5G has been slowly but surely rolling out across Pakistan in several cities and areas, mostly with Jazz and Zong. While Ufone has been authorized to do the same, the telecom provider is yet to roll out its 5G services.
Getting 5G on your device is not always straightforward. Here is what you need to know.
What You Need
Users need a 5G supported phone, active 5G coverage, updated software, and the correct network settings to use 5G in Pakistan.
A 4G only phone cannot connect to 5G through a software update. The phone must have 5G hardware and must support the bands used by the local operator.
Imported phones need extra attention because different regional versions of the same phone may support different network bands. Users should check the exact model number, not just the phone name.
Users should also make sure their device is PTA-approved and that mobile data is working on the SIM they want to use for 5G.
Check Coverage First
Before changing phone settings, users should check whether their operator has 5G coverage in their area.
Jazz and Zong both have coverage maps on their websites that show exact spots with 5G in Pakistan.
But remember that coverage maps are only guides. Signal quality can change due to buildings, distance from the site, weather, terrain, network load, and device support. So there are chances you may not get consistent 5G even in covered areas.
If a user is outside a 5G coverage area, the phone will stay on 4G even if the device supports 5G.
Check Phone Support
Users should check whether their phone is listed as a 5G compatible device by their operator. The link shows a simple and straightforward guide to check if your phone supports 5G.
Jazz and Zong have published handset information for users who want to check device support.
The easiest way to check the phone model is to open Settings and go to About Phone. On iPhone, users can open Settings, then General, and then About.
After finding the exact model, users should compare it with the operator’s supported handset list. This is because not all smartphone brands and models are supported as of yet.
Enable 5G on iPhone
iPhone users can enable 5G from the cellular settings menu.
Open Settings, then tap Cellular. After that, select Cellular Data Options and open Voice and Data.
5G Auto is usually the better option for daily use because the phone can switch between 5G and LTE depending on signal and battery conditions. While 5G is faster, it does use more battery. 5G Auto makes sure the phone can switch to 4G to save battery as needed or when you’re out of 5G coverage.
Enable 5G on Samsung Phones
- Samsung users can enable 5G from the mobile network settings.
- Open Settings and tap Connections. Then select Mobile Networks and open Network Mode.
- Choose the option that includes 5G. On many Samsung phones, this appears as 5G/LTE/3G/2G Auto Connect.
If the 5G option does not appear, the phone may not support 5G, the software may need an update, or the operator may not support that model yet.
Enable 5G on Other Android Phones
- The process is similar on most Android phones, but the wording can vary by brand.
- Open Settings and go to Mobile Network, SIMs, Connections, or Network and Internet.
- Select the SIM used for mobile data. Then open Preferred Network Type or Network Mode.
- Choose the option that includes 5G, such as 5G/LTE/3G/2G Auto.
If the phone has two SIMs, make sure mobile data is assigned to the SIM that belongs to the operator offering 5G service in that area.
Update Your Software
A phone may need updated software or carrier settings before 5G appears. On iPhone, go to Settings, then General, and then Software Update. On Android, go to Settings and open Software Update. The exact name may change depending on the brand. After installing updates, restart the phone and check the network settings again.
Check SIM and Data
Users should make sure mobile data is turned on and working. If the phone uses two SIMs, check that mobile data is active on the correct SIM. Samsung advises users to make sure they are using a 5G compatible SIM provided by their carrier, as older SIM cards may not work with 5G plans. If mobile data is not working at all, users should contact their mobile operator before troubleshooting 5G.
Why 5G May Not Show
There are several reasons why the 5G icon may not appear. The most common reason is a lack of 5G coverage in the area. Pakistan’s 5G rollout is still taking place in phases. The second reason is device compatibility. A phone may support 5G in another country, but may not support the required local band or operator configuration.
The third reason is software. Users should install the latest phone update and restart the device. The fourth reason is network mode. If the phone is set to LTE only, it will not connect to 5G. The fifth reason is SIM selection. On dual SIM phones, the user may have selected the wrong SIM for mobile data.
Why Phones Switch to 4G
A phone may move between 5G and 4G during normal use.
This can happen when the user leaves a 5G area, enters a building with a weaker signal, or moves to a location where the 5G signal is not stable.
Some phones also use 4G when the device is idle and return to 5G during active data use.
This does not always indicate a fault with the phone or SIM.
