Copyright © 2025 | Telsim New Zealand | All Rights Reserved | NZBN 9429052360985
Switching to 5G is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your mobile experience. With faster speeds, lower latency and more reliable connections, 5G makes streaming, video calls, online gaming and browsing smoother than ever before. Many people wonder how to set up 5G. The good news is that getting started is easy and in just a few steps, you can be connected to the next generation of mobile technology.
Why you should set up 5G on your phone
Changing to 5G is more than just upgrading your phone. It’s about unlocking a better mobile experience. With 5G, you can enjoy faster download and upload speeds, smoother video streaming and more reliable connections in busy places. Connecting to a 5G network also makes online gaming and video calls feel more responsive, while the network’s higher capacity supports more devices at once.
Steps on how to set up 5G on your phone
- Check if your phone supports 5G
The first step is to make sure your phone can connect to 5G. Most recent models from major brands such as Apple, Samsung and Google already have 5G capability built in. If you are wondering, “How do I know if my phone is 5G compatible?” you can usually confirm in your device settings, under mobile network options.
Another easy way on how to check if your phone is 5G compatible is to check the manufacturer’s website or your phone’s specifications for confirmation.
For Apple users who ask which iPhones support 5G, every iPhone from the iPhone 12 series onwards is 5G-ready (including mini, Pro and Pro Max models) and can access 5G with the right SIM and coverage.
On the Android side, most flagship and mid-range devices from Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and Oppo already support 5G. - Make sure you have a 5G SIM or eSIM
Even if your phone is 5G-ready, you’ll also need a compatible SIM card or eSIM to connect to the network. Older SIMs may not support 5G, so it’s important to upgrade if necessary. Once the correct SIM or eSIM is active, your device will be able to access 5G whenever coverage is available. - Enable 5G in your phone settings
Once you have the right SIM and a 5G-capable phone, you’ll need to turn 5G on in your device settings.
On iPhone: Go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data, then select 5G On or 5G Auto.
On Android: Go to Settings > Connections (or Network) > Mobile Network > Preferred Network Type, then choose 5G.Enabling this option ensures your phone will automatically connect to 5G whenever it’s available. If you leave the setting on Auto, your phone will switch between 4G and 5G, depending on which offers the strongest performance.
- Check your coverage area
Your phone and SIM might be ready, but you’ll only see 5G speeds if you’re in a coverage zone. 5G is already live in many parts of New Zealand, including major cities such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton. Rollouts are continuing across more towns and regions, so coverage is expanding quickly.If you want to know exactly where you can connect, take a look at our guide on 5G coverage in New Zealand. This will help you see if your area is already covered or if 5G is coming soon.
Troubleshooting if 5G isn’t working
Sometimes your phone may not connect to 5G right away, even if you have the right SIM and coverage. If that happens, try these simple troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your phone after inserting a new SIM or eSIM to refresh the connection
- Check that your phone’s software is up to date, as updates often include important network improvements
- Toggle flight mode on and off to reset your mobile network signal
- Make sure 5G is enabled in your device settings and that you’ve selected it as your preferred network type.
Tips to get the most from 5G
To maximise your 5G experience and enjoy the best possible performance, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Keep your phone’s software up to date so you always have the latest features and network improvements
- Use Auto mode in your mobile settings to balance high speeds with better battery life, as your phone switches smoothly between 4G and 5G
- Check the latest 5G coverage in New Zealand regularly to see where new areas are going live and plan your usage accordingly
Get set up on 5G with Telsim
Making the switch to 5G is easier than many people think, and the difference it makes to your mobile experience is immediate. With Telsim, setting up your 5G is simple, fast and hassle-free. Our prepaid SIMs and eSIMs give you flexible, contract-free access to the ONE NZ network, so you can enjoy the best of modern connectivity.
So don’t wait for slower networks to hold you back. Get set up on 5G with Telsim today and enjoy the confidence of faster speeds, smarter technology and more reliable connectivity wherever coverage is available.