Check If Phone Supports 5G: Quick Guide to Compatibility
As technology continues to advance, innovations like the 5G network have become increasingly important to everyday life. With faster internet speeds and improved network connections, 5G is transforming the way you experience mobile connectivity. But, did you know that not all phones are equipped to support this advanced form of wireless communication? So, how do you check if phone supports 5G?
In order to benefit from the advantages of the 5G network, your phone must be compatible with this latest technology. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of determining whether or not your phone can access this revolutionary network. By checking the 5G compatibility of your device, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about upgrading your phone or changing your network to fully embrace the 5G era. So, let’s get started on uncovering your phone’s 5G capabilities.
Check If Phone Supports 5G: Phone Compatibility
Android Phones
To check if your Android phone supports 5G, go to Settings and select either Network & Internet or Wi-Fi & Network, depending on your model. Next, tap on “SIM & Network” or “Mobile Network,” then select “Preferred Network Type.” Here, you’ll see all the mobile networks supported, including 3G, 4G, and 5G.
Some popular Android phones with 5G support include:
- Samsung Galaxy S20 series (S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra)
- Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A90 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G
- Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro
- Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G
- Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G
- OnePlus 7 Pro 5G and OnePlus 7 Pro 5G McLaren Edition
- Huawei P40 series
iPhones
To check if your iPhone supports 5G, navigate to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data. If you see 5G listed as an option, then your iPhone is 5G capable. To date, all iPhones in the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series are 5G-capable devices.
Other Brand Phones
Apart from Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Huawei, and Apple, some other brands also offer smartphones with 5G support. These include:
- Nokia 8.3 5G
- OPPO Find X2 series
- Vivo iQOO 3 5G
- Sony Xperia 1 II
- ASUS ROG Phone 3
Remember, 5G coverage depends on your network carrier and the area you’re in. It’s essential to check with your carrier to ensure you can access 5G on your smartphone.
Check If Phone Supports 5G:
Phone Settings Method
To check if your phone supports 5G, you can start by looking at your phone’s settings. For iPhone users, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data.
- If you see 5G as one of the options, then your phone is 5G capable.
For Android users, the process is slightly different:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Preferred Network Type.
- Look for 5G in the available options; if it is present, your phone supports 5G.
Alternatively, you can check for 5G support using the following method in Android:
- Open Settings and select Network & Internet or WiFi & Network, depending on your phone model.
- Choose “SIM & Network” or “Mobile Network.”
- Tap on “Preferred Network Type” and check if 5G is listed.
Using Third-Party Apps
Another way to find out whether your phone supports 5G is by using third-party apps available on your phone’s app store. These apps can provide more information about your device, including its network capabilities. Some popular apps include Network Analyzer and Signal Spy. Once installed, open the app and check for 5G support in the network information section.
Remember to be cautious when downloading third-party apps, as it’s essential to verify the app’s reliability and security.
By following the steps mentioned in the Phone Settings Method or using third-party apps, you can determine if your phone supports 5G or not.
Carrier Compatibility
US Carriers
When checking if your phone supports 5G on different carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, you should consider the following points:
- The phone model: Different phone models support various network technologies. Ensure your phone is compatible with the carrier’s 5G network.
- The carrier’s 5G coverage: While you might have a 5G-capable phone, it won’t work if the carrier doesn’t have 5G coverage in your area. Check your carrier’s coverage map to see if you’re in a 5G zone.
- Spectrum bands: Each carrier uses specific bands to provide 5G service. Your phone should support the same bands as your carrier to access the 5G network.
Here’s a brief overview of the top three US carriers and their 5G networks:
- Verizon: Your phone should support mmWave and Sub-6 GHz bands to utilize Verizon’s 5G network.
- AT&T: In order to use AT&T’s 5G network, make sure your phone supports the low-band, mid-band, and mmWave spectrum.
- T-Mobile: Your phone should be compatible with Sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands for T-Mobile’s 5G network.
International Carriers
For international carriers, the considerations are similar to the US carriers. In addition to phone model and 5G coverage, it is crucial to make sure your phone is unlocked and supports the carrier’s specific bands. China, for example, has carriers like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom with different 5G bands.
Keep the following factors in mind when checking your phone for compatibility with international carriers:
- Ensure your phone is unlocked: Many phones come locked to a specific carrier. Unlocking your phone allows it to work with other carriers around the world.
- Carrier’s 5G bands: Additionally, double-check if your phone supports the 5G bands used by the international carrier you plan on using.
By focusing on these factors, you can better determine if your phone will support 5G on various carriers in the U.S. and international markets.
Potential Issues and Considerations
Battery Life
When using 5G on your phone, you may notice that your battery life is somewhat shorter than when using 4G or Wi-Fi. This is because the 5G network consumes more energy to provide faster data speeds. To conserve battery life, consider switching off 5G when it’s not needed. You can also use features such as Airplane Mode to disable all wireless connections or switch to Wi-Fi networks when available.
Network Signals and Speeds
Depending on your location and carrier, 5G network signals and speeds may be inconsistent. You might experience faster data speeds in some areas while in others, the connection may revert to 4G or even lower. Factors like building materials and natural obstacles can also impact the network strength. Keep this in mind when relying on 5G for crucial tasks or communication.
Optimizing Performance
To fully enjoy 5G capabilities and minimize inconvenience, make sure your phone’s processor and hardware can support the demands of faster data speeds. Upgrading to a 5G-compatible phone or switching to a carrier with better network coverage might be necessary for a smoother experience. Additionally, you can tweak some settings to optimize the performance:
- Enable 5G Auto, which switches between 5G and 4G depending on network availability and stability.
- Make sure your phone’s software is up to date to ensure compatibility with the latest network technology.
- Close background apps that consume resources and hinder network performance.
Remember, while 5G provides impressive speed and connectivity, it’s essential to consider potential issues and take steps to optimize your phone’s overall performance.
Hope this guide helped you in checking if your phone supports 5g.
Mark Dalio
Mark is a tech-obsessed serial entrepreneur who also enjoys reading and writing. He has a strong urge to keep learning and talking about technology, which led him to become an author. Mark has co-founded two successful startups, one of which was acquired in 2018.
