It can be frustrating when you’re in a 5G-covered area, but your phone shows 4G instead. We understand the concern, but in most cases, this is completely normal.
Heads Up: At Firsty, we guarantee your plan’s advertised speeds. The network icon on your phone does not determine whether your service is performing correctly. A strong and stable 4G connection can deliver the same or better performance than a congested 5G network. If your device shows 4G, that is expected in many locations. There is no issue with your eSIM just because it is not displaying 5G.
Why You Might Not Be Connecting to 5G
There are a few reasons why your device might not display 5G, even when it seems available:
Device Compatibility and Settings: Not all devices automatically prioritize 5G. If 5G is disabled in your settings, your phone will stay on 4G. Please check that 5G is enabled in your mobile settings.
Local Network Conditions: Even in a 5G area, your exact location matters. These can cause your device to connect to the most stable available network, often 4G.
– Indoor locations
– Buildings with thick walls
– Network congestion
– Carrier limitationseSIM's Dynamic Network Selection: Our eSIM automatically connects to the most stable network partner available. We optimize for stability, not just the network label. That means:
– If 4G is more stable → it will select 4G
– If 5G is stable and available → it will select 5GNetwork List Display: The list of available networks shown on your phone might not always differentiate between 4G and 5G in the network name (e.g., "Jio 4G" might be the only visible option, even if Jio offers 5G in the background). Firsty can't directly "update" your phone's displayed network list.
Troubleshooting Steps to Optimize Your Connection
Let's try a few things to help your phone get the best possible connection:
1. Check Your Device's Cellular Settings for 5G
First, make sure your phone is actually set to use 5G. These are the steps:
1. Enable 5G in Your Device Settings
iPhone
– Go to Settings
– Tap Mobile Service / Cellular
– Select your Firsty eSIM line
– Tap Voice & Data
– Choose 5G Auto or 5G On
Android
– Go to Settings
– Tap Connections or Network & Internet
– Tap Mobile Network
– Select your Firsty SIM
– Tap Preferred Network Type
– Choose 5G / 5G Auto / 5G Preferred
2. Manually Select a Network Operator
Sometimes, giving your phone a nudge to a specific network can help. This can often improve your connection, and might even lead to picking up 5G if the local partner supports it.
iPhone
– Settings
– Cellular
– Select your Firsty eSIM
– Tap Network Selection
– Turn off Automatic
– Wait for the network list to appear
– Select one manually
Android
– Settings
– Connections
– Mobile Networks
– Network Operators
– Turn off Automatic
– Wait for networks to load
– Select one manually
Important: If you travel to another country, you must repeat this process because manual selection does not auto-switch.
3. Toggle Airplane Mode
Sometimes a quick refresh fixes minor network inconsistencies.
Toggle Airplane Mode (Flight Mode) on for about 30 seconds.
Then, toggle it back off. Your phone will re-scan for networks.
We're committed to providing you with the most reliable data experience possible, and our team is always here to help if you continue to face issues. Just reach out, and we'll take a deeper dive!