How to Check If Your Phone Will Support 5G in India

India is rapidly adopting 5G technology, and telecom giants like Jio and Airtel have already started rolling out services across major cities. As 5G coverage expands, many smartphone users are asking the same question — Will my phone support 5G in India?

Whether you’re thinking of buying a new phone or already own one, it’s essential to know if your device is future-ready. In this guide, we’ll explain how to check if your smartphone supports 5G, what to look for, and why it matters.

5G is the next big leap in mobile internet technology. It offers faster download speeds, lower latency, and better network performance compared to 4G. For users, this means:

• Smoother video streaming in high resolution
• Faster file downloads and uploads
• Improved gaming experiences
• Better call quality on VoNR (Voice over New Radio)
• Efficient connectivity in crowded places like stadiums or metro stations

But none of this matters if your smartphone doesn’t support 5G bands used in India.

The first and most straightforward way to confirm if your phone supports 5G is by checking its technical specifications. You can find this information on:

• The official website of the phone’s manufacturer
• Online retail product pages (like Flipkart or Amazon)
• Trusted tech review sites
• The box or user manual that came with your phone

Look for a section called Network Bands, Connectivity, or Mobile Network Support. If 5G is listed, your phone is likely compatible.

For example, if you see:

5G NR: n28, n78, n41, n1
It means the phone supports 5G bands n28, n78, etc.

Not all 5G phones are created equal. The 5G experience depends on whether your phone supports the specific 5G bands used by Indian carriers.

Here are the most commonly used 5G bands in India:

• n28 (700 MHz) – Low band; better coverage and indoor penetration
• n78 (3300–3800 MHz) – Mid band; widely used by Jio and Airtel
• n41 (2500 MHz) – Used in limited regions
• n1 (2100 MHz) – Being tested in some areas
• n258 (26 GHz) – High-band or mmWave; limited to enterprise use for now

If your phone supports band n78, you’re good to go with Airtel and Jio in most cities. Support for n28 adds better indoor coverage, which is a bonus.

Still not sure? Visit the official support website of your phone’s brand. Most brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Realme, Vivo, and Motorola maintain updated device specs online.

You can also contact customer care via chat, email, or phone. Simply ask:

“Does [your phone model] support 5G bands used in India, especially n78 and n28?”

They will confirm whether your device supports those bands or not.

There are free websites and apps where you can search your phone model and check supported 5G bands. Here are a few you can try:

1. Kimovil.com – Search your phone model and scroll to “Network” section
2. WillMyPhoneWork.net – Choose brand, model, and country (India)
3. GSMArena.com – Detailed tech specs with 5G band info

Note: While these sources are reliable, always cross-verify with the official site for the most accurate results.

If you already have a 5G-enabled SIM from Jio or Airtel and live in a 5G-covered area, you can check directly through your phone’s settings.

Here’s how to do it on most Android phones:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet or Connections
3. Tap Mobile Network
4. Choose your SIM and go to Preferred network type
5. If you see an option like 5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto), your phone supports 5G

On iPhones:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Cellular > Cellular Data Options
3. If you see 5G On, 5G Auto, or LTE, your iPhone supports 5G

Note: Make sure both your phone software and carrier settings are updated.

Even if your hardware supports 5G, the feature might be locked until you install the latest system update.

Most brands released OTA (over-the-air) updates to unlock 5G support in India after carrier rollouts began in late 2022 and 2023.

Make sure your phone has:

• The latest Android or iOS version installed
• Carrier support update (which often comes with software updates)
• The latest security patch

Once you’ve verified support and updated everything, you can test your 5G speed using free apps like:

• Speedtest by Ookla
• Fast by Netflix
• OpenSignal

If the speed is noticeably faster than 4G, you’re on a 5G network.

1. My phone says 5G in specs but I don’t see 5G network

• This could be due to lack of coverage in your area
• 5G SIM not activated
• Software not updated

2. All 5G phones work the same way

• Not true. Some phones support fewer 5G bands, which affects performance

3. Buying a phone from abroad guarantees 5G support in India

• Not always. International models may not support Indian 5G bands

As 5G expands across India, it’s smart to future-proof your next smartphone purchase. While many new devices are 5G-ready, not all support the right bands used by Indian carriers. Follow the steps above to check whether your current or upcoming smartphone can handle the new network.

If your phone doesn’t support 5G, you can still enjoy great 4G speeds in most areas. But if you’re upgrading soon, look for models that explicitly mention support for bands n28 and n78. That way, you’re ready for the high-speed future of mobile connectivity in India.