Check What Is Causing the Problem
Before making changes to your phone’s settings, it helps to narrow down whether the issue is with your device, your SIM card, or your carrier’s network. This can save time and prevent unnecessary steps.
Start by testing 5G connectivity in a different location. If you are indoors or in a basement, 5G signals may be weaker or blocked. Move near a window or go outside. If the phone connects to 5G elsewhere, the problem is likely related to coverage in your current area rather than the update.
Next, check whether other devices on the same carrier plan can connect to 5G in the same spot. If another phone works fine, the issue is probably specific to your device.
Also, look at the status bar or notification panel to see what network type is currently active. If the phone shows LTE or 4G instead of 5G, that confirms the device is not latching onto the 5G network.
Finally, note when the problem started. If it began immediately after a system update, the update may have changed a network-related setting or introduced a temporary software glitch. If the update happened days ago and the phone worked fine afterward, the cause may be something else, such as a carrier profile change or a SIM card issue.
Possible Causes
Several factors can prevent a phone from connecting to 5G after an update. The most common include:
- Network mode settings changed by the update. Some updates reset the preferred network type to a default, which may be LTE or automatic selection that avoids 5G.
- Carrier settings or APN configuration outdated. Updates sometimes require an updated carrier profile to support 5G on your network.
- SIM card or eSIM profile needs refreshing. The update may have altered how the phone communicates with the SIM, requiring a re-registration on the network.
- Software glitch after the update. Temporary bugs can interfere with radio firmware.
- 5G coverage temporarily unavailable. After an update, the phone may take longer to reconnect to 5G towers, especially if the update changed radio parameters.
- Carrier restrictions or plan changes. Rarely, a carrier may update its rules on the backend, requiring a new APN or a change in provisioning.
Understanding these possibilities helps you choose the right fix without unnecessary steps.
Fixes to Try in Order
The following actions are listed from simplest and safest to more advanced. Try them in order until the problem is resolved.
1. Restart Your Phone
A restart clears temporary software glitches and forces the radio to reinitialize. Press and hold the power button, then select Restart (or Power Off, then turn the phone back on). After the phone boots up, wait a minute and check if 5G reappears.
2. Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
This forces the phone to disconnect from all cellular networks and then reconnect. Open the quick settings panel, enable Airplane Mode, wait about 15 seconds, then disable it. The phone will search for available networks again. If 5G returns, the issue was a temporary registration problem.
3. Manually Select the Preferred Network Mode
Go to the mobile network settings. The exact menu path varies by phone, but it is usually under Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode. Look for a setting that includes 5G or NR (New Radio). Options may include “5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto connect)” or “5G On”. Make sure 5G is enabled. If it was set to “LTE only” or “4G”, change it to an option that includes 5G. Then wait a moment to see if the phone connects.
If the setting is already correct, select “LTE only” and then switch back to the 5G option. This sometimes forces the phone to re-register.
4. Update Carrier Settings
Carrier settings are small updates pushed by your mobile operator. They can include APN changes, network configuration, and 5G support. On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. If a carrier settings update is available, a pop-up will appear. On Android, the update may happen automatically, but you can check by going to Settings > About phone > Software update > Carrier settings (or a similar path depending on the manufacturer). If an update is available, install it and restart the phone.
5. Reset APN (Access Point Name) Settings
An incorrect APN can prevent data connectivity on any network, including 5G. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names. Tap the current APN and note down the values (if needed). Then tap the three-dot menu and select Reset to default. After resetting, the phone will use the default APN from the carrier. If you still cannot connect, contact your carrier for the correct APN settings and manually enter them.
6. Reinsert the SIM Card or Refresh eSIM
A loose or misaligned SIM card can cause network detection issues. Power off the phone, remove the SIM tray, take out the card, and reinsert it firmly. Then power the phone back on.
If you use an eSIM, go to the mobile network settings, select the eSIM plan, and look for an option to Refresh or Reset the eSIM profile (this may be labeled “Remove eSIM” and then re-add it, but be careful as you may need a QR code or activation code). Alternatively, contact your carrier to resend the eSIM profile.
7. Reset Network Settings
This action restores all network-related settings to factory defaults, including Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, VPN configurations, and cellular settings. It does not delete personal data like photos or apps. On most phones, go to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settings (Samsung) or Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (stock Android). On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. After the reset, the phone will restart. You will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and re-pair Bluetooth devices. Check if 5G connectivity returns.
8. Update Your Phone’s Software Again
Sometimes a subsequent minor update fixes bugs introduced by a previous update. Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install (or Check for updates). If a new update is available, install it and restart the phone.
9. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
A factory reset erases all data on the phone and restores it to the state it was in when you first turned it on. This should only be done after backing up important files. Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset (Android) or Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings (iPhone). After the reset, set up the phone as a new device (do not restore a backup that may contain the same corrupted settings) and test 5G. If the phone connects to 5G, the issue was caused by a software configuration that was not resolved by lighter fixes.
If the Problem Continues
If none of the above steps restore 5G connectivity, the problem may be beyond what you can fix on your own. Consider these next steps:
- Contact your mobile carrier. There may be a known outage, a plan restriction that does not include 5G, or a need to update the IMEI registration on their end. Some carriers also require a specific APN or a provisioning refresh.
- Visit an authorized service center. A hardware issue with the phone’s cellular antenna or modem could be causing the problem. This is more likely if the phone also struggles with 4G or 3G.
- Check for a newer version of the original update. Occasionally, a manufacturer may release a patch specifically for network connectivity issues. Keep an eye on official support forums or the phone’s update screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting network settings delete my photos or apps?
No. Resetting network settings only removes saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, VPN configurations, and cellular settings. Your photos, apps, contacts, and other personal data remain intact.
Why did the update cause my phone to stop connecting to 5G?
Updates can change the preferred network mode, reset carrier settings, or introduce temporary software bugs that affect the radio firmware. Usually, a simple restart or toggling network mode fixes it.
Do I need to be on a specific plan to use 5G after an update?
In most cases, no. Your plan’s 5G access is determined by your carrier. However, after an update, the phone may need to re-register on the network. If you are unsure, contact your carrier to confirm that your plan includes 5G.
Should I downgrade the software to fix the issue?
Downgrading is not recommended. It can void your warranty, introduce security vulnerabilities, and may not be possible on many modern phones. It is safer to try the fixes listed above or wait for a subsequent update.
How long should I wait after each fix before checking for 5G?
After restarting, toggling airplane mode, or changing network mode, wait at least 30 seconds to a minute. Some phones take longer to scan for 5G towers. If you have reset network settings, wait a few minutes for the phone to reconnect to the carrier network.
What if my phone only shows 5G in certain areas after the update?
That is normal. 5G coverage varies by location. The update did not change the physical coverage; it may have changed how the phone prioritizes networks. If you previously saw 5G in the same area and now you do not, try the steps above to force a reconnection.
