Why Is My SIM Not Receiving 5G? Common Travel Connectivity Questions Answered
5G is fantastic — faster speeds and better performance — but it’s still rolling out worldwide and can be a bit unpredictable when travelling. If you’ve just landed in your travel destination, popped in your travel SIM or eSIM, and noticed you’re stuck on 4G or even 3G — don’t worry, you’re not alone! Let’s walk through the most likely reasons and what you can do to improve your connectivity.
1. Your Phone Might Not Be 5G-Compatible
Not all phones are 5G-ready. Older or entry-level models might only support 4G/LTE. Even if your phone does support 5G, it may not support the specific bands and frequencies used in the country you're visiting.
✅ Tip: Check your phone’s model number and confirm whether it supports 5G bands in your travel destination.
2. 5G Coverage Isn’t Everywhere (Yet)
Even in countries with 5G, coverage is usually strongest in big cities and may not reach rural areas, islands, or small towns. You might only get 4G or 3G in these spots — and that’s totally normal.
✅ Tip: Try moving to a more central area or check online maps of the local carrier's 5G coverage.
3. Settings Check – Is 5G Turned On?
Sometimes it’s just a settings issue! Double-check that your mobile network settings are set to 5G (or “auto”/“5G preferred”). If your phone is set to 4G-only, it won’t even try to connect to 5G.
✅ Tip:
- Go to Settings > Mobile Network > Preferred Network Type
- Select 5G/4G/3G (Auto) if available
4. Your SIM or eSIM Plan May Not Include 5G
Not all travel SIMs or eSIMs support 5G access, especially if it’s a roaming-based plan. Many are still 4G-only to ensure compatibility across more devices and networks.
✅ Tip: Check your eSIM or travel SIM plan’s specs or FAQs to see if 5G is included.
5. Temporary Network Issues
If everything checks out but you’re still not seeing 5G, there might just be temporary network congestion or maintenance in your area.
✅ Tip: Try restarting your phone or toggling airplane mode to refresh your network connection.
Don’t stress if your SIM isn’t picking up 5G right away. 4G/LTE still gives you excellent connectivity for maps, calls, social media, and more.
