Why Can’t I Connect to a 5G Network?
5G connection issues are hardly ever caused by something you did wrong or could have prevented. Here are some possible sources for the problem:
There’s a temporary malfunction.Your phone doesn’t see the 5G network because you’re out of range.The closest 5G tower isn’t working properly.Your phone isn’t compatible with the network.
How to Fix It When a 5G Network Doesn’t Show Up
Follow these steps in order to try some of the easier fixes first: Restarting isn’t a fun process because it could be several minutes before you get back into your phone and everything loads back up, but this is an easy step you shouldn’t overlook. If you have a 5G-capable phone and you’ve been on a 5G network recently, moving even a few feet can push you back to an older standard like LTE/4G. The company you buy mobile service from most likely has a coverage map on their website to see where you can get dependable service, but if not, check out the Ookla 5G Map at Speedtest.net. Most companies include 5G in most of their plans but check with your carrier for specifics. Turn it off if it’s already on, but you can’t reach the network. That way, at least your phone will work on an older network type, like LTE. Unfortunately, this might be the only solution because sometimes it’s the 5G tower to blame, and there’s nothing else you can do. It’s most likely your situation if there’s a specific tower near you that you consistently have trouble connecting to, but 5G works in other places. However, if you’ve completed those steps before, and that’s why you can’t access the network, reverse those steps to turn it on. You can turn an iPhone’s 5G on or off in the Voice & Data area of the settings. Search for Preferred network type or Network mode if you’re on Android. See how to update iOS or update Android if you’re not sure how. Do this, specifically: A phone that can connect to 4G doesn’t necessarily work with 5G, especially if manufactured before 2019. If you don’t see 5G at the top of your phone, and none of these other tips have helped, you might not have a 5G-capable phone. To verify, run the phone’s model number through a web search or on the company’s website and look at its specs. It should say whether 5G is supported. See how to factory reset an iPhone or factory reset an Android for all the details. There’s nothing else you can do but have them repair the phone or replace it with a working one.
