Why is my 5G so slow? Common causes and how to fix them

• What speeds is 5G capable of?

• What can cause my speed to drop?

• What can I do to try to improve my 5G speeds?

• Why do I have full bars on 5G but slow internet?

What can cause my speed to drop?

If your 5G connection feels slower than expected, there isn't always a single cause. Mobile data speeds can be affected by a combination of factors, including network congestion, signal strength, device settings and your surroundings. Even if your phone shows a strong 5G signal, factors like the number of people connected to the network, the distance from the nearest mast, or being indoors can all impact performance.

It's also worth remembering that 5G speeds can naturally fluctuate throughout the day. Activities such as streaming, gaming, video calling, and downloading large files place different demands on the network, while backgrounds tasks and software updates can affect how efficiently your phone connects.

We’ll look at some of the most common reasons why your 5G speeds may be slower than expected and what you can do to improve them.

Network congestion

One of the most common reasons for slow 5G is network congestion. This happens when many people are connected to the same mast at the same time.

Even though 5G networks are designed to handle more connected devices than previous generations, periods of high demand can still cause things to slow down. You may notice this during peak times, such as your morning commute, or at large gatherings like concerts or sports events.

Network congestion can still happen when you have a strong signal, even when your phone is displaying full bars. Signal strength doesn’t always reflect how busy the local network is. If congestion is the cause of your slow speeds, you may find that things improve later in the day or after any large events.

Weak signal or poor coverage

A weak signal or limited 5G coverage can affect your mobile data speed. Things like buildings, walls, underground locations and your distance from the nearest mast can all reduce signal strength and lead to slower download speeds, buffering, and longer loading times.

Coverage can vary significantly depending on where you are. Urban areas such as towns and city centres typically have more network infrastructure than rural locations. In some cases, your phone may switch between 4G and 5G to stay connected, which can affect performance. If you're experiencing slow speeds, you can check what coverage is available in your area using our coverage map

Indoor vs outdoor coverage

Even in areas with good 5G coverage, performance can vary depending on your surroundings. Outdoor environments generally offer a clearer path between your device and a mast. When indoors, building materials can play a big part in how strong the signal you receive is. Thick stone walls, metal and energy-efficient glass can make it much harder for a signal to reach your device.

If you’re experiencing much slower speeds inside, being closer to a window can improve performance, however, sometimes switching to 4G can provide a more stable experience.

When outdoors, you may notice faster speeds and lower latency because there’s usually much less interference between your phone and the nearest mast.

Device compatibility

Not all phones support 5G in the same way. Older devices may not be compatible with the latest 5G technologies or support all the frequency bands used by UK mobile networks, for example, some devices don’t support newer 5G technologies like 5G Standalone (5G SA). This can affect download speeds, upload speeds and overall performance – even in areas with strong coverage.

If you’re using an older device and regularly experience slow mobile data, it may be worth checking whether your device is 5G-compatible and make sure you’re on the latest software. Newer smartphones are often better equipped to make the most of modern 5G networks. You can check what networks your device is compatible with using our device guides

Switching between 4G and 5G

Your phone will automatically switch between 4G and 5G depending on signal strength to keep you connected. This is quite common when travelling, and you’ll probably notice it on long train journeys or moving between indoor and outdoor locations.

Most of the time, your phone will switch between 4G and 5G automatically without you noticing. But you may sometimes experience slower speeds or moments with no service in areas with weaker coverage. Software and network settings can also impact how often your phone switches between networks or prioritises connecting to 5G.

Software and network settings

Older software or incorrect network settings can also impact your 5G service. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve network performance, security, efficiency and compatibility with the latest technologies.

It’s a good idea to keep your device updated and check that 5G is enabled in your network settings. Different manufacturers have different options for enabling and prioritising 5G. Learn more about the steps you need to follow to make network changes in our device guides

Background apps and data usage

Apps running in the background can use your data and affect performance without your realisation. Tasks like software updates, cloud backups, and automatic downloads all use data. This can make your connection feel slower because your phone is already using data in the background.

Temporary network issues

Mobile networks occasionally experience faults, maintenance work or temporary service disruptions. These issues can affect your connection until the problem has been fixed.

If your connection suddenly becomes slower than usual, it’s worth checking your provider’s status checker to troubleshoot any issues in your area. If you’re a Vodafone customer, you can visit our network status checker page

Weather and environmental factors

Weather isn’t usually the main reason for low 5G speeds, but extreme conditions can sometimes affect network performance. Heavy rain, storms and other environmental factors may impact signal quality, especially if you’re in an area that already has weaker coverage.

In most cases, any impact on coverage caused by weather will likely be temporary and your service should improve when conditions return to normal.

What can I do to try to improve my 5G speeds?

If your 5G speed is slower than normal, there are several simple troubleshooting steps you can try. In many cases, slow mobile data speeds can be improved by restarting your phone, updating your software or reducing background data usage. The following tips can help fix common issues and improve performance.

Check your network coverage

Before troubleshooting your device, it’s worth checking what level of 5G coverage is available in your area. Signal strength and network performance can vary depending on your location, especially if you’re indoors, travelling or in a rural area. If you’re a Vodafone customer, you can see what coverage is available by visiting our coverage map page

Check for local network issues

Temporary faults, maintenance work and network upgrades can occasionally affect mobile data speeds. If you’re a Vodafone customer, you can find out about any known issues using our network status checker page

Turn airplane mode on and off

Switching airplane mode on and off again can help refresh your connection to the network. This simple step forces your phone to reconnect to the nearest available mast and can help resolve temporary issues.

iPhone

1. Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open Control Centre.

2. Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on.

3. Wait a few seconds.

4. Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it off.

5. Wait for your phone to reconnect to the mobile network.

Android

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.

2. Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on.

3. Wait a few seconds.

4. Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it off.

5. Wait for your phone to reconnect to the mobile network.

Restart your phone

Restarting your device can clear temporary software issues and, like switching airplane mode on and off again, it’ll force your phone to reconnect to the network. It can also stop apps and processes that have been running in the background.

Check for updates

Software updates can help with network performance, security and device compatibility. Keeping your phone up to date can help it connect more efficiently to 5G networks and ensure you’re benefiting from the latest optimisations provided by your device manufacturer. You can check if a software update is available for your device using the steps below.

iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap General.

3. Tap Software Update.

4. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

Android

Steps can vary slightly between manufacturers, but generally:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and tap System.

3. Tap Software Updates.

4. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

Reduce background data usage

Apps can continue using mobile data even when you’re not actively using them. Activities such as cloud backups, software updates, and automatic downloads can all use data in the background and affect the performance of apps you’re currently using.

You can choose which apps have access to data in the background. On iPhone the setting is called Background App Refresh and on Android it’s called Background data. You can manage this on an app-by-app basis.

Check your network settings

Your phone’s network settings can affect how it connects to 5G and other mobile networks. If 5G isn’t enabled, or if your device is set to prioritise another network type, you may not be getting the best possible connection.

The steps below can help you check if your phone is set to properly connect to 5G:

iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Mobile Service.

3. Tap Mobile Data Options.

4. Tap Voice & Data.

5. Check that 5G Auto or 5G On is selected.

Android

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Network & Internet.

3. Tap Mobile Network.

4. Tap Preferred Network Type or Network Mode.

5. Check that 5G is selected.