5G unravels a world of speedier and smoother mobile internet. Although, as with every new technology, there are a few hiccups along the way. If you’re unable to connect to a 5G network or 5G is not working on your iPhone and Android phone, you’ve dropped in at the right place.
There can be several reasons why your iPhone or Android phone is not connecting to 5G. This article will cover the probable reasons behind the issue and their rightful fixes. So, without further delay, let’s get on with it.
Why Can’t I Connect to a 5G Network
Before we go into full-blown troubleshooting mode, it is wiser to check whether your region, carrier, and phone support 5G or not. So which iPhone and Android phone support 5G?
Is Your Phone Compatible With 5G Network
Apple incorporated 5G support from iPhone 12. And except for iPhone SE 2 (2020), every iPhone model since is 5G compatible i.e., all models of iPhone 12, 13, and 14 series, plus iPhone SE 3 (2022).
As for Android phones, it’s not as straightforward. You’ll have to do a quick spec check (online or offline) to check for 5G compatibility.
Is 5G Service Active in Your Region
The next step is to ensure that 5G is available at your location. While the 5G rollouts might be in full swing in the country, your area still might be deprived.
You can figure this out with a quick Google search or check out Ookla’s helpful 5G tracking map.
Does Your Carrier, Sim, and Data Plan Support 5G
This is in direct correlation with the above section. Once you check the 5G status, ensure that your carrier offers support for it. Most importantly, double-check that your SIM and data plan are 5G compatible.
The easiest way to do so is to call the carrier support center and get clarity on these things.
Update Your OS
While troubleshooting any issue, we usually suggest OS updates to get rid of bugs. However, this time the purpose is something else. Currently, the software is following the lead of 5G service providers. And hence, the feature is not available across the globe.
As and when a region is blessed with 5G, an update is scheduled to enable 5G support from the developer’s end. So, before we move on, it’s wiser to update the OS to unlock 5G compatibility.
- For iPhone: Go to Settings → General → Software Update → Download and Install (if an update is available).
- For Android devices: Go to Settings → Software update → Download and install → let it search. Now, download the update if available.
If you meet all the above prerequisites and still can’t connect to the 5G network, move on to the fixes below.
How to Fix 5G Not Working or Showing Up on Smartphones
Now that we’ve checked the prerequisites for 5G compatibility, let’s figure out why your 5G is not working and fix it.
1. Why Does My Phone Say LTE Instead of 5G
Well if you’re in the 5G range and still LTE or 4G shows up in the status, there might be a chance that 5G is disabled on your device. So, here’s how to check and turn on 5G.
On iPhone
Launch the Settings app and go to Cellular → Celluar Data Options → Voice & Data. Here, ensure that either 5G On or 5G Auto is selected.
For battery-saving purposes, it is suggested to use 5G Auto at all times or to switch off 5G when you’re not in range. You can also read this guide to manage 5G settings and data-saving modes for further clarity.
On Android Phones
Step 1: Go to Settings → Connections or Network & internet.
Step 2: Tap Mobile networks or SIMs.
Step 3: Here, tap Network mode or Preferred network type.
Step 4: Select Global/Auto or 5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto connect) to enable 5G.
Now that 5G is turned on, hopefully, you’ll see the 5G icon on the status bar. If not, move on to the next step.
2. Check Your Data Usage
If your 5G has suddenly stopped working, the culprit might be the data limit of your cellular plan. You can tally the data usage and then remedy it accordingly.
On iPhone
Step 1: Launch Settings and go to Cellular/Mobile Data.
Step 2: Under the Cellular/Mobile Data heading, you’ll spot the Current Period. This will show your data usage until now.
Tally it with your Cellular data plan limit to confirm whether this is the issue. Get a top-up if required, and for future reference, check out these smart ways to limit cellular data usage on iPhone.
On Android Phones
Step 1: Go to Settings followed by Connections.
Step 2: Tap Data usage.
Step 3: Here, select Mobile data usage.
Check whether you’ve exhausted the data or if there’s still breathing room. Also, take help from this guide to smartly use cellular data on Android and ensure that you never run out of data.
In case 5G is still not working on Android or iPhone, move to the next step.
3. Ensure Low Power Mode is Disabled
Some devices including iPhone 12 series, disable 5G when in Low Power/Power Saving mode. So, if your 5G is not working, try turning off the battery-saving settings to fix the issue.
- On iPhone: Open the Control Center and turn off Low Power mode (if active).
- iPhone with Face ID: Swipe down from the right corner.
- iPhone with Touch ID: Swipe up from the bottom.
- On Android phone: Swipe down from the home screen twice to access the complete Quick Settings panel, and disable Power Saving mode, if active
4. Turn Airplane Mode On and Back Off
When dealing with network-related issues such as a phone won’t connect to 5G, AirPlane Mode can help. It restarts the network connections, hopefully eliminating the bugs or settings behind the error.
On your iPhone or Android phone, open the Control Center/Quick Settings panel. Turn on the Airplane or Flight Mode, wait for a few seconds and tap to turn it off.
Tip: Don’t know the purpose, benefits, or difference between Do Not Disturb vs. Silent vs. Airplane Mode? Check out these detailed guides for iPhone and Android phones for some great insights.
5. Restart Your Phone
If restarting your network setting didn’t work, restarting the phone might do the trick. The idea is the same, to reset and resolve any discrepancies.
- On iPhone: Press the physical buttons and then drag the power slider to turn off the device.
- iPhone with Face ID: Press and hold the volume down/up and the side buttons simultaneously.
- iPhone with Touch ID: Press and hold the side button.
- On Android Phones: Press and hold the power button + volume down and select the Power Off or Restart option.
6. Re-Insert the Physical Sim
The idea is to clear the SIM cache and eradicate any bug or setting that might be stopping you from accessing 5G. Simply, take out the SIM from your device, restart your phone, and insert the device back again.
Note: Don’t try this step for an eSIM, unless directed by the carrier. If you delete an eSIM, you’ll need to contact the carrier and set up a new one.
7. Reset the APN Setting of Your Phone
The Access Point Name (APN) is the network path defined for cellular data connectivity. So, your 5G connectivity issue might be stemmed from some issue in this section. While below are the steps, you can follow the instructions provided by your network provider (Google it!).
On iPhone
Step 1: Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data.
Step 2: Here select Cellular/Mobile Data Network.
Step 3: Tap Reset Settings and then Reset again.
On Android Devices
Step 1: Launch Settings and go to Connections.
Step 2: Tap Mobile Networks and select Access Point Names. Here, tap the Menu button (three-dot icon)
Step 3: Select Reset to default.
Step 4: Tap Reset again to confirm the action.
8. Reset Network Settings
It’s time for bringing out the big guns. When nothing else is working, returning to default settings can be the plan. However, when you do so, everything from your Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi passwords to VPN configurations will be erased. So, proceed with caution.
On iPhone
Step 1: Go to Settings and then General.
Step 2: Scroll down to ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’.
Step 3: Select Reset.
Step 4: Now, select Reset Network Settings (enter the passcode if prompted).
Step 5: Tap Reset Network Settings again to confirm the action.
On Android Devices
Step 1: In the Settings app scroll down to General management or System.
Step 2: Tap Reset or Reset Options.
Step 3: Here, select Reset network settings or Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
Step 4: Tap Reset settings again.
9. Contact Your Carrier Support
If 5G is not working on your iPhone or Android even after trying all the above fixes, the last resort is to call your carrier. Get in touch with their support team to decipher and resolve the issue.
Notably, they might suggest you the same steps as above, so let them know what measures you’ve already taken.
FAQs on 5G Network on Smartphones
1. Why don’t some 5G phones still support 5G?
While your phone is built-in with 5G compatibility, an OS update might be needed to unlock it. So update! Another issue could be your carrier, also check with them and enable whatever settings and data plans are required.
2. Why is 5G not working while roaming?
Firstly, check if the region has a 5G connection. Then, ensure that your data plan supports data roaming. Lastly, verify that Data Roaming is turned on.
For iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → toggle On Data Roaming.
For Android phones: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → toggle On Data roaming.
3. How do I know if I am using 5G?
Usually, your phone’s status bar will denote which network type is active. Depending upon the connection type you might see 5G, 5G E, 5G+, 5G UW, or 5G UC.
Cheers to 5G
We hope that after following these troubleshooting steps, you’re able to make the most of the 5G network and speeds. Are you finding any evident differences between 4G and 5G usage? Which of the two offers better battery life? Share your experience in the comments section below.
FAQs
Why is my 5G not working Android? ›
Restart your phone or enable and disable Airplane mode: Some network settings may cause your phone to fail to connect to the 5G network within a short period of time. Restart your phone or enable and disable Airplane mode to resolve the issue.
Why is my 5G not working on my iPhone? ›If you don't see 5G in the status bar
Make sure that you're in an area with 5G coverage. Contact your carrier if you're not sure. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options or Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options. If you see this screen, your device has 5G activated.
Search for Preferred network type or Network mode if you're on Android. If the network type is already set to something that should cover 5G, like Global or Auto, change it to an option that best ensures a connection, like 5G On or 5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto connect). Update your phone's operating system to the latest version.
Is LTE the same as 5G? ›5G has lower latency than LTE. The 5G standard is intended to substantially reduce downloading latency down to 4 milliseconds for phone devices and one millisecond for devices such as self-driving vehicles that depend on ultra-reliable low latency connectivity (about ten times quicker than LTE's ten milliseconds).
Is LTE better than 5G? ›If you're looking for fast speeds with the most population coverage, LTE is the way to go. However, if you're looking for the latest and greatest technology with the potential for faster speeds and more capacity, 5G is the way to go.
Do I need a new SIM card for 5G? ›Changing your SIM card will help to ensure you get more 5G in more places when using a compatible device, such as indoors and in rural locations, and will make sure you're ready to take advantage of future network enhancement.
How do I force my iPhone 5G? ›- Head to the Settings app on your iPhone (5G available on iPhone 12, 13, and SE 3)
- Tap Cellular.
- Choose Cellular Data Options.
- Tap Voice & Data.
- With 5G Auto as the default, you can choose 5G On to use it anytime it's available for faster speeds.
If you are using a 5G device but cannot connect to 5G, please check with your carrier to see whether you are subscribed to a 5G plan, and that there aren't any issues with your account. You can also check if you are currently in a region that supports 5G.
How do I force my network to 5G? ›- Install Samsung band selection from play store.
- Select more network settings.
- Select preferred network type.
- Select NR/LTE/TDSCDMA/GSM/WCDMA.
- Your welcome& enjoy.
The 5G network coverage does not include all areas. If the user's phone has moved out of the 5G coverage and enters the 4G coverage, or vice versa, the network icon will change on the phone's status bar. Solution: This issue is caused by differences in network coverage.
Is there a 6G network? ›
A 6G network is defined as a cellular network that operates in untapped radio frequencies and uses cognitive technologies like AI to enable high-speed, low-latency communication at a pace multiple times faster than fifth-generation networks. 6G networks are currently under research and development, yet to be released.
Does 5G drain your battery? ›Durga Malladi, head of 5G at Qualcomm, which makes modems for Apple and other phone makers, explained that when you use an application on 5G, data can flow at a faster rate than what you'd see with a 4G connection. That's a good thing, but it can drain your phone's battery more quickly.
Why is my 5G so slow? ›Why is my 5G so slow? 5G rollout promised speeds 600 times faster than 4G networks. But, 5G connections are often slow due to less dedicated bandwidth for 5G networks vs. 4G or LTE networks, which are still more widely used. Until there's more demand from mobile carriers, 5G will likely remain slow in certain areas.
How do I get 5G to work on my Android? ›- Go to Settings on your phone.
- Head to the 'Network & Internet' option. Tap on it.
- Now click on SIM option.
- Select Preferred Network type and under that, choose 5G.
- And that's it! 5G will be enabled on your phone.
- Go to “Settings”
- Select “Mobile network”
- Select “SIM 1/2”
- Select “Network mode” under “SIM settings”
- Tap “5G (preferred) / 4G / 3G / 2G”
Google Pixel/stock Android phones
Open Settings> Network & Internet> SIMs> Preferred network type>Choose 5G.
When 5G speeds don't provide a noticeably better experience, your iPhone automatically switches to LTE, saving battery life. 5G On: Always uses 5G network when it's available. This might reduce battery life.