for persistent, weird connection problems.
On your Fairphone 5, navigate to Settings > System > Reset options. Tap "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth" and confirm. Your phone will reboot, and you can then reconnect to your network from scratch.
Limit Background Data for Specific Apps
Some apps constantly use data in the background for updates or syncing, which can drain speed. You can restrict them individually. Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps and select the app you want to manage.
Tap Mobile data & Wi-Fi. Here, you can toggle off "Background data" for that app. This means it will only use data when you have the app open.
Try a Different DNS Server
Your phone uses a DNS server to look up website addresses. Sometimes your default one is slow. Switching to a public DNS like Google's or Cloudflare's can speed up page loading.
For WiFi, go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet. Tap the gear icon next to your connected network. Tap "Advanced" and then "Private DNS." Select "Private DNS provider hostname" and enter dns.google (for Google) or 1.1.1.1 (for Cloudflare).
Forget and Rejoin Your WiFi Network
This clears the specific connection data between your phone and your router. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet. Tap the gear icon next to your WiFi network's name.
Tap "Forget" at the bottom of the screen. Then, go back to your list of networks, select your WiFi again, and re-enter the password to reconnect. This often resolves authentication hiccups that cause slow speeds.
Check Your Mobile Network Preferences
You can set your preferred network type. While 5G is fastest, if your signal is weak, forcing 5G can actually lead to slower, unstable speeds. Switching to 4G/LTE can provide a more consistent connection.
Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (tap your active SIM). Then tap "Preferred network type." Try selecting "4G" or "3G/2G" to test if your connection becomes more stable, even if the peak speed is lower.