With massive 5G rollouts across India by Airtel (5G Plus) and Reliance Jio (True 5G), experiencing ultra-low latency and gigabit speeds is finally a reality. However, owning a 5G-capable phone isn't enough; you must manually ensure that 5G network preferences are enabled in your device settings.
5G Standalone (SA) vs Non-Standalone (NSA)
Before diving into settings, it's helpful to know the two types of 5G technologies deployed in India:
- 5G NSA (Non-Standalone): Used primarily by Airtel. It utilizes existing 4G core infrastructure to deliver 5G speeds. This means you connect to 5G faster without needing a massive overhaul of network equipment.
- 5G SA (Standalone): Used exclusively by Reliance Jio (True 5G). It uses an independent, dedicated 5G network core. This delivers lower latency and better indoor coverage but requires specific software updates from your smartphone manufacturer to unlock the "SA" bands.
Enabling 5G on iOS (iPhone)
Apple devices starting from the iPhone 12 series support 5G. Ensure your device is updated to iOS 16.2 or later to unlock Indian 5G carrier profiles.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Cellular (or Mobile Data).
- Tap on Cellular Data Options.
- Tap on Voice & Data.
- Select either 5G Auto (recommended to save battery; drops to 4G when 5G isn't providing a noticeable speed boost) or 5G On (forces 5G connectivity whenever available).
- Jio Users: You will see an additional toggle here for 5G Standalone. Make sure this is toggled ON to connect to Jio's True 5G network.
Enabling 5G on Android
Android settings vary slightly depending on your manufacturer (Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo, etc.), but the general pathway is the same:
- Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
- Navigate to Network & Internet or Connections or Mobile Networks.
- Select the SIM card (SIM 1 or SIM 2) you want to configure.
- Look for Preferred Network Type or Network Mode.
- Select 5G / LTE / 3G / 2G (Auto). Ensure "5G" is explicitly listed in the option you select.
Battery Drain Warning: 5G modems draw significantly more power than 4G LTE modems. If you are traveling through an area with patchy or weak 5G coverage, your phone will constantly scan for towers, leading to severe battery drain. In such scenarios, temporarily switching back to LTE/4G is highly recommended.
If you have enabled these settings but still cannot connect to 5G, ensure you have an active base plan that qualifies for 5G access (check your operator's app like Airtel Thanks or MyJio) and that you are physically located in a 5G-covered zone.