To determine if your iPhone is compatible with 5G in your area in the U.S., consider the following factors:
1. iPhone Model: All iPhone models released since the fall of 2020 support at least some form of 5G[1]. This includes the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 lineups, as well as the iPhone SE (3rd generation) released in early 2022[1][4].
2. Check for 5G icon: When you're in an area with 5G coverage and have an activated 5G cellular plan, a 5G icon will appear in the status bar of your iPhone[2]. This indicates that your iPhone can connect to the internet over the 5G network[2]. You might see different icons such as "5G+", "5G UW", or "5G UC" which indicate you're connected to your carrier's higher frequency version of 5G[2]. If you don't see a 5G icon, there could be a few reasons[2]:
* You may not be in an area with 5G coverage[2].
* Your current cellular plan may not support 5G[2].
* 5G may not be enabled in your iPhone settings.
3. Carrier Compatibility: Contact your carrier to confirm that they support 5G in your area and that your cellular plan is 5G compatible[2]. Some carriers may charge an additional activation fee[2].
4. Check your iPhone settings: To check if your device is 5G capable, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options or Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options[2]. The presence of these options indicates that your iPhone is 5G compatible[2].
5. mmWave support: iPhones sold in the U.S. support mmWave, which is a high-frequency band used by carriers like Verizon and AT&T in major urban centers and congested areas[1]. If you purchased your iPhone outside of the U.S., it may not support mmWave[1]. The iPhone SE (3rd generation) does not support mmWave at all[1].
6. SIM Card: Make sure you are using the correct SIM card[2]. If your new iPhone comes with a physical SIM or eSIM, use that SIM[2]. In some cases, you might need to contact your carrier to set up the SIM card from your previous iPhone for use with a 5G network[2].
If you've confirmed that you have a 5G-compatible iPhone, a 5G cellular plan, and are in an area with 5G coverage, but still don't see a 5G icon, try turning Airplane Mode on and then off[2]. If the issue persists, contact your carrier for further assistance[2].
Citations:
[1] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/which-iphone-models-have-5g/
[2] https://support.apple.com/en-us/108383
[3] https://www.apple.com/iphone/cellular/
[4] https://blog.redpocket.com/blog/which-iphones-have-5g
[5] https://www.5gworldpro.com/blog/2023/04/20/which-iphones-support-5g/
[6] https://www.usmobile.com/blog/an-always-up-to-date-list-of-5g-devices/
[7] https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/A4dBk/apple-iphone-12-pro-max-uw-5g-a2342-dual-sim-td-lte-us-512gb-apple-iphone-13-4
[8] https://5g.co.uk/guides/which-iphones-support-5g/