Trouble connecting to 5G network? 5 ways to get faster connectivity on your smartphone

Struggling to access 5G on your new phone? Here's a quick guide to troubleshoot common issues and get blazing-fast internet speed.

Jio offers SA 5G network (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

5G mobile networks offer speedier download speeds and lower latency, making tasks like downloading large files and playing online multiplayer games a breeze. If you are jumping on the 5G bandwagon for the first time, you might encounter several issues while accessing the 5G network. Here are some easy fixes to help you access the fast 5G network on your smartphone.

Check 5G network compatibility

Not every 5G smartphone can handle every type of 5G network. In India, Airtel offers a 5G NSA (non-standalone) network, while Jio’s 5G technology is based on 5G SA (standalone) technology. While every 5G-capable smartphone supports 5G NSA, some previous-generation 5G devices like Xiaomi’s Mi 10i do not support the 5G SA network. Hence, one can access the 5G network on this phone with Airtel but not with a Jio SIM card. Ensure that both the phone and the network are compatible with each other.

Also read | Vodafone Idea expects 5G rollout in 6-9 months after FPO: CEO

Check if the SIM slot supports a 5G network

Despite being dual SIM, some earlier devices only offered 5G connectivity on a single SIM card slot. In most cases, a 5G-capable phone will support a 5G network on the primary or first SIM slot. If you are unable to access the 5G network on your phone, make sure your SIM card is inserted in the primary slot.

It offers excellent 5G download speeds (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Make sure 5G service is active on your phone number

Currently, there are no separate data plans to access the 5G network in India. However, users need to recharge a certain plan and have an eligible smartphone to access the 5G network. Depending on the network provider, users can download either the Airtel Thanks or MyJio app to check the 5G status on their SIM card.

Check if you need to upgrade your SIM card

If you’ve been using a 4G network for a while, you might not need to upgrade your SIM card. However, if you’re transitioning from a 3G network, you’ll need to upgrade to a new SIM card to access a 5G network. Telcos typically provide SIM card upgrades for free, and once the new SIM card is inserted, you can begin accessing the 5G network on your phone.

Also read | Airtel and Jio to withdraw unlimited 5G plans in the second half of 2024

Select 5G network type from the settings

From the network settings menu, make sure you have selected the network type as 4G/5G. This means the phone will automatically switch between 4G and 5G networks depending on the network strength. If you live in an area where the 5G strength is weak, the phone will switch back to 4G to save power. To ensure stable 5G connectivity, make sure the network type is selected as 5G only. This setting may vary slightly from device to device.

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5G
smartphones