How to Activate and Improve 5G on Mobile

You want to make the most of 5G speed on your mobile, but you don’t know where to start. This practical, step-by-step guide shows you how to activate and improve 5G signal on your device, ensuring you have the best internet speeds available.

5G technology is already present in several Brazilian cities and offers speeds much higher than 4G. However, simply having a compatible cell phone does not guarantee that you are enjoying the best performance. There are specific adjustments and settings that need to be made on your device so that 5G is activated and optimized correctly.

Check if your phone is 5G compatible

Before activating any feature, you need to confirm that your device supports the 5G network. Most phones released from 2019 have this capability, but older models may not have it. Check the original box of your phone or go to the technical specifications on the manufacturer’s website to confirm compatibility. If your device is a newer model, you probably have 5G support and can proceed to the settings.

Check 5G coverage in your region

Having a compatible mobile phone is not enough if you are in an area without 5G coverage. Go to your mobile operator’s website and use the coverage verification tool provided by it. Enter your address or allow the application to access your location to check if 5G is available in your region. Some carriers offer interactive maps that show exactly where the 5G signal is active.

Activate 5G manually in the mobile settings

Most phones come with 5G disabled by default to save battery. To activate, go to your device’s settings menu and look for the option of mobile networks or connectivity. On Android, you usually find this option in Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Preferred network type. Select the option that includes 5G, such as “5G/4G/3G auto” or simply “5G preferred”.

If you have an iPhone, the process is slightly different. Go to Settings > Mobile > Cellular data options and turn on the “5G” option On newer models, you can also set 5G priority over 4G. After activating, your mobile will automatically start connecting when it is within an area with 5G coverage available.

Adjust preferred network settings

In addition to enabling 5G, you can choose which type of network your mobile phone will prioritize. Some carriers offer different variations of 5G, such as 5G SA (standalone) and 5G NSA (non-standalone), which have slightly different performance. In network settings, check for specific options to choose from these variants. 5G SA usually offers lower latency and better download performance, but 5G NSA may have better availability in some areas.

If you are in a region with unstable 5G connection, try switching between “5G/4G auto” and “5G preferred” to find the best balance between speed and stability. Some phones also allow you to temporarily disable 5G to compare performance and identify which connection works best in your specific location.

Clear cache and network data to improve performance

Over time, the network cache accumulated on your phone can impair the quality of the 5G connection. To improve performance, go to Settings > Applications > Application Manager and look for the System Settings or System Applications option. Locate the connectivity management application or mobile networks and click “Clear cache” and “Clear data”. This action removes old stored information about networks you have already connected.

After clearing the cache, your phone will rewrite network information from scratch, which often results in faster and more stable connections. On iPhone, you can achieve a similar result by turning Airplane mode on and off a few times while connected to the 5G network. This forces the device to renew its connection to the carrier’s network.

Reset network settings to troubleshoot problems

If you are unable to connect to 5G even while in a covered area, a reset in the network settings may resolve the issue. On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset Options and select “Wi-Fi, cellular and Bluetooth Reset”. This will remove all saved networks and reset the connectivity settings to the factory default.

On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset and select “Reset network settings”. Both operations are fast and secure, not erasing your personal data or apps. After reset, your phone will automatically reconnect to saved networks and try to establish a 5G connection if available.

Disable battery saving for maximum 5G performance

Battery saver modes reduce the performance of your mobile phone to save energy, and this includes reducing the quality or priority of the 5G connection. If your priority is to have the best possible speed, turn off battery saver mode while using 5G. On both operating systems, this option is available in Settings > Battery or Battery Health.

By turning off battery saving, your phone will use all the power available to maintain the best quality 5G connection. Whether you are downloading large files, making video conferences or using bandwidth-intensive applications, leaving the saving mode disabled ensures the best possible performance of your connection.

Update your mobile phone software regularly

Software updates often include improvements in 5G connectivity and mobile network-related bug fixes. Regularly check for updates available for your device by going to Settings > About Phone > Software Update. Keeping your phone up to date ensures you have the latest optimizations for 5G performance released by the manufacturer.

Your carrier also releases periodic updates that improve 5G compatibility and speed in your region. These updates usually arrive automatically on your device, but you can speed them up by manually checking your system settings.Dedicating a few minutes a month to keep everything up to date results in better consistent performance over time.

Test your 5G speed with specific applications

After making all the adjustments, you can measure the actual performance of your 5G connection using speed test applications available for free in app stores. These apps measure download, upload and latency speed, providing hard data on the quality of your connection. Run tests at different times and locations to understand how 5G is working in your region.

When comparing the results, you will better understand when the 5G connection is running at its maximum capacity and when it suffers from congestion. If the tests show speeds much lower than those offered by your carrier, make sure that the mobile phone is actually connected to 5G by checking the connectivity icon in the device status bar.

Choose the ideal location for best signal reception

The quality of the 5G signal varies according to your location, as the signal is affected by obstacles such as buildings, trees and other interferences. If you are working at home or in a fixed location, try positioning yourself near windows or in open areas to receive better signal. 5G works best with direct line of sight with the operator’s antennas.

If you are in an indoor environment with weak 5G signal, consider using Wi-Fi or 4G temporarily for tasks that do not require high speed. When you need maximum performance, locate yourself in an open area or near a window to better capture the 5G signal. These small adjustments to your positioning can result in significant gains in speed and stability.

Manage applications that drain 5G bandwidth

Some apps consume a lot of bandwidth in the background, reducing the speed available for other tasks. Check the settings of each app for options to limit background data usage or define which apps can connect to the internet. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Permissions and review which apps have access to mobile networks.

You can also use your mobile phone’s native data manager to monitor which apps consume the most bandwidth. Disable network access for apps you don’t use often or don’t need continuous connection. This practice not only improves perceived performance, but also helps save your data franchise if it is limited by your carrier.