In the 5G Snapshot: China report, Insider Intelligence breaks down the key components and advantages of China's 5G mission, and provides summaries of the country's 3 largest wireless operators. Currently, the FCC is actioning spectrum in the 27.5 GHz to 28.35 GHz, 24.25 GHz to 24.45 GHz, and 24.75 GHz 25.25 GHz, range for millimeter-wave 5G use. The FCC may also be considering opening 3.7 GHz to 4.2 GHz mid-band frequencies for 5G, and may also be considering opening 4.9 GHz public safety bands for 5G access.
What you need
- An iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max
- A 5G cellular plan1
If your new iPhone comes with a SIM card, use that SIM card. If not, use the SIM card from your previous iPhone. In some cases, you need to contact your carrier to set up the SIM card from your previous iPhone for use with a 5G network.
Understand the 5G icons in the status bar
When you're in an area with 5G coverage for your carrier and your 5G cellular plan has been activated, you'll see a 5G icon in the status bar of your iPhone:
Your carrier's 5G network is available, and your iPhone can connect to the Internet over that network.2 Not available in all areas.
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Your carrier's higher frequency version of 5G is available, or your iPhone has an active connection over that network. Not available in all areas.2
Your carrier's higher frequency version of 5G is available, or your iPhone has an active connection over that network. Not available in all areas.2
Learn what to do if you don't see a 5G icon in the status bar.
Learn about 5G options
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The default settings for 5G on iPhone are optimized for battery life and data usage based on your data plan. You can customize these options for when to use 5G and how much data to use in some apps.
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Find these options by going to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. If you're using Dual SIM, go to Settings > Cellular and choose the number whose options you want to change.
Voice & Data
Choose how your iPhone uses the 5G network, which can affect battery life.
- 5G Auto: Enables Smart Data mode. When 5G speeds don't provide a noticeably better experience, your iPhone automatically switches to LTE, saving battery life.
- 5G On: Always uses 5G network when it's available. This might reduce battery life.
- LTE: Uses only LTE network, even when 5G is available.
Data Mode
- Allow More Data on 5G: Enables higherre not sure.
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. If you see this screen, your device has 5G activated. If you don't see this screen, contact your carrier to confirm that your plan supports 5G.
- Turn on Airplane Mode, then turn it off.
If you still don't have 5G service, contact your carrier.
Learn more
- While using two lines in Dual SIM mode, 5G data isn't supported on either line and will fall back to 4G LTE. In China mainland, 5G data is supported while using two active lines in Dual SIM mode on the line that's using cellular data.
- You can choose to always stream the highest quality content by going to Settings > Music > Cellular Data and turning on High Quality Streaming and Settings > TV > Cellular and tapping High Quality. These settings use more cellular data, and content might take longer to start playing.
- If you turn on Low Power Mode, 5G is disabled except during video streaming. In China mainland, Low Power Mode also disables 5G Standalone.
1. Contact your carrier to check if you have a 5G plan. Some carriers might charge an activation fee.
2. Higher frequency 5G networks are supported only in the United States when using an iPhone purchased in the United States.
