Having a fast internet connection on your iPhone is handy for watching content and browsing the web. And if you need to find your way to a certain place, you’ll also want to ensure that your internet loads quickly.
5G has rolled out to several countries around the world. If you’re in a region with widespread coverage, here’s how you can switch connections of this speed on for your iPhone.
Before we look at how to turn on 5G for your iPhone, knowing which devices support connections of this kind is a good idea. The iPhone 12 was the first to have 5G connectivity, and all devices released after that will also have access.
If you have an iPhone that’s older than the 12, you’ll need to use 4G instead.
Where in the World is 5G Available?
5G has spread across many parts of the world, but it still isn’t as established as 4G. According to Statista, over 350 cities in China had 5G connectivity in December 2022. Meanwhile, 296 had access to 5G in the US.
Several other countries have access to 5G. One of those is Finland, which has been at the forefront of the shift to networks of this kind. Elsewhere in Europe, the UK has widespread 5G availability.
Other countries with significant 5G coverage include:
Canada
South Korea
Spain
The Philippines
How to Turn on 5G on Your iPhone
Now that we know which iPhones have 5G and where in the world you can use the network, let’s look at how you can switch it on. The process is straightforward, and the steps below will get you to your desired end result.
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Then, go to Cellular Data Options.
2. Select the Voice & Data tab.
3. You can choose between 5G On and 5G Auto. 5G Auto will switch on when you’re in an area of coverage, and your battery life isn’t at risk. Meanwhile, 5G On will keep your 5G switched on at all times when you’re in an area with this kind of connection.
Choose whichever version of 5G you want before closing the app. Your changes will take immediate effect.
4. Note that if you’re in an area with little 5G coverage, you’ll still often see 4G.
5G Is Expanding Around the World
5G is still relatively new, but it’s expanding to more and more cities around the world. This connection speed offers you a quicker way to browse the internet and perform essential tasks. If you’ve got an iPhone 12 or later, it’s worth thinking about turning on 5G.
Having said that, 4G is still more than good enough for most things – so changing to 5G isn’t an absolute necessity.
Danny is a freelance writer who has been using Apple products for over a decade. He’s written for some of the largest technology publications on the web and previously worked as an in-house writer before carving his own route. Danny grew up in the UK, but now writes about tech from his Scandinavian base.
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