Virgin Mobile 5G Not Working? – Know How to Fix!

Wondering why Virgin Mobile 5G not working on your device? It’s simple!

First things first. You need a device bought from Virgin Media that supports 5G in order to use their 5G network across the UK.

So far so good, from there your plan will be updated for free when their 5G network reaches your town, or if they already support the network there!

When Virgin Media 5G is not working, we need to enable the 5G from our Virgin Mobile device settings and turn OFF the Airplane Mode. Virgin also recommends ALL users keep their device’s firmware up to date and occasionally check for planned outages!

Let’s next answer the most frequently asked question in regard to Virgin Media 5G issues!

Does Virgin Mobile Support 5G?

Such as any network service provider, Virgin Media is still expanding its 5G network across the UK.

The Virgin Media 5G network is now covering more than 100 towns in the UK so let’s take a look at some of them (with many more to come):

• Leeds
• Liverpool
• Manchester
• Reading
• Southampton
• Birmingham
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow

In case you’re not located in a 5G coverage area, unfortunately, the network won’t work for you, unless you move into a supported town.

To find ALL supported towns in the UK, go to the Virgin Media 5G Mobile and tap on “Can I Get 5G”.

Then only insert the city you live in.

Is My Phone 5G Ready?

To check whether your smartphone supports 5G, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Preferred Network Type.

In case it supports 5G you’ll see “2G/3G/4G/5G”.

For iPhones, you’ll need iPhone 12, 13, 13 mini, SE, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro or 14 Pro Max.

How To Fix Virgin Mobile 5G Not Working?

When the 5G Virgin Media network is not working for you, even when you’re in a town that supports the fast network, we need some troubleshooting.

Let’s begin with the best working solutions and make sure to solve the problem as soon as possible!

Solution #1 Turn ON Mobile Data & 5G

The very first step is to start or restart the mobile data, essentially our 5G network.

In addition, your Virgin Media device system, Android or iOS allows you to select which network you would like to use.

This suggests that your 5G might not be enabled in the first place.

Here’s how to turn on the Virgin Mobile data and enable 5G on our device!

Turn ON 5G on Android:

1. Open the Settings.
2. Select Advanced Settings.
3. Tap on Wireless & Network.
4. Select Network Mode.
5. Tap on 5G or GLOBAL.

Tip: On some Android devices go to Mobile Network > “Preferred Network Type” > 5G

Turn ON 5G on iPhone

1. On a 5G-enabled iPhone go to Settings.
2. Select Mobile Data or Cellular.
3. Tap on Mobile Data Options.
4. From there select Voice and Data.
5. Tap on 5G to enable the network.

When the 5G has been enabled, you should now see the “5G” indicator on the top right or left of the screen.

This is a prime indication that the 5G is now working. Otherwise, keep reading!

Solution #2 Turn OFF Airplane Mode

The Airplane Mode is the one feature that disables ALL networking and connectivity services on your device.

When enabled, you will no longer have access to the Virgin Media network services, your WiFi or Bluetooth-connected devices.

Trusted sources also share that only toggling the Airplane Mode ON & OFF managed to help and restored their Virgin Media network services.

This is why we need to attempt this.

• Open the Quick Menu on Android or iPhone and tap on the Airplane Icon!

This will either enable or disable the Airplane mode, so make sure to leave the mode disabled when you exit the Quick Menu.

Then your Virgin Media device should connect to the 5G.

Solution #3 Restart Virgin Media Device

One of the fastest ways to refresh your Virgin Media 5G connectivity is by performing a Restart on your mobile device.

It’s important to Shut Down the phone and not only choose the restart option since we’re also targeting to perform a Power Circulation.

Follow the steps below to restart your Virgin Mobile Device:

1. Unplug your phone from the charger.
2. Hold the Power button and select Shut Down.
3. On iPhones, you’ll need to Swipe Right.
4. Wait for at least 3 minutes!
5. Use the time to reseat your Virgin SIM Card.
6. Turn ON your Virgin Mobile device.
7. Test whether 5G appears on the indicator.

In case you’re using an iPhone and you only see 4G, you’ll need to alter the Data Mode in Settings so jump to Solution #7. Otherwise, proceed with updating the firmware!

Solution #4 Update Device Firmware

A really simple, yet effective solution for 5G issues by Virgin Media is to make sure that your device is running the latest possible firmware version.

It’s easy to check for updates by going into Settings > About > Software Update > Check For Updates.

It’s important to make sure that the update is completely installed and restart your device!

Tip: Always keep your device up to date to avoid network connectivity issues!

Solution #5 Improve 5G Signal Strength

As we all know, 5G is a really fast network but also hard to spread. The reason why 4G has better connectivity is that it travels better through walls and obstructions.

While 4G always works inside, there could be places in your home where the 5G connectivity would struggle.

• Simply walk around the house and watch the 5G indicator!

Even step outside to check whether the signal will improve.

You can also test the 5G the next time you go to the grocery store, just to get a general idea of how the signal works in your city.

Tip: If you’ve got another 5G-enabled device in your home, test by inserting the Virgin Media SIM into the secondary device!

Solution #6 Check For Service Outage

Even if rarely, Virgin Media 5G coverage could be experiencing a temporary outage in certain regions throughout the UK.

Perhaps there is an ongoing problem in your town, hence you won’t be able to connect to the 5G network until the problem is solved.

• To check for service outages, go toVirgin Media Status and insert your Postcode!

In addition, you would need to provide the Account Holder’s Name, for the software to be able to identify the location of your Virgin Service.

From there you’ll be informed whether there is maintenance in your town and when the service is expected to be brought online!

Tip: Planned and unplanned Virgin Media service outages are also reported on their social profiles.

Solution #7 Allow More 5G Data (iPhone)

A very clever solution from Apple was to “limit” the usage of 5G, based on what the user is performing on their device.

For example, do we really need ultra-fast internet to stream music from YouTube or Spotify? The answer is no, 4G is enough for this kind of task.

Apple solved this by adding a Data Mode, which allows users to select the preferred option!

1. The “Allow More Data on 5G” means when you’re in coverage 5G will be used for everything. Select this, if you want to start using your Virgin 5G right now!

2. The “Low Data Mode” means we use 5G only when we download, or stream higher bandwidth videos.

3. The “Standard” means that 4G will be used for non-intensive network tasks, while 5G will only be enabled when we can start benefiting.

To reach these settings on your iPhone, go to Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data!

Tip: Using the Standard settings is the most commonly preferred option!

That was everything about Virgin Media 5G issues, so let’s recap what we’ve learned!

Quick Recap:

Hence, when Virgin Mobile 5G is not working we need to make sure that our device and UK town support 5G. In case we cover the requirements but the 5G doesn’t work we need to turn OFF the Airplane mode to remove 5G limitations on iPhones.

Wrapping Up:

Now that we know why Virgin Mobile 5G not working and what are the best possible ways to solve the problem, we’re ready to start using the fast internet.

Keep in mind that your Virgin Media plan won’t include 5G until your UK town starts to support 5G.

For any 5G inquiries, you can contact them online or at a local Virgin Mobile point.

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