How to activate 5G network on your smartphone - Check step-by-step guide

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of 5G services in India last week, all major telecom operators are planning to rollout 5G services in a phased manner. Recently, Airtel CEO said that its 5G services are rolling out in 8 cities including -- Delhi, Varanasi, Nagpur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai and Siliguri. The brand has confirmed that Pan India rollout will happen only by March 2024.

If you live in one of the 8 cities that Airtel is rolling out its 5G services, here’s how you can activate the 5G network on your smartphone. Please note that people who have a 5G enabled phone can use 5G. You need a 5G-enabled handset in your pocket to enjoy high-speed internet to stream movies or play games. 

You do not need a new SIM, users can activate 5G on an existing SIM card. Also, can access the 5G network only if one is in a 5G-supported location and has a 5G smartphone.

How you can activate the 5G network on your smartphone

Step 1: Go to the Settings menu on your phone.

Step 2: Click on Connections or Mobile Network option.

Step 3: Next, tap on Network mode and choose the 5G/4G/3G/2G option.

Step 4. Go back to home screen to see 5G network mode on the top right corner of your smartphone screen

According to Airtel, a 4G SIM can work in 5G-powered phones. "To enjoy the 5G network to its maximum potential, you would be required to have a 5G SIM with a 5G phone. Despite all that, your 4G SIM will surely provide you with better connectivity and transmission when used with 5G phones," according to the company. You must have a device that is compatible with 5G networks. 

Will a 5G SIM work on a 4G-enabled smartphone?

"While a 5G SIM card can be used in 4G mobile, it would still be providing you with 4G networks as one of the major requirements to use the 5G technology is having a 5G-powered device," according to the Airtel FAQ.

If your phone is not 5G-enabled, it will not be able to access 5G networks and hence, you wouldn't be able to enjoy the blazing fast speed and connectivity of the 5G network.