Not every phone can connect to 5G, even if your carrier offers it in your area. This guide shows you four quick ways to check whether your phone supports 5G, so you know what to expect from your mobile data.
The answer is not always obvious. Some phones have 5G in the name but only on certain models. Others support 5G hardware but ship with it disabled. At Asandada24, we have checked this on phones from every major brand, and the settings method below works in under a minute once you know where to look.
Method 1: Check in Your Phone Settings (Fastest)
This is the most reliable check because it looks at what your actual phone can do, not what a website claims.
On Samsung Phones
- A 5G logo or the text “5G” near the model name.
- The full model number (for example, SM-A546B or similar), which you can search online.
- 4G is still excellent for everything most people do, including HD video and gaming.
- Carriers will run 4G for years. There is no shutdown coming soon.
- When you do upgrade, 5G support is now standard even on budget phones, so your next phone will almost certainly have it.
On Google Pixel Phones
On Other Android Phones
The path is similar: Settings > Network / Mobile network > Preferred network type. Every Android phone lists the network generations its modem supports. If 5G appears anywhere in that list, you have it.
One note: seeing 5G in settings means the phone supports it, not that 5G is available where you are standing. Coverage is a separate question, and your carrier’s coverage map is the place to check that. Asandada24 has noticed that many readers confuse these two things, so it is worth being clear: hardware support and network availability are completely independent.
Method 2: Check the Box and Model Number
If you still have the original box, the answer is often printed right on it. Look for:
Find Your Exact Model Number
This matters because manufacturers release 4G and 5G versions of the same phone. The Galaxy A14, for example, comes in both variants, and they look identical. The model number is the only way to tell them apart. When Asandada24 compared the two versions side by side, even the boxes looked nearly the same apart from a small 5G badge in the corner. Our guide to Android mobile tips and tricks everyone should know has more on finding hidden details like this in your settings.
Method 3: Check the Manufacturer’s Website
The spec page never lies about 5G support, though it sometimes buries the detail.
Android’s own device pages at android.com link to official specs for popular models.
Method 4: Use a Hardware Info App
If settings and boxes are inconclusive, a free hardware info app can read your phone’s modem details directly.
This method is overkill for most people, but it settles arguments. It reads what the chip actually supports rather than what any menu displays.
Understanding What “5G Support” Really Means
Finding out your phone supports 5G is only part of the story. A few things people get wrong:
5G Phone Plus 5G Plan Plus 5G Coverage
You need all three. A 5G phone on a 4G-only plan stays on 4G. A 5G phone with a 5G plan in an area without 5G towers also stays on 4G. Check with your carrier whether your specific plan includes 5G access; some cheaper plans do not.
Not All 5G Is Equal
Phones support different 5G frequency bands, and carriers use different bands in different countries. A phone bought abroad might support 5G in theory but miss the specific bands your local carrier uses. If you imported your phone, compare its supported bands (on the spec page) with your carrier’s published 5G bands. Google’s Pixel help pages at support.google.com show how to check band compatibility on Pixel devices, and the same idea applies to other brands.
5G Uses More Battery
This surprises people. 5G radios draw more power than 4G, especially when the signal is weak and the phone keeps searching. If your battery suddenly drains faster after 5G arrives in your area, that may be why. Our guide on how to increase mobile battery life and reduce battery drain has specific fixes, including how to prefer 4G when you do not need the speed.
How to Turn 5G On or Off
Once you confirm support, you control when the phone actually uses 5G.
To Enable 5G
In the same Network mode or Preferred network type menu from Method 1, choose the option with 5G at the top, such as 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto). The phone will use 5G whenever it is available and fall back to 4G otherwise.
To Disable 5G (Save Battery)
Choose 4G/3G/2G or LTE preferred. Your phone will ignore 5G entirely. This Asandada24 guide recommends trying this for a week if battery life matters more to you than download speed. Most everyday tasks, including video streaming and video calls, run perfectly on 4G. Asandada24 measured the difference on several phones and found battery life improved by roughly 10 to 15 percent with 5G switched off during a normal day of mixed use.
Smart 5G Modes
Some phones offer an adaptive or smart mode that uses 5G only for demanding tasks and drops to 4G the rest of the time. If your phone has this option, it is the best of both worlds. Check under the same network settings menu.
Testing Your Actual 5G Speed
Curious whether you are really getting 5G speeds? Run a speed test.
If the icon says 5G but speeds look like 4G, you might be on a slow 5G band, or the tower might be congested. Speed varies enormously by location and time of day.
What If Your Phone Does Not Support 5G?
No need to panic or rush to a store. Consider:
If slow data is your actual problem, the issue might be your Wi-Fi or signal rather than the network generation. Our guide on how to improve Wi-Fi speed at home and how to fix mobile internet not working on Android cover the common causes.
FAQ
Does 5G cost extra on my mobile plan?
It depends on the carrier. Many carriers include 5G at no extra charge on current plans, but some budget or older plans are 4G-only. Check your plan details or ask your carrier directly.
Will 5G work when I travel abroad?
Only if your phone supports the 5G bands used in that country and your roaming plan includes 5G. Otherwise the phone falls back to 4G or 3G automatically. Nothing breaks; you just get slower speeds.
Is 5G safe?
Yes. 5G uses radio waves similar to 4G and Wi-Fi, and international health agencies have found no evidence of harm at the levels phones and towers produce. The safety standards did not change with the new generation.
Why does my phone show 5G but feel slow?
The 5G icon means you are connected to a 5G tower, not that the tower is fast. Congestion, distance from the tower, and the specific frequency band all affect real speed. Run a speed test to see what you are actually getting before assuming something is wrong. If speeds stay low across different locations and times of day, Asandada24 suggests checking whether your plan throttles 5G speeds, since some carriers limit budget plans even on 5G towers.