iPhone 12 models or later work on select carriers' 5G mobile network. Learn how to use the 5G mobile service.
What you need
An iPhone 12 model or newer
An operator that supports 5G
A mobile 5G subscription1
If your new iPhone comes with a physical SIM card or eSIM, use that SIM card. If not, use the SIM card from your previous iPhone. In some cases, you may need to contact your carrier to configure your previous iPhone's SIM card for use with a 5G network.
Understand the 5G icons in the status bar
When you are in an area with 5G coverage for your carrier and your 5G mobile plan is activated, you will see a 5G icon in the status bar on your iPhone:
Your carrier's 5G network is available, and your iPhone can connect to the Internet over that network (not available in all countries or regions).2
Your carrier's 5G+, 5G UW, or 5G UC network is available, which may include your carrier's higher frequency version of 5G. Your iPhone can connect to the Internet through that network (not available in all countries or regions).2
Find out what you need to doif you don't see a 5G icon in the status bar.
Learn more about 5G options
The default 5G settings on iPhone are optimized for battery life and data usage based on your data plan. You can adjust these options for when you want to use 5G and how much data you want to use in some apps. Contact your carrier to check if it supports 5G and if you have a mobile subscription that supports 5G.
You can find these options by going to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Settings or Settings > Cellular Data > Cellular Data Settings. If you're using Dual SIM, go to Settings > Mobile or Settings > Mobile data and select the number whose options you want to change.
Voice and data
Choose how your iPhone uses the 5G network, which can affect battery life.
5G Auto: Enables Smart Data mode. When 5G speeds don't provide a noticeably better experience, your iPhone will automatically switch to LTE, which will extend battery life. The 5G icon is displayed based on the operator network configuration and may appear in rare cases even when 5G coverage is not available.
5G On: Always uses the 5G network if available. This can shorten the battery life.
LTE: Only uses LTE networks, even if 5G is available.
See AlsoWhich iPhones support 5G?
Additional options may be available in your market, such as 5G Standalone and Voice Over 5G Standalone. Contact your network provider for more information.
Data status
Allow more data on 5G: Enables higher data usage features for apps and system tasks. These include higher quality FaceTime, high-definition content on Apple TV, songs and videos from Apple Music, iOS updates over the cellular network, and automatic iCloud backups.
This setting allows your iPhone to automatically use 5G instead of Wi-Fi when the Wi-Fi connection is slow or unreliable on a network you visit occasionally. To enable or disable this feature for a specific network, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Tap the info button next to the Wi-Fi network and tap Use Wi-Fi for Internet.
This setting also allows third-party apps to use more mobile data for improved experiences.
This is the default setting on some unlimited data plans, depending on your carrier.
This setting uses more mobile data.
Standard: Allows automatic updates and background tasks on mobile and uses default quality settings for video and FaceTime. This is usually the default mode.
Low Data Mode: Helps reduce Wi-Fi and mobile data usage by pausing automatic updates and background tasks.
Data roaming
Many carriers around the world support 5G roaming. If your carrier does not support 5G roaming, you can get mobile data over 4G or LTE networks or purchase a local SIM card or eSIM with 5G, if available.
Please contact your provider for more information.
If you don't see 5G in the status bar
Contact your carrier to confirm that it supports 5G and that you have a mobile plan that supports 5G.
Make sure you are in an area with 5G coverage. If you're unsure, check with your provider.
Go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile data settings or Settings > Mobile data > Mobile data settings. If you see this screen, your device is 5G compatible.
Turn on airplane modeand then turn it off.
If you still don't have 5G service, contact your mobile carrier.
Learn more
If you want to use 5GDual sim cardon iPhone 12 models, make sure you have iOS 14.5 or later.
You can choose to always stream content in the highest quality by going to Settings > Music sound quality > Mobile streaming and tapping High Quality. For TV, go to Settings > TV > Mobile or Settings > TV > Mobile data and enable Use mobile data if necessary. Then tap High Quality. These settings use more mobile data and content may take longer to play.
When you turn onLow power supply5G is disabled except in some cases, such as video streaming and large downloads on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models. On iPhone 12 models, Low Power mode disables 5G Standalone (where available).
1. Contact your carrier to check if you have a 5G subscription. Some companies may charge activation fees.
2. Higher frequency 5G networks are only supported in the US when using an iPhone purchased in the US.
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