How Do I Get 5G on My Phone: Step-by-Step Guide

Streaming quickly, video calls that stay clear, and apps that run without delays—5G is making phone use faster and easier. It offers better speed, less lag, and a more stable connection. But to use 5G, you need the right phone, a matching plan, and the right settings turned on.

In this blog, we break down what 5G is, why it matters, and what’s needed to make it work. We’ll check if your phone supports it and how to turn it on. If you’re wondering how do I connect my phone to 5G, this simple guide walks you through it.

What Is 5G and Why It Matters?

5G is the fifth generation of wireless cellular technology that succeeds 4G LTE. It delivers speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, with lower latency for near-instant responses and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously without congestion. This enables smoother video streaming, lag-free gaming, and efficient remote work.

Why it matters extends beyond speed: 5G supports edge computing for real-time applications in healthcare, like telemedicine, and transportation, such as autonomous vehicles. It reduces error rates, offers better bandwidth, and lowers latencies, revolutionising industries like Industry 4.0 and public safety.

For everyday users, 5G means higher-quality connections in crowded areas and improved overall mobile experiences. As adoption grows, 5G is key to future innovations, making it essential to upgrade your phone to 5G to stay connected in an increasingly digital world.

What Do I Need to Use 5G on My Phone?

How to use 5G on my phone? You need three essentials: a 5G-capable device, a carrier plan that supports 5G, and coverage in your area.

First off, your phone must support 5G bands. Not every smartphone can connect to these networks—older models are limited to 4G/LTE. Most newer mid-range and flagship phones now include the necessary hardware and software to connect to 5G, so check your phone’s specifications to confirm.

Next, ensure you have a 5G-enabled plan from your carrier. Most providers offer 5G access on existing plans, but some require upgrades or activations. Can I make my phone 5G without changing the SIM card? In many cases, your current SIM is 5G compatible. However, some carriers require a new 5G SIM to unlock full access to their network bands and features. If you’re unsure, check with your carrier to see whether an upgrade is needed.

Finally, 5G coverage must be available in your area. Coverage is still expanding and is often concentrated in major cities and urban zones. Without 5G signal nearby, your phone will automatically fall back to 4G. Most carriers offer coverage maps, so it’s worth checking them to know when and where you’ll actually get 5G speeds.

How to Check If My Phone Is 5G?

Now you might be wondering: Do I need to activate 5G on my phone? How to turn on 5G on my phone? No rush. First off, you will need to verify whether your phone is 5G supported. Here’s how to check it on iOS and Android.

To confirm if your iOS device can connect to 5G, start by checking your model. Only devices from the 12 series onward support 5G networks with compatible carriers. Navigate to Settings > General > About and look at Model Name to identify your device. This ensures your phone can switch to 5G when available.

To check if your Android phone is 5G-compatible, start with the settings menu. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network, then select Preferred Network Type or Network Mode. If 5G is listed among the options, your device supports it. If not, your phone likely doesn’t allow you to switch to 5G.

Alternatively, you can check your phone’s specifications online or in the user manual. In many cases, the box your phone came in will also include a label indicating whether it supports 5G.

Some may wonder how to upgrade my phone to 5G if it does not support it? Can I change my phone to 5G with software? Sadly, there’s no way to upgrade an older device to 5G through software or SIM updates. Instead, you will need a new 5G phone. HONOR phones provide a range of 5G-ready models. You can explore the latest options to get set for 5G and enjoy faster speeds.

How to Enable 5G on My Phones?

Do I need to activate 5G on my phone? Yes. Even if your device is 5G-ready, you still need to enable it in the settings to use the 5G network. The process is simple for both iOS and Android users.

How to activate 5G on my phone (iOS)

Step 1. Open the Settings app. Go to Cellular > Cellular Data Options (or Mobile Data Options in some regions).

Step 2. Tap Voice & Data. To switch my phone to 5G on iOS devices, choose one of the options:

● 5G Auto: Smartly switches between 4G and 5G to save battery.

● 5G On: Always use 5G when available.

Step 3: Under Data Mode, choose Allow More Data on 5G for enhanced performance.

How to set my phone to 5G (Android)

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your device. Go to Network & Internet (or Connections, depending on your phone brand).

Step 2. Select Mobile Network. Tap Preferred Network Type or Network Mode.

Step 3. From the list, set your phone to 5G. Your Android phone will now connect to 5G whenever coverage is available.

Want to know how to get 5G to work on my phone if I have a dual SIM device? Just go to Settings > Mobile Network > SIM Management and set the default data SIM to enable 5G.

Conclusion

Now you know how to get my phone on 5G. It’s really just about three things: a 5G-ready device, a carrier plan that supports 5G (and sometimes a new SIM), and turning on 5G in your phone’s settings. Once those are in place, you’ll be able to enjoy faster speeds whenever coverage is available.

If your current device does not support 5G, the only solution is to upgrade to a 5G-compatible device. HONOR offers a wide selection of 5G-ready models, providing the speed and performance required for modern connectivity. Explore the latest HONOR lineup and step into the 5G era today!

FAQs

Do I need a new SIM card to access 5G?

Most modern SIM cards are 5G compatible, so you likely don't need a new one if your current SIM works on 4G. However, for full 5G standalone access, some carriers recommend upgrading to a 5G-specific SIM to optimise performance in more areas.

You can check with your provider to see if you need an upgrade. If upgrading, it's usually free, and it ensures compatibility without affecting your number or plan.

Does using 5G drain the battery faster?

Yes, 5G can drain the battery faster because it requires more power to maintain a high-speed connection. This is most noticeable in areas with weak 5G signals.

The difference is not always dramatic. Some users see about 10% more drain, while others barely notice, depending on coverage and phone efficiency.

To reduce battery drain impact, enable “5G Auto” so your phone switches between LTE and 5G. You can also disable 5G in low-coverage areas.

Why does my phone not use 5G?

Your phone may not use 5G if it is not enabled in settings. Try selecting 5G as your preferred network and restarting your device.

Sometimes, coverage gaps are another common issue. If your area does not have 5G or the signal is weak, your phone will stay on 4G.

Other reasons include an outdated SIM, an incompatible plan, or missing updates. If problems persist, contact your carrier for confirmation.

How do I check if my SIM is 5G?

On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network. If 5G appears under preferred networks, your SIM supports it.

For iOS Device, check Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. If you see 5G Auto or 5G On, it confirms compatibility.

If you are still unsure, test your SIM in a 5G area or contact your carrier. Some older SIMs don’t support standalone 5G and may need replacement.

Can I turn off 5G on my phone?

Yes, you can turn off 5G. On iOS device, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and select LTE.

On Android, navigate to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode and choose LTE/3G/2G instead of 5G.

Turning off your 5G can save battery and avoid unstable signals. You can re-enable 5G anytime by returning to the same menu.

Source: HONOR Club