Do I need to change the SIM card to use 5G? | realme FAQ (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to change my SIM card to use 5G? ›

In most cases, you will not need to change your SIM card to use 5G. Most 4G SIM cards are backward compatible with 5G networks.

Do I need a 5G SIM card to access the 5G network? While you can use a 4G SIM, switching to a 5G SIM will ensure future access to new technology. You can purchase a new SIM card at any of our Rogers stores.

Will a 5G device work with my current sim? Yes, your 5G device will be able to use a 4G sim to receive 4G/3G/2G coverage whenever it needs to. But if you want to use our 5G network, you'll need to swap to a 5G sim. Will 5G use up my data allowance quicker than 4G?

Let's assume that you've checked, and you do have a 5 G-compatible smartphone. Hurray! Now we can revisit the earlier question: Do you need a new sim card to access the 5G network? The short answer is no, you do not need a new sim card to upgrade to 5G if your current sim card is working on 4G.

A SIM card that was activated in a 4G device will still work with a 5G device, but you may have trouble connecting to the 5G network.

In most cases, you won't necessarily need a new SIM card to access 5G services — the majority of modern SIM cards and eSIMs, including those designed for 4G/LTE, are forward compatible with the newer 5G technology.

Locate the Settings app on your Android phone. Open the app. Select 'SIM & network' option. You will see a header named 'Preferred Network' and all the cellular technologies which the phone supports will appear here.

If you don't see 5G in the status bar

Make sure that you're in an area with 5G coverage. Contact your carrier if you're not sure. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options or Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options. If you see this screen, your device is 5G capable.

While 5G's algorithms are even more comprehensive than its predecessors, users are still vulnerable to cyberattacks. One area of concern is encryption. While apps on 5G networks are encrypted, the 5G NR standard doesn't have end-to-end encryption, leaving it open to certain kinds of attacks.

In general, however, switching to 5G will not require a new SIM card as long as your phone is 5G-compatible, your SIM card is compatible with 5G, and your mobile plan includes 5G coverage.

Do some SIM cards not support 5G? ›

Yes and no!

Network access: SIM cards contain essential information and cryptographic keys for authenticating your device on the mobile network. If your SIM card is not provisioned for 5G by your service provider, you might not be able to access the 5G network – even if your 5G SIM router supports that card.

Therefore, to conclude, we would like to reassure you by saying that you do not have to get a new SIM card to get 5G. The 4G SIM that we provide is more than capable of handling 5G and all your 5G related needs. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy 5G to the fullest.

A SIM card can last for as long as 10 years, but it's not uncommon for them to last for 5-6 years. In general, a SIM card's lifespan will depend on how well it is taken care of and how frequently it is used. If you take good care of your SIM card, it will last longer.

What kind of SIM connects to Verizon's 5G network? Currently, eSIM and compatible 4G and 5G SIM cards work on the Verizon 5G network. Check compatibility of the SIM at our BYOD page. Important: Moving a 5G SIM card to a 4G device won't enable that device to connect to the 5G network.

To check if your phone supports 5G, open Settings, go to Connections, tap Mobile Networks, and select Network Mode. If "2G/3G/4G/5G (auto connect)" is an option, your phone supports 5G. If it shows only "2G/3G/4G," your phone does not support 5G. Enable 5G by choosing the auto connect option for faster connectivity.

Unlike previous generations of mobile networks, where users had to switch to a new SIM card to access upgraded services, the transition from 4G to 5G is more seamless. Your existing 4G SIM card is already compatible with 5G networks, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card swap.

Yes, 5G and 4G networks typically use the same type of SIM card. However, a 5G SIM card is required to access 5G networks and take advantage of their enhanced capabilities.