How to tell if it is a network outage or a device fault (5G Not Working on Samsung)
| Step | Action | What It Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check your network status | Confirms if issue is network-wide |
| 2 | Toggle aeroplane mode on/off | Re-registers SIM on your network |
| 3 | Restart your phone | Clears temporary network errors |
| 4 | Check your network APN settings | Fixes incorrect data configuration |
| 5 | Re-insert SIM card | Fixes poor SIM contact issues |
| 6 | Contact your network support | Resolves account or SIM faults |
Yes, UK networks generally have active 5G coverage, expanding over time. Using 5G needs a 5G-capable device, a SIM on a 5G-enabled plan, and being within the network's 5G coverage area — check coverage on the UK APN Hub.
APN settings check for data connectivity (5G Not Working on Samsung)
On Android: Head to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Preferred Network Type and pick 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto) or the highest option shown. Samsung users go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Mode instead.
On iPhone: Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data Options → Voice & Data and select 5G. If the option is not visible, the iPhone model or plan may not support 5G on that network.
Rebooting and refreshing your network connection (5G Not Working on Samsung)
5G uses the same APN settings as standard mobile data — once enabled, the phone should pick it up automatically. If 5G isn't showing despite good coverage, try toggling aeroplane mode, restarting, or resetting the APN to network defaults.
Getting compensation from UK carriers for data outages (5G Not Working on Samsung)
5G not showing: Check your plan includes 5G. Ensure your device supports 5G. Verify you're within the network's 5G coverage. Set the preferred network type to include 5G.
5G slow: speeds vary by location, congestion and signal strength. Try an area with a clearer line of sight to a mast, check background apps aren't eating data, and contact the network if it's consistently poor.
5G connected but no internet: Check the APN settings match the network, reset network settings, or try switching to 4G, testing data, then back to 5G.
Troubleshooting checklist
Work through these — most resolve by the second step