Quick answer: toggle Aeroplane Mode, restart, and check for updates. If 5G is missing, turn off Low Power Mode (iPhone) or Battery Saver (Android), which can switch 5G off, and check your phone and plan both support 5G.
Quick fixes for no signal
Toggle Aeroplane Mode
Turn it on for a few seconds, then off, so the phone searches for the network again.
Restart the phone
On a Pixel, Google suggests powering off for 30 seconds rather than using Restart.
Check for updates
iPhone: Settings > General > About shows any carrier settings update, and General > Software Update updates iOS. Pixel: Settings > System > System update. Samsung: Settings > Software update.
Let the phone pick the network (Samsung)
Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators and choose Select automatically.
Reset network settings
iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Pixel: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset mobile network settings. Samsung: General management > Reset. On iPhone this also removes saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN settings.
Check for an outage
Your network's website or app usually has a coverage and service checker that shows faults in your area.
5G not showing?
iPhone
- You need an iPhone 12 or later and a plan that includes 5G.
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data and choose 5G Auto or 5G On.
- Turn off Low Power Mode, which usually turns 5G off.
Android (Google Pixel)
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, tap your SIM, then Preferred network type and choose 5G.
- Turn off Battery Saver, which turns 5G off.
Even with everything set correctly, 5G only shows where your network has 5G coverage. Indoors, or in rural areas, your phone will often use 4G instead.
Weak signal at home?
If the signal is fine outside but poor indoors, Wi-Fi calling lets you make calls over your broadband. If coverage is poor in your area in general, another network may be stronger there, and you can switch and keep your number.
Still no signal where you need it?
Different networks are stronger in different places. You can switch and keep your number, with SIM-only plans from £5 a month.
FAQs
Why has my phone suddenly lost signal?
It could be a local fault, a software glitch or a SIM problem. Toggle Aeroplane Mode and restart first, then check your network's service status page.
Why is 5G not showing on my iPhone?
Check you have an iPhone 12 or later and a 5G plan, that Voice & Data is set to 5G Auto or 5G On, and that Low Power Mode is off. You also need to be in a 5G coverage area.
Does resetting network settings delete anything?
It removes saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, VPN settings and Bluetooth pairings on some phones, but not your photos, apps or eSIM.
Can a phone case block signal?
Thick metal cases can weaken signal. If you've just changed case and lost signal, try without it.
Steps checked on 2 November 2026 against official help pages: Apple: 5G · Apple: No Service · Apple: reset settings · Google Pixel help · Samsung UK. Menu names can vary slightly by phone model and software version.