The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro supports 5G connectivity, these are the first two devices by Apple featuring 5G. I presume you already got the iPhone 13 in your hands, and exploring the settings of the iPhone, isn’t it? In this line of the tutorial, I’m going to explain 5G settings you should be familiar with, and how efficiently you can use 5G while preserving battery and data. As of right now, not all the regions and carrier supports the 5G, that’s why you should confirm with your carrier about this. However, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T carriers have already implemented the 5G in major cities of the US.
At the same time, make sure your plan supports 5G, this can be easier if you directly contact the carrier and talk with them. Keep note that there are two types of 5G available, the mmWave 5G is the fastest one to provide the internet speed in Gigabit with limited range while Sub-6Ghz 5G is a little faster than LTE, but it has a wider range than mmWave.
How to Manage 5G Settings on iPhone 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini
What is Smart Data Mode?
With iPhone 13 and 5G, Apple has also introduced a term called Smart Data Mode that automatically switches between the 5G/LTE and Battery life of the iPhone. Out of the box, iPhone 13 is set to 5G Auto, which is referred to as a Smart Data Mode.
That said, “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.”
Let’s explore the 5G Settings of the iPhone 13.
- Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Cellular.
- Select Cellular Data Options.
- Tap on Voice & Data.
- Here you’ll see three different options,
- 5G On: It uses 5G whenever it is available, even when it may reduce battery life. With this setting, the iPhone 13 will continuously operate on 5G.
- 5G Auto: It uses 5G only when it will not significantly reduce battery life. Apple’s Smart Data Mode is 5G Auto, it will automatically switch to 5G when needed which reduces battery draining.
- LTE: If you prefer not to use the 5G or don’t have 5G Cellular Plan, then choose LTE.
5G Compatible iPhone List
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Mini
How to Save 5G Cellular Data?
You don’t need high bandwidth and more speed while using WhatsApp, Messenger when connected to 5G, in such cases run the 5G on Standard or Low Data Mode to save cellular data. While video calling services like FaceTime, needs More Data on 5G, choose accordingly.
- Go to the Settings app.
- Select Cellular.
- Tap on Cellular Data Options and open Data Mode.
What do 5G Icons on the Status Bar Mean?
You will see three different icons 5G, 5G+, and 5G UW, let’s understand what are they? It doesn’t matter you’ve 5G enabled; the iPhone will show these icons to indicate the 5G network of your carrier.
5G: It says that your carrier and current location have 5G coverage and you can connect to 5G internet.
5G+: It indicates that a high-frequency 5G connection is available or your iPhone is connected to 5G internet to the same network.
5G UW: It is also the same as 5G+, the high-frequency 5G connection is available for your iPhone or it is connected to the same network.
It has been found that AT&T is on 5G+ and Verizon uses the 5G UW. If you find 5G then consider it as a slower network compared to 5G UW and 5G+.
