Can Your Phone Use 5G? Guide to Devices, SIM Cards, and Compatibility
Getting a new phone gives you features that your mobile network may or may not necessarily have when you buy a new phone. Even the latest phones (up to $350) will vary in network band, software, and local operator support. So when you’re upgrading your phone or switching mobile plans, keep this in mind when you’re searching for what your phone will need to connect to the new cellular networks.
Here are a few things to keep in mind regarding 5G connectivity: Your phone needs a modem capable of 5G and the frequencies your cell provider has deployed. In addition, you need a compatible SIM (or an eSIM card), a suitable cell plan, and coverage in your area. Knowing this information in advance can save you nasty surprises and the speed your provider promises you.
What Is a 5G-Compatible Smartphone?
A 5G-ready phone is a phone that has the cellular modem and radio pieces necessary to operate on 5G networks. These components enable the phone to transmit and receive data with 5G New Radio (NR), the radio access technology for fifth-generation computer networks.
However, the 5G branding does not guarantee that such devices will be compatible with all 5G networks with all components. Manufacturers design different versions of phones to meet the requirements of different markets. These variants may have different antennas, radio bands, or network capabilities.
Know Your Phone Model
Start by locating the model number for your phone, not just the product name. Some manufacturers create different phones for different regions with different network specs.
The model number is often found under Settings > About Phone/About Device. You can also find it on the manufacturer’s original packaging and help page.
Look at the official specs for the device, which will be in some documentation or online, and see if the specs mention 5G NR support. If the specs list different versions for different regions of the world, make sure you look up the one that applies to your device.
Learn What 5G Frequency Bands Are Compatible With Your Device
Frequency bands are portions of the radio spectrum that a phone can use. Different operators use different bands because their licenses will be different, their network strategy will be different, the coverage they want will be different, etc.
For instance, low-band frequencies can cover a larger area than mid-band frequencies (which usually involve trade-offs between coverage and capacity). High-band frequencies can provide large capacity in limited areas but require more dense infrastructure.
Your phone may support 5G but not the provider’s primary 5G band. So do a comparison of the NR bands with your choice of operator on your own.
Do You Have a 5G SIM?
The SIM holds your mobile subscription information as well as allowing the operator to identify your device on its network. The most recent SIMs provide 5G access, but verify the carrier’s network and SIM provisioning requirements.
Some networks will allow you to keep your current SIM when signing up for a 5G-qualifying bundle. Others require a new SIM for various network features, such as some 5G Standalone service.
Samsung’s support advice, for example, is to check if you have an existing SIM compatible with the provider’s 5G service. That means customers need to check with their operator what criteria there are, rather than assume all older Sims would work.”
eSIM or Physical SIM
- Physical SIM: A card that you insert into the SIM slot in your phone. eSIM: A SIM profile embedded in a phone that supports eSIM. (If your phone, plan, and carrier allows for 5G, both of these can accomplish 5G for you.)
- Usually, you’re sacrificing a marginal difference in network speed for convenience or device support.
- SIM card: Fitting in a phone with a SIM slot; can be moved to a different phone (may depend on the cell operator).
- eSIM (emulated): Preloaded in the phone (if supported). eSIM activation is device/operator dependent.
- 5G: Not included by default in any of these formats. You also need to satisfy operator BYOD, plan, network, and SIM requirements.
You Need a 5G Network Plan and Coverage as Well
Just because your smartphone is 5G-ready doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to connect without your mobile provider being 5G-ready as well. Block-by-block coverage, neighborhood-by-neighborhood coverage, and even transit line coverage vary dramatically, as can indoor versus outdoor coverage.
When selecting a plan, I looked at the coverage map and the terms of the provider. Monitor where you go and mobile data usage, like home, work or school, or commute.
Additionally, see if the package offers 5G coverage. Some providers make network features to a handful or require a consumer to order 5G on a per account or application basis on mobile.
Ask for Standalone 5G Support
So just because a phone supports 5G, that doesn’t mean it supports all flavours of 5G! The big distinction is between non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) networks.
NSA deployments will use 5G radio and connect to the existing 4G core, while SA networks will connect 5G radio equipment to 5G Core. Supporting more advanced services including some 5G Standalone voice and some network management will require additional operator and device support.
Version Upgrades
That is, you may have the right hardware in a phone, but a feature may need a software update from the phone manufacturer and/or some setup by the operator to work. Do not assume you have SA, VoNR, etc., until you have checked your provider/compliant-device lineup and manufacturer upgrade information.
Finding Out If Your Phone Is 5G Ready
You can do some checking before calling your operator. Check the technical specs listed by the manufacturer, the owner’s needs for the operator.
(If you’re unsure which iPhone model you have, check Settings > General > About and check the model number.) All newer iPhones (iPhone 12 and up) are capable of doing 5G (with the right carriers, plans, and coverage), but you’ll want to check the particulars for each model/network separately, as this varies by manufacturer and geography.
If you have an Android, check Settings > About Phone/Device. Find the model number and look up the specs on the manufacturer’s website. Also check your network or mobile connection settings for a 5G option.
If it is supposed to be compatible but you cannot connect, do the following:
- Ensure that your mobile plan is provisioned for 5G.
- Check that your SIM or eSIM is provisioned on 5G.
- Check if your location supports 5G.
- Make sure you have the latest OS and network provider.
- Select automatic (with 5G) in network settings.
Depending on your device, you may have to turn off Aeroplane Mode and back on again or cut off and cut again to reset the network.
If none of these things solve the problem, contact your carrier and give them the exact model of the phone. Your operator can verify if these phones are compatible with their network and that your subscription is set up correctly.
Why Your 5G Phone May Only Appear to Be Using 4G
A 5G phone would display using LTE or 4G for a number of reasons. The most obvious reason is that the user is out of the 5G coverage of the provider. Other explanations can be buildings or being underground, which obstructs the signal.
Some phones will also go automatic for network settings, which is a trade-off for best performance vs. battery drain. For example, Apple’s 5G Auto will revert to LTE if it doesn’t sense a dramatic boost in capacity over LTE.
Other issues include API not supported by region, radio bands not supported, or outdated software or unsupported plans disallowing ways to enjoy 5G. It’s better to find the root of the issue rather than just swapping out the SIM or phone.
Switching Your Phone to Your Preferred Network
Once you know if your phone can be used, check the mobile services available and the coverage, data limits, cost, and network of any of them. Visit to see if the service will allow the SIM card form you’re after and if it wants a device first to be able to give service.
Compare carriers to mobile plans (e.g., Giga).
Ensure 5G Compatibility, Coverage, and Plans First
Simply owning a 5G-marked smartphone does not mean you will benefit from 5G. Your device needs to support the frequency bands and network architecture of the operator, and your SIM/eSIM and mobile plan must be enabled to access the service.
Providing our model number for the official specs and even knowing your coverage in your area can go a long way toward avoiding some of the most frequent compatibility issues. Doing just a little research before you upgrade will make sure that your phone will be compatible with your cell subscription and give you the connectivity that you expect!
