5G is Not Working in My Phone? Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Are you experiencing the frustration where 5G is not working in your phone despite purchasing a 5G-capable device? Or perhaps your phone is not getting 5G network and constantly shows 4G signals instead? This situation is far more common than you might imagine, but fortunately, the vast majority of these issues have corresponding solutions.

In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, we will show you how to diagnose 5G connectivity issues and offer over a dozen solutions to restore your phone's high-speed 5G network experience. Let's begin!

Why 5G Not Working on My Phone?

Wondering why 5G isn't working on your smartphone? There are a few possible reasons. It could be your location, your phone's settings, or even your mobile plan. Each one plays a role in getting a proper 5G connection. Here's a quick look at what might be causing the issue:

Network Coverage Issues

Phone not connecting to 5G network most directly stems from insufficient network coverage. 5G networks utilize high-frequency signals that, while faster, have relatively smaller coverage areas and weaker penetration capabilities compared to 4G networks.

Carrier Deployment

Carrier 5G deployment strategies also affect network availability. Some regions may only have specific frequency band 5G coverage, while your phone might not support that particular band. This explains the phenomenon of why is your phone on 4G and not 5G.

Device Compatibility and Frequency Band Support

Another significant reason why is your 5G phone only showing 4G is frequency band compatibility issues. Global 5G networks use multiple different frequency bands, including low-band (Sub-6GHz), mid-band, and high-band (millimeter wave).

Each phone supports different combinations of 5G frequency bands, so if the 5G network in your region uses frequencies that your device doesn't support, connectivity issues will occur.

HONOR Magic Series Phones with extensive 5G band support, ensuring optimal compatibility with global carriers and regional network implementations for seamless connectivity worldwide, making international travel more convenient.

Software and System Configuration Problems

Device software systems can also cause the phone showing 4G not 5G issues. System updates, network setting errors, APN configuration problems, or application conflicts can all affect 5G connectivity.

If your phone's network mode is set to "4G Only" or "Auto (excluding 5G)," the device won't attempt to connect to 5G networks.

How to Fix a 5G Phone Not Connecting to 5G?

Facing the frustration of 5G phone not connecting to 5G, you don't need to feel helpless. The following dozen or more proven solution methods can help you systematically troubleshoot and resolve 5G connectivity issues. Let's explore what methods are available:

Method 1: Verify 5G Network Coverage

Before attempting any technical fixes, first confirm whether your location actually has 5G network coverage. Visit your carrier's official website or use their official app to check 5G coverage maps, confirming whether your current area is within the 5G service range.

If you discover that coverage maps show 5G signals but your phone is not showing 5G network, try restarting your phone to refresh the connection. Make sure mobile data is turned on and airplane mode is off. You can also toggle airplane mode on and off to force a network reset.

If that doesn't help, move to an open area with better signal strength or closer to a nearby cell tower. Still no 5G? The issue might be related to your phone settings or SIM compatibility—keep going through the steps below.

Method 2: Check and Update Carrier Plans

Contact your carrier's customer service to confirm whether your current plan includes 5G service. Many carriers require users to explicitly activate 5G functionality or upgrade to 5G-supporting plans. Even if you've already paid for 5G plan fees, you may still need to activate the service through specific steps.

Method 3: Restart Device and Re-search Networks

This seemingly simple method often resolves why your phone is on 4G and not 5G issue. Completely shut down your phone, wait 30 seconds, then restart. The process clears the temporary cache and re-establishes network connections.

After startup, go to Settings → Mobile Network → Network Operators, select "Automatic Search" or "Manual Search," allowing the device to rescan available networks. It may take several minutes, so please wait patiently for the search to complete.

Method 4: Adjust Network Mode Settings

Enter your phone's settings menu, find "Mobile Network" or "SIM Card & Mobile Data" options. In network type or preferred network mode settings, ensure you've selected "5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto)" or similar options that include 5G.

If you previously selected "4G Only" or modes that don't include 5G, you will encounter phone not connecting to 5G network. After changing settings, give the device a few minutes to reconnect to the network.

Method 5: Reset Network Settings

When routine setting adjustments prove ineffective, resetting network settings can clear all potentially conflicting network configurations. On HONOR phones, go to Settings → System & Updates → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

Please note that this operation will clear all saved WiFi passwords, Bluetooth connections, and mobile network settings, requiring you to reconfigure these connections.

Method 6: Update System Software

Ensure your phone runs the latest version of the OS. Manufacturers frequently fix 5G connectivity issues and optimize network performance through system updates. Go to Settings → System & Updates → Software Update to check and install all available updates.

System updates not only include bug fixes but may also add support for new 5G frequency bands or improve network switching algorithms.

Method 7: Check SIM Card Compatibility

Not all SIM cards support 5G service. Older SIM cards may need replacement with 5G-compatible versions to access 5G networks. Contact your carrier to learn whether your SIM card supports 5G, and apply for a new 5G SIM card replacement if necessary. Additionally, ensure the SIM card is correctly installed in your phone with good contact.

Method 8: Disable VPN and Network Acceleration Apps

Certain VPN services or network acceleration applications may interfere with 5G connectivity. If you're using such apps, temporarily disable them and test whether the phone won't connect to 5G issues improve.

Method 9: Clear Cache Partition

Some smartphones allow you to clear system cache partitions, which helps resolve network issues caused by corrupted temporary files. From a powered-off state, simultaneously press the power button and volume up key to enter recovery mode, select the "Clear Cache Partition" option.

This operation won't delete personal data but will clear system cache files that may affect network functionality. After completion, restart the device and test 5G connectivity.

Method 10: Check APN Settings

Incorrect APN (Access Point Name) configuration may cause only getting 4G on a 5G phone. Contact your carrier to obtain the correct 5G APN setting parameters, including APN name, username, password, and authentication type information.

On HONOR phones, go to Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point Names (APN), create new APN configurations or edit existing settings, ensuring all parameters match exactly with information provided by your carrier.

Method 11: Use Network Diagnostic Tools

Using the built-in network diagnostic functionality automatically detects and repairs common network issues. In the dialer interface, enter specific engineering codes (such as ##4636##) to access network information interfaces and view detailed connection status.

These diagnostic tools can display currently used network types, signal strength, frequency band information, and other technical parameters, helping you accurately determine the specific reasons for phone not getting 5G.

Method 12: Contact Professional Technical Support

If all the above methods fail to resolve the issue, it's recommended to contact your phone's official customer service or visit authorized service centers for professional help. There may be hardware faults or configuration problems that require professional tools to resolve.

Professional technicians possess more in-depth diagnostic tools and experience, capable of identifying and repairing complex 5G phone not connecting to 5G issues.

Conclusion

If you're stuck asking, "Why 5G is not working in my phone?", you're definitely not alone. From coverage gaps and outdated SIM cards to software glitches and carrier settings, there are many possible causes. The good news is that most of these issues are easy to troubleshoot with the right steps. Staying updated and knowing what to check can save time and frustration. For users who value reliable 5G connectivity, HONOR continues to build phones that prioritize strong network performance and everyday convenience.

FAQs

Why can I see the 5G icon but still have slow data?

The 5G icon indicates network availability, but slow data may result from weak signal strength, network congestion, or limited 5G coverage. Signal interference or device performance issues can also affect speed. Check network coverage and optimize your position for better signal reception.

Why is my 5G phone only showing 4G?

This may occur due to limited 5G coverage, weak signal strength, or disabled 5G settings. Ensure 5G is enabled in your phone settings and check for operator support. Poor network coverage or hardware issues could also cause this.

How to check 5G network?

To check 5G network availability, use your carrier's coverage map on their website or app. You can also look for a "5G" icon in your phone's status bar when mobile data is on. For more accuracy, try switching locations or checking network settings to confirm 5G access.

Do I need to reset network settings to fix 5G issues?

Resetting network settings can help fix 5G issues, especially if you've tried other steps without success. It clears saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and mobile settings, which may be causing conflicts.

It gives your phone a clean slate to reconnect to the network properly. Just keep in mind you'll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and reconnect Bluetooth devices afterward. It's a simple but effective fix worth trying.

Why does my phone keep switching from 5G to 4G?

This may be due to unstable 5G signals, network congestion, or weak signal coverage. Moving to a location with better signal strength or adjusting your network settings can help stabilize the connection.

Source: HONOR Club