What is 5G+?
5G+ (also known as 5G Standalone) unlocks the full power of our network and our best reliability yet. Stay connected when it matters most, even in the busiest areas.
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The next level of 5G
You can connect to 5G+ straight away, and at no extra cost. All you need is a compatible device, one of our latest SIMs or eSIMs and to be in a 5G+ area – we’ve got over 700 towns and cities fired up already. Ready to go?
How to get 5G+
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Is your device compatible?
Check our range of devices that work with 5G+
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Change to an eSIM
If you need to update your SIM, converting to a digital eSIM is the quickest and easiest option.
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Find your nearest 5G+
Unlock the full power of our network and our best reliability yet. Available in over 700 towns and cities across the UK.
Convert your SIM to an eSIM
Once your new eSIM is active, your compatible phone will automatically connect to 5G+ when it’s available. If it isn’t available, your phone will continue to use the best available network.
Convert to eSIM on an iPhone
Important: WiFi is required to activate your new eSIM.
If you start without your WiFi, your phone will lose service and cannot reconnect until you join a WiFi network.
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Step 1
Open Settings from the Home screen.
Tap Mobile Service.
If you have more than one SIM or plan on your iPhone, choose the SIM you’d like to set up first.
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Step 2
Scroll down and select Convert to eSIM. If your iPhone has more than one SIM, select which SIM you’d like to convert first.
Tap Convert to eSIM and follow the on-screen confirmation steps.
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Step 3
Your iPhone will now set up and activate your new eSIM. This usually takes a few minutes, and you might lose service briefly.
Once your eSIM has been set up and your service is active again, you’ll see an on-screen message.
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Check you're set up for 5G+
Go back to Settings > Mobile Service.
If you have more than one SIM or plan on your iPhone, choose the SIM you'd like to check first.
Tap Mobile Data Options, then Voice & Data.
Check that 5G Auto is selected and that 5G Standalone toggle is switched on.
Not sure about switching to an eSIM?
Give us a call or pop in store and we'll give you a physical 5G+ SIM instead.
Convert to eSIM on an Android
Coming soon, you'll be able to switch to eSIM on your Android device. Until then, give us a call or pop in store and we'll help you switch to an eSIM to use with 5G+.
Compare 5G+ with 5G and 4G
| Feature | 4G | 5G | 5G+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network technology used | Uses 4G network | Uses 4G and 5G together | Uses 5G network only |
| Typical download speeds | Good for everyday use | On average around 50% faster than 4G | On average around 50% faster than 4G |
| Performance in busy places | Performance can be affected | More reliable, but performance can still vary | Most reliable, designed to perform better in busy places |
| Consistency of connection | Can vary | More consistent | Most consistent |
5G+ focuses on a more reliable and consistent experience, rather than higher peak speeds.
5G+ FAQs
5G+ is our name for 5G Standalone. It’s the latest version of 5G technology and runs independently, rather than relying on older network systems.
5G+ is designed to be more reliable and consistent, particularly in busy areas. It helps keep your connection more stable and responsive, so everyday apps and services work more smoothly.
All O2 Pay Monthly customers with a compatible device and SIM.
You can access 5G+ at no extra cost, as long as you have a compatible device, a Pay Monthly plan with us and one of our latest SIMs or eSIMs.
Yes. If 5G+ isn’t available, your phone will automatically connect to the best available network, including 5G, 4G or 2G. You don’t need to do anything, and you’ll stay connected as you move around.
You’ll still see the standard 5G icon on your phone. If your device and SIM are set up correctly, seeing 5G will usually mean you’re connected to 5G+.
Switching to an eSIM FAQs
It’s a digital SIM built into your phone. It does the same job as a physical SIM, but without needing a plastic card.
You need a compatible SIM to use 5G+. This can be either one of our latest physical SIMs or an eSIM.
Switching to an eSIM is the quickest and easiest option, as it can be done straight away without waiting for a new SIM.
An eSIM makes getting set up quicker because everything is done digitally, with no need to wait for a SIM card in the post. An eSIM is built into your phone, so it can’t be lost, removed or swapped into another device if your phone is misplaced.
An eSIM can also make it easier to move your service to a new phone in the future and takes away the need to handle or store a physical SIM.
No. Your number, plan, data and apps all stay exactly the same. Only the SIM format changes.
On supported phones, you can do the switch yourself using the Convert your SIM to an eSIM steps shown on this page. If you prefer, you can give us a call or pop into any O2 store.
It usually takes a few minutes, and you may be without service during this time.
You can try again later the same day. If the issue continues, get in touch or visit an O2 store and we’ll help you get set up.
Yes. If you need a hand, our teams can help over the phone or in store.
Yes. Get in touch or visit an O2 store and we’ll help you switch back.