How to Claim and Activate Unlimited 5G Data

India is currently experiencing one of the fastest 5G network rollouts in the world. To encourage users to switch to the new network, both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have been offering a massive promotional perk: Truly Unlimited 5G Data. This means any data you consume while latched onto a 5G tower does not deduct from your standard 1.5GB or 2GB daily limit.

However, many users buy a 5G smartphone, see the "5G" logo at the top of their screen, and assume the offer is active. They then watch an HD movie, only to receive an SMS stating their daily 4G data limit has been exhausted. This happens because the Unlimited 5G offer is not automatic—it must be manually claimed inside your operator's app.

Pre-requisites for Unlimited 5G

Before attempting to claim the offer, you must ensure you meet three strict criteria:

A 5G Compatible Handset: Your phone must have the necessary hardware and the latest software update enabled for Indian 5G bands.
A Qualifying Recharge Plan: Operators do not offer free 5G on their cheapest base plans. For both Airtel and Jio, you must be on an active prepaid or postpaid plan priced at ₹239 or above. If your plan is cheaper than this, the 5G offer will not appear.
5G Network Coverage: You must be physically located in an area where your operator has deployed 5G towers.

Step-by-Step: Claiming Airtel Unlimited 5G Plus

Airtel requires users to explicitly claim the offer as a free "addon" to their existing pack.

Download and open the official Airtel Thanks App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Log in using your Airtel mobile number and the OTP.
On the main dashboard homepage, scroll down slightly until you see a banner or a quick-action button titled "Claim Unlimited 5G Data".
Tap the banner. You will be taken to a new page outlining the terms and conditions.
Tap the "Claim Now" button at the bottom of the screen.
You will receive a success message and an SMS confirmation. Restart your phone, ensure your network settings are set to "5G Auto", and your 5G data will no longer count against your daily limit.

Step-by-Step: Activating Jio True 5G Welcome Offer

Jio's approach is slightly different. They roll it out as an invite-based "Welcome Offer," though practically anyone with a ₹239+ plan and a 5G phone receives the invite immediately.

Download and open the MyJio App.
Log in with your Jio number.
On the home screen, look at the top carousel banners. You should see a banner stating "Jio True 5G: Congratulations! You have been upgraded." or "Get Started with True 5G".
Tap the "Get Started" button.
The app will run a quick diagnostic check to ensure you have a 5G handset, the latest OS version, and a qualifying plan.
Once the checklist is complete, the "Jio Welcome Offer" will be applied to your account. You can verify this by checking your active plans; you will see your base plan and a secondary "5G Data: Unlimited" pack active simultaneously.

The Fallback Rule: The unlimited data offer ONLY applies when your phone is actively connected to a 5G tower. If you travel inside a building where 5G signals cannot reach and your phone falls back to a 4G LTE tower, any data you consume will instantly start deducting from your standard daily 1.5GB/2GB limit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to buy a new 5G SIM card?

No. Both Airtel and Jio have officially confirmed that your existing 4G LTE SIM card is fully capable of connecting to the 5G network. You do not need to visit a store to upgrade your physical SIM.

I claimed the offer, but my data is still draining. Why?

This usually happens because your phone is rapidly switching between 4G and 5G in areas with weak 5G coverage. Even if it says 5G, background tasks might be routed through 4G if the 5G connection is unstable. Try turning Airplane mode on and off to force a fresh connection to the 5G tower.