5G network not loading on Samsung S21

[Andy_Marsman]

Hi, both my Samsung S21 5G and iPhone PRO 5G connect to 5G networks but do not load apps, games or Internet. At best I would say 4x slower than 4G. The Samsung does not allow me to turn 5G off on it's own. I miss messages and can't use Google maps to find customers etc. I know the tech is fairly new but tempted to sell this phone and go back to 4G. Any advice?

[gmarkj · Accepted solution]

You can try getting replacement sims for both phones @Andy_Marsman in case they are faulty, but I doubt both would fail at the same time.

o2's 5G network can be a little patchy due to the amount of cover and the number of users. Typical fixes include dropping back down to either 4 or 3G if possible (fewer people using it means better speed) but if those aren't an option it won't help.

See if there is anything else in the below that helps:

Guide: How can I sort out my network issues? 

Guide: Is the network down for me or everyone? 

[Andy_Marsman]

Thanks for the reply. I think the 5G masts must be using a weak or poor signal in rural areas. I struggle most in Ipswich, Colchester and Chelmsford (outside town centre). I have spoken to some other people today who say the same. Sadly you can't disable 5G on the Samsung S21 / Android mobiles without disabling 4G as well, unless there are some advanced settings that someone can put my way?

[Enlli]

I'm surprised you say you can't disable 5G on your S21. You certainly can on my S20+ running Android 12. Seems a downgrade.

 

[gmarkj]

---

@Andy_Marsman wrote:

Thanks for the reply. I think the 5G masts must be using a weak or poor signal in rural areas. I struggle most in Ipswich, Colchester and Chelmsford (outside town centre). I have spoken to some other people today who say the same. Sadly you can't disable 5G on the Samsung S21 / Android mobiles without disabling 4G as well, unless there are some advanced settings that someone can put my way?

---

5G does use a lower power signal (or at least, wavelengths with less ability to penetrate buildings and obstacles) than other bands. This means that the signal is generally poorer than with the "older" bands and a need for more masts.