31.03.2026 17:00
5G technology has been launched in Turkey as of today. However, having a "compatible phone" is not enough to benefit from the next-generation internet speed. Users need to activate both the operator and device settings. Here are the settings that need to be made...
Turkey has entered a new era in the age of speed. With 5G in mobile communication, a stronger, faster, and more efficient period has begun.
With President Erdoğan pressing a button on a tablet screen, Turkey transitioned to 5G technology. Users will be able to benefit from 5G without the need to change existing tariffs or pay additional fees. New applications will be opened up in many areas, from industrial robots to autonomous driving technologies. In the media sector, uninterrupted live broadcasts in 8K quality will be possible.
HOW TO DETECT 5G CONNECTION ON YOUR PHONE?
When the "5G" indicator appears on the device's screen, it means the connection is being provided via 5G. Those who wish to disable the service can send a text message to the number specified by their operators to deactivate 5G for free. While Turkey takes an important step in digital transformation, the goal is to achieve full coverage across the country within two years.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR USING 5G?
For fifth-generation mobile communication, users must first have a mobile phone compatible with this technology and a compatible SIM card. Currently, SIM cards compatible with 4.5G technology are also compatible with 5G, while SIM cards from previous technologies need to be updated.
Once a compatible phone and SIM card are obtained, the next step is to activate this technology. In Turkey, 5G can be activated via SMS or through the mobile applications of the three operators that will provide this service.
HOW TO SET UP 5G NETWORK ON PHONES?
After all technical requirements are met, the final step is to change the phone settings.
For iPhone users:
Settings › Cellular › Cellular Data Options › Voice and Data › “5G” option
For Android users:
Settings › Mobile Networks › Preferred network type › “5G”
Once these steps are completed, users within the coverage area can benefit from 5G services.
IS YOUR PHONE 5G COMPATIBLE, HOW CAN YOU TELL?
According to the statement by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, out of approximately 95 million mobile phones in Turkey, 32 million are reported to be compatible with 5G.
In this context, it has been stated by operators that iPhone 12 and later models are compatible among Apple phones, and Galaxy S21 and later models among Samsung phones.
If users see "5G" as the highest technology under "Cellular" or "Mobile Networks" in the "Settings" menu on Android and iPhone phones instead of LTE or 4.5G, it means they have a phone compatible with this technology.
Users can also determine whether their phones are 5G compatible through the operators' websites.
5G WILL CREATE DIFFERENCES IN MANY AREAS
The three operators that are launching this technology have focused on campaigns for 5G compatible phones. Thus, users can start using 5G by upgrading their phones.
However, 5G brings high data usage along with high speed. This means that internet packages may deplete faster compared to 4.5G technology. Operators are offering new packages with options like "unlimited mobile internet" for high usage.
In addition to faster internet, 5G is expected to bring critical changes in many areas of life. With this technology, large files can be downloaded in seconds, connection drops in crowded places like concerts, stadiums, and subways will decrease, and quick communication with other electronic devices via mobile devices will be possible.
The widespread use of remote surgeries with robots is aimed to be possible thanks to 5G's latency time falling below 1 millisecond, allowing a surgeon to operate on a patient thousands of kilometers away with instantaneous reactions as if they were right next to them.
Moreover, 5G offers the possibility of thousands of sensors and robots working simultaneously in industry and production, as well as the irrigation and monitoring of fields with sensors.
With the reduction of latency in mobile gaming, fewer lags will occur, and cloud-based games can be played more comfortably everywhere with 5G.