Loading...

How to activate the 5G network on your cell phone

Advertisements

Have you heard about 5G but aren't sure if you're already using it?
Does your phone say “5G,” but your internet is still slow?


Many people believe that just by getting a new cell phone, they are already connected to the fifth-generation network. But the reality is that, to truly enjoy 5G, you have to Check compatibility, activate the function correctly, and have available coverage..

Here we show you how to do it step by step, without complications and with practical tips so you can make the most of your mobile connection.

Advertisements

What does it mean to be connected to 5G?

Why all the fuss about 5G? 🚀
Because it represents a huge leap forward from 4G: much faster speeds, a more stable connection, and almost instantaneous response times.

In numbers, this translates to:

  • 10x faster downloads
  • Video calls without interruptions or pixelation
  • Smoother online gaming
  • Uploads and uploads to the cloud in record time

All of this not only improves your mobile experience, but Increase your daily productivity and efficiency, especially if you work or study from your mobile.

Advertisements

See also

How do you know if your phone is compatible with 5G?

The first step is to confirm that your device supports this technology.
Not all devices have the necessary hardware, even if they are recent.

Where to check?

  • In the original box (should say “5G”)
  • In the “Settings” > “Mobile networks” section
  • Checking the model on the manufacturer's official website
  • Using specification apps like AIDA64 or Device Info

Most mid- to high-end models from 2021 onwards are already equipped with this, but there are exceptions.

Are your line and SIM compatible?

It's not enough to have the right cell phone.
You also need your carrier to offer 5G coverage in your area and your SIM to be up to date.

Steps to confirm:

  • Check if your current plan includes 5G access
  • Check if your SIM card is compatible (many companies require a new one)
  • Check the 5G coverage map on your operator's website
  • Ask if you need to activate the service from the app or through customer service.

Some companies activate it automatically, but others require manual management.

How to activate 5G on Android

Once you have everything in order, you can activate the 5G network from the system menu:

  1. Go to “Settings”
  2. Open “Connections” or “Mobile networks”
  3. Go to “Preferred Network Type”
  4. Select the “5G/4G/3G (automatic)” option
  5. Restart your phone if it doesn't activate immediately.

From there, the device will connect to the fastest available network, depending on the area.

How to do it on iPhone

iPhone 12 and later already have support for 5G.
To activate it:

  1. Go to “Settings”
  2. Go to “Mobile Data” > “Options”
  3. Tap “Voice & Data” and select “5G On” or “5G Auto”
  4. Adjust “Data Mode” depending on whether you prefer more performance or more savings.

The “5G Auto” option is the most balanced, as it switches between networks based on usage and signal quality.

Why isn't the 5G icon appearing?

Is your phone still showing 4G even though you've activated everything?
This may be due to several factors:

  • 5G network is not available in your current location
  • There is saturation in the area (many users connected)
  • The SIM is not compatible even though the plan is
  • The device has not reset the configuration properly
  • You are inside a building or enclosed space with poor signal

Quick fix: Toggle Airplane Mode on and off, or restart your phone and try again.

What real benefits do you get with 5G?

It's not just more speed.
5G improves the overall quality of everything you do on your phone:

  • Video calls with better audio and image
  • Online gaming without lag or crashes
  • Fast uploads of photos and files to networks or the cloud
  • Instant access to educational or work platforms
  • Improved performance of corporate and banking apps

It's also useful for those who use their cell phone as a work tool: salespeople, freelancers, students, or professionals who manage everything from their mobile devices.

Does 5G consume more battery?

Yes, although not always significantly.

In areas with good coverage, tasks are completed so quickly that usage can be lower than with 4G.
But if you're in a location where the 5G signal is weak, your phone will try to stay connected, which incurs more charges.

Advice: If you notice your battery draining quickly, try switching to automatic 5G or switching to 4G during low-demand times.

How do you know if you're really using 5G?

Enabling it does not guarantee that it is working.
Therefore, it is recommended to use a network analysis app that tells you:

  • If you are connected to 5G, 4G or Wi-Fi
  • The actual download and upload speed
  • Your connection's latency (key for gaming and video calls)
  • Network behavior at different times and in different areas

These apps give you visibility and control over your mobile connection, something that helps you make informed decisions about plans, carriers, or configurations.

Cómo activar la red 5G en tu celular
How to activate the 5G network on your cell phone

Conclusion

5G is here to stay, but it's your responsibility to activate it correctly and make the most of it.
With the right equipment, the right plan, and a well-designed setup, you can transform your mobile experience.

Now that you know the steps and keys, you are more prepared to enjoy a faster, more stable, and more efficient network.

Next step? Install an app that confirms you're connected to real 5G and helps you measure your speed. This way, you'll know if your phone is performing as it should.


Disclaimer

Under no circumstances we will require you to pay in order to release any type of product, including credit cards, loans or any other offer. If this happens, please contact us immediately. Always read the terms and conditions of the service provider you are reaching out to. We make money from advertising and referrals for some but not all products displayed on this website. Everything published here is based on quantitative and qualitative research, and our team strives to be as fair as possible when comparing competing options.

Advertiser Disclosure

We are an independent, objective, advertising-supported content publisher website. In order to support our ability to provide free content to our users, the recommendations that appear on our site might be from companies from which we receive affiliate compensation. Such compensation may impact how, where and in which order offers appear on our site. Other factors such as our own proprietary algorithms and first party data may also affect how and where products/offers are placed. We do not include all currently available financial or credit offers in the market on our website.

Editorial Note

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. That said, the compensation we receive from our affiliate partners does not influence the recommendations or advice our team of writers provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the content on this website. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we believe our users will find relevant, we cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.