1) What “4G to 5G upgrade” actually means

When people say “upgrade my Android from 4G to 5G,” they usually mean one of these:

• Enabling 5G in settings on a phone that already supports 5G.
• Upgrading SIM or plan so the carrier allows 5G access.
• Updating software and carrier settings so the phone connects to 5G networks properly.
• Buying a 5G-capable device if the current phone is 4G-only.

The key point: 5G is not a “software feature” you can add to any phone. It’s a network + hardware + carrier access combination.

2) What you need for 5G on Android

How to quickly check if your phone supports 5G

1. Search your phone’s model name in Settings > About phone (example: “Galaxy A52 5G”).
2. Go to Settings > Network & internet (or Connections) and look for Preferred network type.
   If you see options like 5G/LTE/3G/2G, your phone likely supports 5G.
3. Check the box or manual for “5G” or “NR (New Radio)” support.

If you only see LTE/3G/2G options and your model is not labeled 5G, it’s probably a 4G-only phone.

3) Step-by-step: Enable 5G on your Android phone

Follow these steps in order. This covers most Android brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, Pixel, etc.).

Step 1: Confirm you have a 5G phone

1. Open Settings
2. Tap About phone
3. Note the exact model name and verify it includes “5G” (or the official specs mention 5G/NR)

Step 2: Update Android and carrier settings

1. Go to Settings > System > System update (or Software update)
2. Install available updates and restart your phone
3. If your phone has Carrier Services updates in the Play Store, update that too

Updates often include modem improvements and carrier configuration that can affect 5G connection.

Step 3: Make sure your plan includes 5G

• Open your carrier app (or log into your account) and confirm 5G access is enabled.
• If unsure, contact support and ask: “Is 5G enabled on my number and plan?”

Step 4: Check SIM compatibility

• If your SIM is very old and 5G won’t appear, request a SIM replacement from your carrier.
• Insert the new SIM and restart your phone.

Step 5: Enable 5G in Network settings

Option A (Most Android phones):

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Network & internet (or Connections)
3. Tap SIMs (or Mobile network)
4. Tap Preferred network type
5. Select 5G/LTE/3G/2G (or 5G Auto)

Option B (Samsung path):

1. Settings > Connections > Mobile networks
2. Network mode (or Preferred network type)
3. Select 5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto connect)

Step 6: Turn on mobile data and test 5G

1. Enable Mobile data
2. Move to an open area (or near a window)
3. Wait 30–90 seconds; your status bar may show 5G, 5G+, or NR

Step 7: Run a speed test (optional)

• Use any trusted speed test app
• Compare results between LTE and 5G (try different locations for a fair comparison)

4) Troubleshooting: 5G not showing up? Try these fixes

Fix 1: Toggle Airplane mode

1. Turn Airplane mode ON for 10 seconds
2. Turn it OFF and wait for the network to reconnect

Fix 2: Check coverage (most common reason)

Even with a perfect setup, you’ll see LTE if there’s no 5G signal nearby. Try a different location:

• Go outdoors or to a higher floor
• Try near main roads or city centers (coverage is usually better)

Fix 3: Disable battery saver / data saver

Some phones reduce network performance in power-saving modes.

1. Go to Settings > Battery
2. Turn Battery Saver OFF
3. Go to Settings > Network & internet and turn Data Saver OFF

Fix 4: Reset APN (Access Point Names)

Use this if mobile data works but 5G never appears, or data feels unstable.

1. Settings > Network & internet > SIMs/Mobile network
2. Tap Access Point Names (APN)
3. Tap the menu and choose Reset to default
4. Restart your phone

Fix 5: Reset network settings

This can fix stubborn connection issues but will remove saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pairings.

1. Settings > System > Reset options
2. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (wording varies)
3. Confirm and restart the phone

Fix 6: Make sure 5G isn’t restricted by your carrier

• Some carriers require enabling 5G on your account.
• Some regions require a specific “5G SIM.”
• Some devices are “5G-capable” but not approved for a carrier’s 5G bands in your country.

5) Tips to get the best 5G performance

• Keep your phone updated: modem and carrier profiles improve over time.
• Use “5G Auto”: it balances speed and battery better than forcing 5G (on many phones).
• Avoid thick walls: 5G signals can be weaker indoors depending on the band.
• Restart occasionally: it refreshes network registration and can restore 5G.
• Compare LTE vs 5G fairly: test multiple times and locations; speed varies by tower load.

Conclusion

Upgrading from 4G to 5G on Android is simple when your phone already supports 5G: update software, confirm plan + SIM compatibility,
enable 5G in network settings, and test in a covered area. If your device is truly 4G-only, the only real solution is switching to a 5G-capable phone.