Quick answer: If 5G is slow, refresh the connection (Airplane mode 10-15 sec), make sure 5G/VoLTE is enabled, try LTE-only if 5G is weak indoors, and reset network settings if APNs got messy. Check Airtel Open Network or Jio 5G coverage for local issues, and avoid dual-SIM on the data slot when testing. Update OS/modem and retest outside near a window.
Why 5G Can Feel Slow in 2025 (India)
Congestion & maturing rollouts
India ramped up 5G fast. As more users jump in, average 5G download scores on Airtel and Jio have fallen vs earlier peaks, a common sign of congestion when adoption outpaces new capacity. Still, overall mobile experience is improving as networks expand and optimize.
SA vs NSA (Jio vs Airtel): what changes speed
Two architectures matter. Standalone (SA) runs on a 5G core; Non-Standalone (NSA) rides on 4G core with a 5G layer. In India, Jio runs a large-scale SA network and uses 700 MHz for wider coverage plus 3.5 GHz (n78) for capacity. Airtel largely uses NSA with bands like n1/n3/n8/n78. This affects consistency, indoor reach, and how phones switch between 4G/5G.
Low-band vs mid-band vs mmWave
- Low-band (e.g., 700 MHz n28): best indoor reach/coverage, lower peak speed.
- Mid-band (e.g., 3.3 – 3.8 GHz n78): good balance of coverage and speed (the main “fast 5G” in cities).
- mmWave (26 GHz n258): very high speeds, short range; in India mostly for hotspots/FWA, not typical phone coverage.
Phone, modem, and dual-SIM quirks
Older modems, firmware bugs, or dual-SIM can drag speed. Some phones prioritize stability over raw speed, or juggle radios poorly indoors. Testing with the other SIM slot or with the second SIM disabled often changes results.
Plan throttling / FUP & traffic management
Even on “unlimited,” plans may drop you to lower speeds after a large daily quota or during busy hours. If speeds nosedive only after heavy use, check your plan’s fair usage terms or ask the carrier. (Carrier plans change verify with your specific plan.)
Context you can trust
- Opensignal’s June 2025 India report notes 5G download scores have softened as networks mature and more subscribers use 5G.
- Ericsson Mobility Report shows India at ~290M 5G subs by end-2024 and highest monthly data usage (~32 GB/user) more users + more data = more pressure on cells.
Fast Fixes (do these first)
1) Refresh your radio
Toggle Airplane mode for 10-15 seconds or reboot. This forces a clean re-attach to the nearest 5G cell and often clears a “stuck” session.
2) Check network mode
On Android, ensure 5G/Prefer 5G is selected; on iPhone, Settings → Cellular → Voice & Data → 5G Auto or 5G On. If 5G feels worse indoors, try LTE-only temporarily for stability.
3) APN final check
Wrong or corrupted APN = sad speeds.
- Jio APN: JioNet (Name + APN). You can reset APNs to default or recreate.
- Airtel: use default carrier APN; ensure 5G is allowed in network type.
4) Use carrier tools
- Airtel Open Network lets you report a slow spot on the map.
- Jio 5G coverage page shows where 700 MHz boosts indoor reach.
Deeper Tweaks (when basics don’t help)
Band awareness & indoor expectations
Mid-band n78 delivers “wow” speeds but struggles through walls; low-band n28 reaches deeper indoors at lower peaks. If your best speeds are outdoors or near a window, that’s normal physics, not your phone.
Dual-SIM impact + SIM slot choice
Many phones run data better with only one SIM active. If that’s not an option, put your data carrier in SIM slot 1 and turn off Allow 2G to prevent slow fallbacks.
iPhone settings
- 5G Auto lets iPhone drop to LTE when 5G brings no real gain (saves battery but may feel “slower”).
- If you truly have strong 5G, test 5G On for consistency.
Android extras
- Reset network settings if APNs or radio toggles got messy (you’ll lose saved Wi-Fi/Bluetooth; that’s expected).
- Private DNS: leave at default unless your org/app needs specific DNS; custom DNS can affect latency.
When LTE-only is actually faster
If mid band is weak indoors or your area is NSA heavy with frequent handovers, LTE-only can feel smoother, especially for calls and maps. You can switch back to 5G outside.
Step by Step How To (Android & iPhone)
Android: enable 5G & reset network
- Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Preferred network type → 5G
- If speeds are unstable, try LTE as a test.
- Reset network settings (Samsung: Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings). This clears Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and APNs; your data/apps stay.
Android: private DNS check
Settings → Network & internet → Private DNS. Keep Automatic unless required by work/school. Mis-set DNS can add latency.
iPhone: 5G Auto vs 5G On
Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Voice & Data → 5G Auto (default) or 5G On. Use LTE if battery/coverage is poor.
APN quick reference
- Jio: Name = JioNet, APN = JioNet. If unsure, Reset to default and re-add.
- Airtel: Ensure 5G is enabled; default APN usually works—avoid random “speed booster” APNs from YouTube.
Case-Style Examples (what’s likely happening)
1) City apartment, Airtel 5G NSA
Mid-band 3.5 GHz struggles through two brick walls. 5G icon shows, but throughput dips. Try near a window, or set LTE-only indoors; speeds often stabilize.
2) Festival/stadium, Jio 5G SA
Congestion can knock speeds down at peak times; later they recover as load spreads. This pattern was seen at Maha Kumbh 2025 where speeds dipped then recovered above ~200 Mbps.
3) Highway/small town, Jio SA (700 MHz)
Coverage is strong with low-band. Peaks aren’t “gigabit,” but pages load consistently; that’s by design.
Pros & Cons Tables
SA vs NSA in India (2025)
| Aspect | SA (e.g., Jio) | NSA (e.g., Airtel) |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Full 5G core | 4G core + 5G layer |
| Coverage | Better consistency where deployed; low-band helps indoors | Often faster to roll out; leverages 4G anchor |
| Peak speed | Depends on band (n78 fast, n28 modest) | Can aggregate LTE + 5G; peaks vary |
| Indoors | Low-band helps reach | Mid-band struggles through walls |
| Real-world feel | Stable where SA is dense | Can be great outdoors; may juggle 4G/5G |
5G Bands Trade-offs
| Band | Typical Use in India | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| n28 (700 MHz) | Wider coverage, indoors | Lower peaks, steadier bars |
| n78 (3.5 GHz) | City capacity | Higher peaks, weaker indoors |
| n258 (26 GHz) | Hotspots/FWA | Very fast, very short range |
Featured Snippet (Q→A)
Q: Why is my 5G slow in India even with full bars?
A: Bars show signal strength, not cell congestion. If your tower is busy or you’re on mid-band indoors, speeds drop. Try Airplane mode, test by a window, or switch to LTE-only indoors.
Q: Is Jio 5G slower than Airtel 5G now?
A: It varies by area and time. Opensignal notes both networks’ 5G download scores dipped as adoption grew, while overall experience keeps improving. Check local coverage and test at different times.
Q: Does dual-SIM affect 5G speeds?
A: It can. Some phones manage radios better with a single SIM. Put your data SIM in slot 1 and disable the second SIM during tests.
Q: Should I use 5G Auto or 5G On (iPhone)?
A: 5G Auto balances speed and battery by falling back to LTE when 5G brings no clear benefit. 5G On forces 5G when available; try it only with strong coverage.
Q: What APN should I use on Jio?
A: JioNet for Name and APN. Don’t use random “turbo APNs.” Reset to default if in doubt.
FAQ
- Why is 5G slower than 4G sometimes?
Weak mid-band indoors or heavy tower load can make LTE feel faster. Try LTE-only inside buildings, then switch back outside. - Is 5G in India getting slower overall?
A bit, as more users pile on. Opensignal’s June 2025 report shows lower 5G download scores vs earlier highs, typical during scaling phases. - What’s the difference between SA and NSA for users?
SA can feel steadier where deployed; NSA may show higher peaks with LTE aggregation but can juggle networks. Your mileage varies by location. - Will mmWave 5G fix my indoor speeds?
Not today for phones in India; mmWave is limited and short range. Expect mid-band outdoors and low-band indoors for now. - Does resetting network delete my data?
No files are deleted, but saved Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and APNs reset. - Can a wrong APN slow 5G?
Yes. Use default APNs; Jio = JioNet. - How do I report a slow area to Airtel?
Use Airtel Open Network to drop a pin and submit an issue. - How many 5G users are there in India?
About 290 million by end-2024; India leads in per-capita data usage (~32 GB/month).
Source: Opensignal | ericsson.com | Qualcomm | Apple Support
