5G on iPhone: How to turn on Airtel 5G and Jio 5G on iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14

5G on iPhone is now available with the iOS 16.2 update and here is all you need to know.

iOS 16.2 enables 5G: This is how to enable it manually. (Amritanshu / HT Tech)

5G on iPhone is now available with the iOS 16.2 update for users in India. It has been close to 2 months since Airtel and Reliance Jio enabled 5G services for Indian users. While several Android phones already support these 5G networks from day 1, Apple took some time to fine tune its 5G iPhones to get the best out of these networks. The iOS 16.2 update enables support for 5G and right after the installation, here are a few things you need to do to get the most out of it.

Before that, here are a few important things you need to know.

Which iPhones are getting 5G?

5G services will be available for users of the following iPhone models:

- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max

- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max

- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max

- iPhone SE 3rd Gen

Which mobile operators support 5G?

Currently, 5G services are available with Airtel and Jio. Airtel 5G is available for all users in those cities that have the 5G infrastructure enabled. As for Reliance Jio, you will need to get the invite to enter the trial services for 5G testing.

5G on iPhones: How to enable it

Step 1:

You need to download the iOS 16.2 update on your 5G compatible iPhone model. 

Step 2:

Once downloaded, head over to the Settings app.

Step 3:

Next, open Mobile Data and tap on Mobile Data Options

Step 4:

Tap on Voice and Data. You can choose between 5G Auto and 5G On. Note that the 5G On option uses 5G whenever it is available, and it can reduce battery life. 5G Auto will prioritise battery life and use 5G when it doesn’t need all the intensive speeds. 

Step 5:

Next, go back and tap on Data Mode. You can choose Standard mode to allow background updates but limit FaceTime quality. Choose “Allow More Data on 5G” to prefer 5G over Wi-Fi, allowing for faster download speeds, high quality media, and faster iCloud backups.