Experience lightning-fast downloads, buffer-free video calls, and smoother gaming with 5G. But is your 4G phone ready for this leap?

Most people think upgrading to 5G means buying a brand-new smartphone, but that’s not always the case. With the right settings and hidden tricks, you can easily prepare your 4G device for 5G compatibility. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to unlock 5G potential on your 4G phone and enjoy faster speeds without spending extra on new hardware.

Can we really make a 4G phone into a 5G phone?

Quick reality check: you can’t fully convert a 4G phone into a 5G device. True 5G requires dedicated hardware, including a 5G modem, RF components, and antennas.

Good news: some late-generation 4G or 5G-ready models already include 5G capability that can be enabled with the right carrier settings, software updates, or a few tweaks. If your handset has the necessary hardware, you can activate 5G on a 4G phone by adjusting network options. And if it doesn’t, smart workarounds such as optimizing LTE settings, enabling carrier aggregation/VoLTE, and utilizing fast Wi-Fi can deliver a 5G-like experience for streaming, calls, and gaming.

Step-by-step guide starts below.

Step 1: Check if Your Phone Supports 5G

The very first step is to confirm whether your smartphone is 5G capable. Many modern mid-range and flagship devices such as the latest models from Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Realme already come with built-in 5G support.

How to check 5G support on your phone:

• Through Settings: Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network. If you see a 5G option under ‘preferred network types,’ congratulations your phone is 5G-ready!
• By Model Number: Search your phone’s model number on Google or visit the official manufacturer’s website. If the specifications list 5G bands, then your device is compatible with 5G networks.

For a comprehensive, step-by-step guide, you can explore our detailed article on ‘How to Convert 4G to 5G Mobile,’ where we explain phone compatibility checks in depth.

Step 2: Get a 5G SIM Card

If your smartphone supports 5G networks, the next essential step is to ensure you’re using a 5G-enabled SIM card. In many cases, older 4G SIMs may not be compatible with 5G services. To avoid issues, visit the nearest store of your service provider Jio, Airtel, or Vi and request a SIM upgrade to 5G.

Pro Tip:

Before making the switch, check whether 5G coverage is available in your area. Telecom operators are gradually expanding their networks across India, with cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai already experiencing strong rollouts. If your location is 5G-ready, upgrading to a 5G SIM is the smartest move to unlock faster speeds and better connectivity.

Step 3: Update the Software

Sometimes a smartphone may support 5G, but the feature won’t activate until the device is running the latest software update. To fix this, head over to Settings > System > Software Update and check for any available updates.

Manufacturers frequently push OTA (Over-The-Air) updates that unlock 5G bands and optimize network performance. For example, brands like Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, and Samsung have rolled out updates enabling 5G connectivity on compatible models.

Want more details on enabling 5G through software tweaks? Check out our comprehensive guide on ‘How to Convert 4G to 5G Mobile,’ where we explain additional tricks to maximize compatibility.

Step 4: Optimise Network Settings

Once your phone and SIM are 5G-ready, the next step is to configure your network settings to ensure smooth connectivity.

• Go to Settings > Mobile Network > Preferred Network Type.
• Select 5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto)

With this option enabled, your phone will automatically switch between 5G and 4G depending on signal strength, so you won’t experience interruptions if the 5G network is weak.

Pro Tip:

If you still don’t see 5G signals after enabling the setting, reach out to your mobile service provider. In many cases, carriers like Jio, Airtel, or Vi may need to activate 5G services on your number before you can access the network.

What to do if the phone does not support 5G?

If your smartphone isn’t 5G compatible, don’t worry you can still enjoy a 5G-like experience with a few smart upgrades and tools.

Invest in a Wi-Fi 6 Router:

A Wi-Fi 6 router can deliver blazing-fast internet speeds, often much faster and more stable than standard 4G connections. This is especially useful for streaming, online gaming, and video calls.

Use Network Booster Apps:

Several apps are designed to optimize your mobile network by improving signal strength, reducing latency, and managing data usage more efficiently. These tools can enhance the performance of your 4G device.

Consider a Budget 5G Phone:

If you’re ready for an upgrade, many budget-friendly 5G smartphones are now available in the ₹15,000–₹20,000 range. Brands like Realme, Redmi, Samsung, and iQOO offer solid options that deliver genuine 5G performance without breaking the bank.

What are the benefits of 5G?

5G is more than just faster internet it’s a completely new digital experience that transforms the way you use your phone:

• Blazing-Fast Downloads: Imagine downloading a full 4K movie in just seconds.
• Lag-Free Gaming: Say goodbye to delays in PUBG, Call of Duty, or Free Fire with near-zero latency.
• Crystal-Clear Video Calls: Enjoy uninterrupted, HD-quality calls on Zoom, Google Meet, or WhatsApp.

If you’re excited to unlock these benefits, check your phone today and follow the steps we’ve outlined above. And if you need a detailed step-by-step tutorial, don’t miss our in-depth guide on How to Convert 4G to 5G Mobile perfectly designed for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really convert my 4G phone into a 5G phone?

No, you cannot fully convert a 4G phone into a 5G phone, as 5G requires specialized hardware, such as a 5G modem and antenna. However, some 4G or 5G-ready phones may allow you to activate 5G through settings or updates.

How do I check if my phone is compatible with 5G?

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network. If you see a 5G option under preferred networks, your phone is 5G-ready. You can also search for your phone’s model number on Google or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.

Do I need a new SIM card for 5G?

Yes, in most cases, you’ll need a 5G-enabled SIM card from your carrier (Jio, Airtel, Vi, etc.), as older 4G SIMs may not be compatible with 5G networks.

Why am I not getting 5G signals on my 5G phone?

This could be due to a lack of 5G coverage in your area, outdated software, or because your carrier has not activated 5G services on your number. Contact your provider for assistance.

Can a software update enable 5G on my 4G phone?

No, a simple software update cannot convert a pure 4G phone into a 5 G phone. But for 5G-ready models, manufacturers release OTA updates to unlock 5G bands.

What settings should I change to enable 5G?

Go to Settings > Mobile Network > Preferred Network Mode and select 5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto). This ensures your phone connects to 5G when available.

What if my phone doesn’t support 5G at all?

You can still enjoy 5G-like speeds by using a Wi-Fi 6 router, installing network booster apps, or upgrading to a budget-friendly 5G smartphone.

Conclusion

Upgrading from 4G to 5G doesn’t always mean buying a brand-new smartphone. By checking your phone’s compatibility, upgrading to a 5G SIM, keeping your device updated, and tweaking network settings, you can unlock faster speeds and enjoy a more reliable connection. Even if your current phone isn’t 5G-ready, smart alternatives like Wi-Fi 6 routers, network optimization apps, or switching to a budget 5G phone can give you a near 5G-like experience.