5G is the latest generation of mobile network technology, and O2 has been steadily rolling it out across the UK. If you have heard about 5G but are not sure what it means for you, whether your phone supports it, or if it is available in your area, this guide covers everything you need to know about O2's 5G network.
The good news is that O2 includes 5G access at no extra cost on all eligible plans. You do not need to pay more or switch to a special 5G tariff. If you have a 5G-capable phone and you are in an area with O2 5G coverage, your phone will automatically connect to the faster network.
What Is 5G and How Does It Differ from 4G?
5G (fifth generation) is the successor to 4G LTE and brings three main improvements to mobile connectivity:
- Faster speeds: 5G can deliver download speeds of 100-300 Mbps in real-world conditions, with theoretical peaks much higher. This is roughly 5-10 times faster than typical 4G speeds
- Lower latency: The delay between sending and receiving data is significantly reduced. This means faster response times for video calls, gaming, and loading web pages
- Greater capacity: 5G can handle many more connected devices simultaneously, reducing congestion in busy areas like city centres, stadiums, and train stations
| Feature | 4G LTE | 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Typical download speed | 20-50 Mbps | 100-300 Mbps |
| Peak download speed | Up to 150 Mbps | Up to 1 Gbps+ |
| Latency | 30-50ms | 1-10ms |
| UK coverage | Over 99% of population | Growing (major cities and towns) |
| Battery impact | Standard | Slightly higher |
| Extra cost on O2 | Included | Included (no extra charge) |
O2 5G Coverage in the UK
O2 has been rolling out 5G since late 2019 and has significantly expanded its coverage. As of 2026, O2 5G is available in over 450 towns and cities across the UK, with coverage continuing to grow. Major areas with O2 5G include:
- London: Extensive coverage across central and outer London boroughs
- Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds: Wide coverage across city centres and surrounding areas
- Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast: Coverage in city centres expanding outward
- Bristol, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield, Nottingham: Strong city centre coverage
- Southampton, Portsmouth, Brighton, Cambridge, Oxford: Growing coverage
- Many other towns and cities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
How to Check O2 5G Coverage in Your Area
- Visit the O2 coverage checker on the O2 website
- Enter your postcode or town name
- The coverage map will show you outdoor 5G, indoor 5G, and 4G coverage in your area
- You can also check coverage along specific routes if you commute
Keep in mind that 5G coverage can vary even within the same town. You may have strong 5G signal outdoors but 4G indoors, which is normal given that 5G signals do not penetrate buildings as well as 4G. If you are experiencing signal issues generally, our troubleshooting guide can help.
5G Compatible Phones on O2
To use O2's 5G network, you need a phone with a 5G modem. Here are the most popular 5G-compatible phones available on O2:
| Brand | 5G Models Available on O2 |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone | iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 (all variants including Mini, Plus, Pro, Pro Max) |
| Samsung Galaxy | Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, Z Fold, Z Flip series, A54, A55 |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 7, 7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro, 9, 9 Pro |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 12, Nord series (selected models) |
| Sony | Xperia 1 V, Xperia 5 V |
If your current phone does not support 5G and you want to upgrade, check your O2 upgrade eligibility to see what options are available.
Do You Need a Special Plan for O2 5G?
No. O2 includes 5G access at no extra cost on all pay monthly and SIM only plans. There is no 5G surcharge and you do not need to request it. If you have a 5G phone and are in a 5G area, your phone will automatically connect to 5G.
This is a significant advantage over some competitors who charge extra for 5G access or restrict it to certain plan tiers. On O2, everyone gets 5G.
Setting Up 5G on Your O2 Phone
iPhone
- Go to Settings
- Tap Mobile Data (or Cellular)
- Tap Mobile Data Options
- Tap Voice & Data
- Select 5G On (always use 5G when available) or 5G Auto (use 5G when it does not significantly reduce battery life)
Android (Samsung)
- Go to Settings
- Tap Connections
- Tap Mobile Networks
- Tap Network Mode
- Select 5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto connect)
5G Battery Impact and How to Manage It
5G does use more battery than 4G, though the difference has decreased significantly as phone manufacturers have optimised their 5G modems. On early 5G phones, the battery impact was noticeable. On current models, most people will not notice a major difference in daily usage.
If you do find 5G is affecting your battery life:
- Use the "5G Auto" setting on iPhone, which intelligently switches between 5G and 4G based on what you are doing
- Switch to 4G/LTE mode when you do not need 5G speeds (for example, when just browsing social media)
- Keep your phone's software up to date, as manufacturers regularly release optimisations that improve 5G battery efficiency
O2 5G vs Other UK Networks
| Network | 5G Launch | Coverage (Towns/Cities) | Extra Cost? | Typical Speeds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O2 | October 2019 | 450+ | No | 100-300 Mbps |
| EE | May 2019 | 500+ | Some plans | 150-400 Mbps |
| Three | March 2020 | 350+ | No | 100-250 Mbps |
| Vodafone | July 2019 | 400+ | Some plans | 100-300 Mbps |
For a detailed comparison of O2 and EE across all features, read our O2 vs EE comparison guide.
Is 5G Safe?
Yes. 5G has been extensively studied and there is no evidence that it poses any health risk. The radio frequencies used by 5G are well within the safety limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These limits are endorsed by Public Health England, the World Health Organisation, and numerous independent scientific bodies worldwide.
5G uses similar frequencies to existing technologies that have been in use for years, including 4G, WiFi, and television broadcasting. The higher-frequency millimetre wave bands used by some 5G networks have been thoroughly tested and confirmed safe at the power levels used by mobile networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will 5G replace 4G?
Not immediately. 4G will continue to operate alongside 5G for many years. In areas without 5G coverage, your phone will automatically use the 4G network. O2 continues to maintain and improve its 4G network.
Do I need a new SIM for 5G?
In most cases, no. Your existing O2 SIM should work with 5G. However, if your SIM is very old, O2 may recommend a replacement. You can request a free SIM swap through the My O2 app or in-store.
Can I use 5G abroad?
5G roaming availability depends on the country and network agreements. In many cases, your phone will connect to 4G when abroad. O2 is working to expand 5G roaming partnerships.
Why does my 5G symbol keep disappearing?
This is normal. Your phone constantly evaluates signal strength and switches between 5G and 4G to maintain the best connection. If 5G signal weakens, your phone will seamlessly fall back to 4G and return to 5G when the signal improves.
Is O2 5G available on Pay As You Go?
5G availability on PAYG plans varies. Check with O2 for the latest information on which PAYG plans include 5G access.
Will 5G work inside my house?
5G coverage indoors can be weaker than outdoors because 5G signals (particularly higher-frequency bands) do not penetrate walls and buildings as effectively as 4G. If you need reliable indoor connectivity, WiFi Calling is a good alternative.
Questions About O2 5G?
Our O2 specialists can help you check 5G coverage in your area, advise on 5G-compatible phones, and help you get the most from O2's 5G network. If you are experiencing signal issues, we can help troubleshoot those too.