How to turn on 5G on iPhone and Android: settings, coverage and speed tests

Step 1: Check if your phone supports 5G

On Apple phones, 5G is available on iPhone 12 models or later. On Google phones, Pixel 4a (5G) and later models work with 5G. Most mid-range and high-end Android phones released from 2021 onwards also have it, but budget models may not.

The quickest test is to open the network settings described below. If 5G does not appear as an option at all, the phone or the plan does not support it.

Step 2: Turn on 5G on iPhone

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap Cellular, then Cellular Data Options.
• Tap Voice & Data.
• Choose 5G Auto or 5G On.

5G Auto uses 5G when it makes a real difference and falls back to LTE when it does not, which saves battery. 5G On always uses 5G when it is available and may reduce battery life. LTE keeps 5G off.

In the same menu, Data Mode lets you choose Allow More Data on 5G, Standard or Low Data Mode, which is useful if your plan has a data limit.

You will be redirected to the official website.

Step 3: Turn on 5G on Android

The menu names change with the brand and the Android version, but the setting is always called something like preferred network type or network mode.

• Google Pixel: Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, Preferred network type, then choose 5G.
• Samsung Galaxy: Settings, Connections, Mobile networks, Network mode, then choose the option that includes 5G.
• Other brands: search for “network type” or “network mode” in the search bar at the top of the Settings app.

If you use two SIMs, check the setting for each one. Usually only the SIM used for mobile data connects to 5G.

Step 4: Confirm that your plan includes 5G

Having a 5G phone is not enough. Some older or lower-priced plans, including some prepaid ones, do not include 5G or only include the slower version.

Check your plan details in your carrier's app or account page, or ask customer support. In some cases an older SIM card needs to be replaced or updated for 5G.

Step 5: Check 5G coverage where you live

Coverage changes from one street to the next, and it is different for each carrier. The official coverage maps let you type an address and see what is available there.

Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile each publish an official coverage map on their websites. Search for “coverage map” plus the name of your carrier, type your address and check which kind of 5G reaches it.

If you use a smaller brand such as Mint Mobile, Visible, Cricket or Metro, it runs on one of these three networks. Look for the network name on the brand's website.

What the 5G icons mean

A plain 5G icon means the standard 5G network is available. Icons such as 5G+, 5G UW and 5G UC indicate the carrier's faster, higher-capacity version of 5G.

The icon shows what the network offers in that spot, not a guaranteed speed. The only way to know your real speed is to measure it.

Step 6: Test your real speed

A free speed test app shows your download speed, upload speed and response time in seconds. Run it once on 5G and once on LTE in the same place to see the difference.

Speed tests use data, so if your plan has a data limit, do not repeat them many times.

Two well-known free options are Speedtest by Ookla and Opensignal. Both are available in the App Store and on Google Play: search for the name and check that the developer is the official one.

What about “5G only” apps?

Many apps promise to force your phone to stay on 5G. Most of them only open a testing menu that already exists in Android and let you pick a network type by hand. They do not add 5G to a phone, a plan or an area that does not have it.

Locking the phone to 5G only can also backfire: in places with weak 5G you may lose data, and on some networks calls and texts can fail.

No 5G icon? Try this

• Toggle airplane mode on and off, or restart the phone.
• Check the network setting again: it may be set to LTE.
• Update the phone to the latest software version.
• Turn off battery saver: on some phones it disables 5G.
• Move outdoors or near a window: 5G signals are weaker inside buildings.
• Contact your carrier to confirm that your plan and SIM support 5G.

Does 5G use more battery and data?

It can. A weak 5G signal makes the phone work harder, which uses more battery. That is why the automatic mode is the best choice for most people.

Because 5G is faster, apps may load higher-quality video and use more data. If you are on a limited plan, keep an eye on your data usage.

Which step is right for you?

You will be redirected to the official website.

Frequently asked questions about 5G

Is turning on 5G free?
Yes. The setting is free. Whether you get 5G depends on your phone, plan and coverage.

Which iPhones have 5G?
iPhone 12 models or later.

Should I choose 5G Auto or 5G On?
5G Auto is best for most people because it saves battery. 5G On always uses 5G when available.

Why does my phone still show LTE?
The setting may be off, your plan may not include 5G, or there may be no coverage in that spot.

Do I need a new SIM card?
Usually not, but some older SIM cards need to be updated. Your carrier can confirm.

Do 5G only apps make the internet faster?
No. They only change the network type and cannot add coverage or speed.

Is this website part of a phone carrier?
No. It is an independent guide. Plans and coverage are confirmed only by your carrier.