MTN 5G Not Showing on Your Phone? 5 Reasons and Fixes
MTN 5G Network Coverage and Requirements: What You Need Before You Switch
The three things MTN says you need, where 5G began, and how to turn it on.
The three things MTN says you need
MTN Nigeria’s own reply to customers is short. To use 5G you need a 4G SIM, a 5G-enabled phone or device, and to be inside 5G coverage. If any of the three is missing, you stay on 4G.
Where MTN 5G started
MTN launched 5G in September 2022 in seven cities: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri and Maiduguri. Reports say coverage grew to about 11% of the population within a year, with over 2,100 5G sites. Coverage keeps expanding, so check your exact location rather than relying on a city name.
| Item | What reports and MTN say |
|---|---|
| SIM | A 4G SIM, as MTN’s reply says |
| Band | MTN’s 5G runs on n78 (3500MHz) |
| Phone | It must support 5G and the n78 band |
| Plans | Reports say there are no separate 5G-only plans; ordinary data plans work |
Turn on 5G in 4 steps
5 reasons 5G does not show
- The phone only supports 4G.
- The phone lacks the n78 band.
- You are outside 5G coverage, or indoors where the signal fades.
- The setting is limited to 4G.
- The phone needs a software update.
Using 5G on the move
Your phone drops to 4G on its own when you leave a 5G area, so you do not need to switch anything. If your battery drains fast in a weak 5G area, set the phone to 4G auto until you are back in good coverage.
5G phone or 5G router?
| Choice | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| 5G phone | Everyday use on the move | Needs coverage everywhere you go |
| 5G router | Home or office Wi-Fi for many devices | Check coverage at the address before buying |
A router launch report said MTN’s first 5G routers connected up to 32 devices. Newer guides say 32 to 64, depending on the model. Check the model you plan to buy.
Do I need a new SIM for 5G?
MTN’s reply says a 4G SIM is enough.
Will 5G use my data faster?
It can, because things download faster. Watch your bundle.
How do I confirm coverage?
Use MTN’s 5G coverage check on its website or ask in a store.
