If you bought a new one phoneit probably already has 5G on board. The problem is that the information about “5G” on the box is not enough. Before you can start downloading at higher speeds, there are a few conditions you need to meet.
What does 5G actually give us?
Before we get down to specifics, it's worth knowing what the 5G network on your phone actually gives us. To put it simply, this applies to:
- Speeds up to eight times faster than 4G
- Virtually zero latency (1-4 milliseconds)
- A more stable connection even in crowded places
Also make sure you meet all the conditions:
- Phone – not every model from recent years supports 5G. In 2024, you will find equipment with 5G support even below PLN 1,000, but older models may not have this function
- SIM card – old card may not work with 5G. If your card is several years old, it may need to be replaced
- Subscription – there may be a catch here. Not every package includes 5G, even from operators who boast about this technology. So check if you are taking advantage of the right offer
Where to turn on 5G on your phone?
In Android:
- Open “Settings”
- Find the “Cellular” or “Connections” section
- Enter “Network Mode” or “Preferred Network Type”
- Select “5G” or “5G/4G/3G/2G”
iPhone:
- Open “Settings”
- Then “Mobile network”
- Select “Cellular Data Options”
- In the “Voice & Data” section, select “5G Auto” or “5G Enabled”
What if it doesn't work?
If your phone stubbornly sticks to 4G despite everything, it's possible that:
- You are out of reach (for now, 5G is mainly a privilege of larger cities)
- Your carrier hasn't launched 5G in your area yet
- The system requires updating
- The SIM card is incompatible
Who offers 5G in Poland?
The list of operators with 5G is quite long. Apart from the big players (OrangePlay, Plus, T-Mobile) you will also find them in smaller stores, such as:
- Plush
- nju mobile
- PremiumMobile
- Mobile Vikings
- OTVARTA
- lajt mobile
Attention: range and actual speeds may vary greatly. It is worth checking the coverage map of a specific operator for your area.
Remember that 5G can put more strain on the battery. On iPhones, you can select “5G Auto” – the phone will then switch to 5G only when really needed. In Android, you'll find a similar feature in the energy saving settings.