iPhone Tips

Why Isn't My AT&T iPhone 15 Using 5G & How to Fix?

by Jenefey Aaron   Updated on 2024-10-21 / Update for  iPhone Tips

If you’ve recently upgraded to the iPhone 15 and are wondering, "Why isn't my new iPhone from ATT not using 5G?"—you’re not alone. ATT iPhones usually come with 5G enabled, but if you find your AT&T 5G not working, there might be an issue that needs to be resolved. Whether you’re looking forward to blazing-fast download speeds or improved network reliability, seeing your iPhone stuck on 4G can be really frustrating.

In this blog, we’ll break down the possible reasons your AT&T iPhone 15 isn’t connecting to 5G and show you step-by-step how to fix it.

Part 1: Why Isn’t My New iPhone from ATT Not Using 5G

There might be several reasons behind your new iPhone 15 from ATT not using 5G. Here are some of the most common reasons:

  • Software Glitch or Bug: Your iPhone might be having an unknown system error that is causing your iPhone 15 to not access the 5G network. These unknown software bugs and glitches are quite common and they might come after an update.
  • 5G Isn’t Enabled on Your iPhone 15: Even if you have a 5G plan, your iPhone settings may not be configured for 5G. This can happen if you’ve transferred your data from an older phone which wasn’t compatible with 5G.
  • AT&T 5G Coverage Is Unavailable in Your Area: It is quite possible that the area you live in doesn't have 5G coverage. Although AT&T offers widespread 5G coverage, not all areas have it yet. Your iPhone 15 will automatically shift its network to 4G LTE settings if 5G isn’t available in your location.
  • SIM Card Issues: If you’re using an old SIM card, it may not be compatible with AT&T’s 5G network.
  • AT&T Plan Doesn’t Support 5G: Not all AT&T plans include 5G access. You need to be on a specific 5G-capable plan to use the network.

Part 2: How to Fix My New iPhone from ATT Not Using 5G?

Now that we’re sure about the reasons for your iPhone 15 not using 5G, we can easily fix them with some of the common and easy solutions. Let’s start with the simplest and most common fixes to save your time.

Method 1: Enable 5G on Your iPhone

First of all, let’s check if your iPhone has compatible settings for 5G or not. Even with a 5G-capable phone and plan, you need to enable 5G manually in your phone’s settings. Here’s how to do it:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap Cellular.
  • Select Cellular Data Options >> Voice & Data.
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  • Make sure 5G Auto or 5G On is selected.

Method 2: Update Your iPhone Software

It is possible that a pending iOS update is keeping you from using 5G on your AT&T iPhone 15. You need to update your iPhone to the latest settings to function on 5G properly. If you haven’t updated your iOS, here’s how to do it:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap General, then Software Update.
  • Download and install any available updates.
  • how to download iOS 18

Method 3: Replace Your SIM Card

Older SIM cards may not be 5G-compatible. If you’ve recently upgraded to the iPhone 15 but are using the same old SIM from a previous iPhone, you might need a new one. Visit an AT&T store or contact customer service to replace your SIM card. Also, verify that the plan that you have chosen with AT&T, has 5G support.

Remove iPhone SIM Card

Method 4: [Quick and Easy] Fix AT&T 5G Not Working on iPhone 15

If you find your iPhone and AT&T plan supports 5G, then the issue might reside with the unknown system error in your iPhone. So, if you’re still wondering ‘why don’t I have 5G on my iPhone’ and looking for ‘how to get 5G on my phone’ even after trying all the common fixes, then we’ve got you covered with Tenorshare ReiBoot.

Tenorshare ReiBoot fixes over 150 iOS related issues in your iPhone. It not only fixes unknown system errors in your iPhone, but it also fixes your iPhone if it is stuck on the Apple logo, black screen of death, or it completely freezes without losing data. Your data remains safe and intact with ReiBoot.

Here’s how to use Tenorshare ReiBoot to fix your iPhone AT&T no 5G issue.

  • Download and install the Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer. Connect your iPhone with the computer and run the program. Click on the Start Repair button.
  • launch reiboot
  • Choose the Standard Repair option, and proceed with the repair process by clicking the Standard Repair button.
  • fix with reiboot
  • On the next window, you’ll need to download the suitable firmware package for your iPhone mode. Once you find it, click on the Download button to download the firmware.
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  • Once the firmware package is downloaded, click the Start Standard Repair button, and wait for the repair to get finished.
  • fix with reiboot
  • Upon completion of the repair, your iPhone will be restored to its original factory condition without any unknown software bugs or system errors. Try shifting to the 5G network, and if everything else is perfect, your new iPhone will surely work on the 5G network.
  • repair successfully

Part 3. FAQs about My New iPhone from ATT Not Using 5G

1. Why is ATT 5G so slow?

Even if your iPhone is on a 5G network, speeds can vary due to network congestion, signal strength, or being in a fringe coverage area. You might also experience slow speeds if you’re on AT&T’s 5G low-band network, which focuses more on coverage than speed.

2. How do I know if I’m connected to 5G?

You’ll see a "5G" icon in the top-right corner of your iPhone’s status bar when you’re connected to the network. If you only see "LTE" or "4G," you’re not on 5G.

4. Will 5G drain my iPhone’s battery faster?

5G can consume more battery, especially in areas with weak coverage where your phone is constantly searching for a 5G signal. To save battery life, consider using the 5G Auto setting, which toggles between 5G and 4G depending on signal strength.

Conclusion

Online discussion forums and threads, like ATT iPhone 15 Reddit, are spammed with topics on the issue of 5G not working with AT&T iPhones. In this blog, we discussed what are the possible reasons behind this error and what you can do to fix them. If you’re wondering why my new iPhone from ATT not using 5G, you can always fix it with Tenorshare ReiBoot in just a few steps.