The iPhone 13 and later models support 5G, marking Apple’s entry into this technology. If you have an iPhone, I can help you with 5G settings to optimize battery life and data usage. Keep in mind that 5G availability varies by region and carrier, so check with your provider. Major carriers like Verizon (ideal—Verizon 5G home internet), T-Mobile, and AT&T have launched 5G in Major U.S. cities.
Contact your carrier to check that your plan supports 5G. There are two types: mmWave 5G, which has the highest speeds but limited range, and Sub-6GHz 5G, which is faster than LTE with wider coverage.
How to Enable 5G on Your iPhone
What is Smart Data Mode?
With the latest iPhone and 5G, Apple has introduced a feature called Smart Data Mode, also known as 5G Auto. To enable Smart Data Mode, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > Choose 5G Auto.
This feature automatically switches between 5G and LTE, depending on the iPhone’s battery life. By default, the iPhone 13 is set to 5G Auto, which is essentially 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.”
Exploring iPhone 5G settings on iPhone (iPhone 16, 15, 14, 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 a 5G Cellular Plan, then choose LTE.
5G Compatible iPhone List
- iPhone 16 Series
- iPhone 15 Series
- iPhone 14 Series
- 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 for WhatsApp or Messenger on 5G, so use Standard or Low Data Mode to conserve data. For video calls like FaceTime, however, you’ll need more data, so adjust your settings accordingly.
- Go to the Settings app.
- Select Cellular.
- Tap on Cellular Data Options
- Tap Data Mode,
- Choose Low data mode.
What do 5G Icons on the Status Bar Mean?
You will see three different icons: 5G, 5G+, and 5G UW. Let’s clarify their meanings. It doesn’t matter if you have enabled 5G; the iPhone will display these icons to indicate your carrier’s 5G network.
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.
AT&T has been found to be on 5G+, while Verizon uses the 5G UW. If you encounter 5G, it’s advisable to consider it a slower network compared to 5G UW and 5G+.
