Why is my 5G phone only showing 4G?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

There could be several reasons why your 5G phone is only showing a 4G network. Let me explain this in a bit more detail.

1. Limited 5G Coverage: One possible reason could be that the 5G network coverage is limited in your area. While 5G technology is being rolled out in many places, it is not yet available everywhere. This means that if you move out of the 5G coverage area, your phone will automatically switch to the next available network, which in this case is 4G. So, if you are in an area where 5G coverage is not yet available, your phone will only show the 4G network.

2. Network Transition: Another reason could be that you are moving between areas with different network coverage. For example, if you are in an area with 5G coverage and then move to an area with only 4G coverage, your phone will switch to the available network, which in this case is 4G. Similarly, if you move from a 4G coverage area to a 5G coverage area, your phone will switch to 5G if it is available. So, the network icon on your phone’s status bar changes depending on the network coverage in the area you are in.

3. Phone Compatibility: It is also possible that your phone is not compatible with the 5G network. While most new smartphones are 5G capable, older models or budget devices may not support 5G technology. In this case, your phone will only be able to connect to 4G networks, even if 5G coverage is available in your area.

4. Network Congestion: Network congestion can also affect the availability of 5G. If the 5G network in your area is heavily congested, your phone may not be able to connect to it and will instead connect to the 4G network. This can happen especially in densely populated areas or during peak usage times. In such cases, the network automatically prioritizes stability and reliability, so your phone may switch to 4G to ensure a stable connection.

5. Phone Settings: Lastly, it’s worth checking your phone’s settings to ensure that 5G is enabled. Some phones have the option to toggle between different network modes, such as 5G, 4G, or even 3G. If your phone is set to only connect to 4G networks, it will not switch to 5G even if it is available in your area. So, make sure to check your phone’s network settings and enable 5G if you want to connect to the faster network.

The reason your 5G phone is only showing 4G could be due to limited 5G coverage, network transitions, phone compatibility, network congestion, or phone settings. It’s important to note that as 5G technology continues to expand and improve, the availability and reliability of the network will also increase.