How to Fix 5G Not Working on Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Issue

By Dave Johnson - Senior Staff Writer
4 Min Read

The arrival of 5G technology promised a new era of mobile internet connectivity, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections than ever before. For iPhone 14 Pro Max users, the excitement was palpable as they expected seamless streaming, super-fast downloads, and smoother online gaming experiences. However, like all technology, it is not without its occasional hiccups. Several iPhone 14 Pro Max users have reported problems with 5G connectivity. In this article, I’ll explain why 5G is not working on your iPhone 14 Pro Max and show you how to fix the problem.

Note: information in this article apply to iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Before we dive into troubleshooting, it’s essential to understand the basics of 5G and its prerequisites.

Understanding 5G

5G is the fifth generation of wireless communication technologies designed to provide faster, more reliable, and low latency internet connections. 5G networks utilize higher-frequency bands than 4G, resulting in much faster data transfer speeds.

However, for your iPhone 14 Pro Max to connect to 5G, you’ll need:

  • A 5G data plan from your mobile network provider
  • To be within a 5G network coverage area

So if your iPhone 14 Pro Max isn’t connecting to 5G, it could be due to one of these factors not being met.

How to fix 5G not working on iPhone 14 Pro Max issue

1. Enable 5G on your iPhone

If you don’t see 5G in the status bar, perhaps you’ve not switched on the 5G setting on your iPhone 14 Pro Max. Here’s how to check and enable it:

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options.
  2. Tap on Voice & Data.
  3. Ensure that either 5G Auto or 5G On is selected.

Screenshot showing Voice & Data preferences  

Choosing 5G Auto is usually the best option as it allows your iPhone to automatically switch to 5G when it’s available without consuming too much battery life.

2. Enable/Disable Airplane Mode

One of the simplest yet most effective troubleshooting methods for various mobile network issues, including 5G connectivity, is toggling your iPhone’s Airplane Mode.

Airplane Mode turns off all wireless communication on your iPhone. When it’s turned off again, your iPhone re-establishes connections with wireless networks and services. This process can effectively reset your mobile network connection thereby fixing iPhone 14 Pro Max 5G problems.

To toggle Airplane Mode:

  1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center.
  2. Tap on the airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode. Your iPhone will disconnect from your cellular network.
  3. Wait a few seconds, then tap the icon again to disable Airplane Mode.

Your iPhone will reconnect to your cellular network, and hopefully, your 5G connection.

3. Check Your 5G Coverage:

The next step to troubleshoot 5G connection issues on your iPhone 14 Pro Max is to ensure you’re within a 5G coverage area. Not all areas have 5G, so it’s crucial to verify this before proceeding further.

Here’s how to check 5G coverage:

  • Visit your cellular service provider’s website, and look for a 5G coverage map.
  • Check whether your area is covered or not.

4. Verify Your Plan supports 5G:

Not all cellular plans support 5G. Some carriers require you to upgrade your plan to use 5G, while others may include it automatically. Check with your carrier if your current plan supports 5G.

Here’s how to verify your plan:

  • Contact your service provider or visit their website to check if your plan supports 5G.

5. Disable Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode is a feature on the iPhone that conserves battery life by reducing or disabling certain processes and features, including some aspects of network connectivity. When this mode is enabled, 5G won’t work on your iPhone 14 Pro Max.

To disable Low Power Mode:

  1. Go to Settings > Battery.
  2. Toggle off the switch for Low Power Mode.

After disabling Low Power Mode, your iPhone will return to normal power usage, and hopefully, your 5G connectivity will resume.

6. Update iOS

Make sure your iPhone 14 Pro Max is running the latest iOS version. It’s possible Apple has already released a software update to fix bugs that could be affecting 5G connectivity on iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Here’s how to update your iPhone’s software:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. If an update is available, tap "Download and Install".

7. Check Carrier Settings Update

Carrier settings updates can enhance your iPhone’s ability to connect with your carrier’s network, which could potentially resolve your 5G connectivity issue.

Here’s how to update your carrier settings:

  1. Go to Settings > General > About.
  2. If an update is available, you’ll see an option to update your carrier settings.

8. Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings can solve connectivity problems that arise due to faulty settings.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
  2. Tap Reset Network Settings.
  3. Enter your passcode and confirm the action.

This action will erase all your current settings, including Wi-Fi passwords, VPN configurations, and previously connected Bluetooth devices.

9. Contact your Carrier

If none of the previous steps worked, it might be time to contact your carrier. They can verify if there are any known issues or maintenance activities going on in your area that might be affecting your service.

Here are some points to remember when contacting your carrier:

  • Device information: Make sure to provide the model of your iPhone (iPhone 14 Pro Max) and your location. This information will assist them in diagnosing the problem.
  • 5G plan and features: Verify again with your carrier that your plan supports 5G. Also, ask them to check if all 5G features are activated for your account.
  • Network troubleshooting: Ask them to perform network troubleshooting from their end. Carriers can refresh your network settings, which can often fix connectivity issues.

10. Seek Apple Support

Lastly, if the issue persists after trying all these steps and even after contacting your carrier, it might be an issue with your device itself. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have your iPhone checked. They can diagnose if it’s a hardware or software issue and provide the necessary solutions.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting 5G connectivity issues on your iPhone 14 Pro Max can be a bit challenging. However, the methods mentioned above, from checking your 5G coverage to contacting Apple Support, should help you get back on track. Remember, technology is there to assist us, but sometimes it needs a little help too. Stay patient, follow these steps methodically, and hopefully, you’ll be enjoying the speed of 5G on your iPhone 14 Pro Max in no time.

Share This Article
By Dave Johnson Senior Staff Writer
Follow:
Dave Johnson is a tech writer at GeeksChalk.com covering how-tos, fixes, and tips. He is a longtime Mac and iPhone user and holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science.
Leave a comment