What Is 5G?
5G is the latest generation of mobile connectivity, offering incredibly fast download speeds, reduced latency, and improved performance for remote work, web browsing, and video streaming with a fast and reliable connection.
To take full advantage of 5G capabilities, it’s not enough to have a compatible smartphone, your SIM must also support the 5G network.
So the question is: “Is my SIM 5G?” Keep reading to learn how to check based on your operating system and discover eSIMs,an ideal alternative for travelers!
“How do i check if my SIM is 5G on Android?”
Here’s a step-by-step guide to check if your SIM supports 5G and, if needed, force your Android device to use the 5G network:
- Open your phone’s Settings
- Go to Network & Internet or Connections
- Select Mobile Network or SIM & Network
- If you have more than one SIM, select the active one
- Tap Network Mode to see the list of supported networks
- If you see the option 5G/4G/3G/2G, select it

Note: The exact labels may vary depending on the phone brand and Android version.
If you don’t see the 5G option, your SIM might not be enabled or compatible with 5G.
“How do i check if my SIM is 5G on iPhone?”
Follow these steps to check if your SIM supports 5G on iPhone:
- Open Settings
- Tap Cellular
- Select Cellular Data Options
- Tap Voice & Data
- Choose either 5G Auto or 5G On

Note: Only iPhones starting from iPhone 12 and newer support 5G.
If the 5G option isn’t available, your SIM may not be compatible or your mobile plan may not include 5G access.
Other Ways to Check Compatibility
If you can’t find the answer in your phone’s settings, try these alternative methods:
- Check the original SIM packaging or activation documents—they often indicate whether the SIM supports 5G
- Contact your mobile carrier’s customer service—they can tell you if your SIM is 5G-enabled based on your phone number
- Visit your carrier’s official website—many providers have a dedicated section about SIM compatibility with 5G
eSIM and 5G: the perfect solution for travelers!
eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are digital SIM cards that are easy to activate and perfect for frequent international travelers.
If you want to connect to a 5G network abroad without draining your balance on high roaming fees, eSIMs are the ideal solution.
With virtual SIMs from eSIM.sm, you can:
- Activate 5G-ready data plans in dozens of available destinations
- Purchase your virtual SIM online and install it via QR code
- Choose from flexible plans ranging from 1GB to 100GB, or opt for the Global Pay-as-You-Go Plan
- Top up your data anytime from your personal dashboard
- Avoid expensive international roaming fees
eSIM technology is compatible with most modern smartphones.
Conclusion
To get the most out of the 5G network, it’s essential to check whether your SIM is compatible—whether you’re improving your connectivity at home or staying connected during international travel. In the latter case, you can opt for eSIMs, a cutting-edge solution that makes traveling easier while ensuring a fast and reliable connection.