Sony Xperia Lost 5G After a Firmware Update? How to Get It Back

A firmware update that removes 5G from an Xperia is a specific and well-documented frustration: the phone still works on 4G, the network supports 5G, and the option has simply gone. In most cases nothing is broken. Either the update reset the network mode, the carrier configuration no longer matches the firmware, or the phone is now preferring a band that is weak where you are.

The order below stays within official settings. That matters, because the tempting shortcuts - flashing region firmware or unlocking the bootloader - void warranties, break banking apps and can leave you worse off than a 4G connection.

Where to look, in order

Working through it

1. Step 1 Check the network mode setting first

   Open the mobile network settings and look at the preferred network type. An update can leave this on a 4G-only mode, which is the most common and most easily fixed cause.

2. Step 2 Refresh the carrier configuration

   Reset the APN to the carrier's defaults, or look for a carrier settings refresh. A configuration that predates the firmware will not negotiate 5G properly.

3. Step 3 Reassign data and re-test in a known 5G area

   If you use two SIMs, set the line you expect to carry 5G as the data SIM and test somewhere with confirmed coverage. Testing at home in a weak area proves nothing.

4. Step 4 Reset network settings as a deliberate step

   This clears saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings, so note them first, but it resolves configuration problems that survive the steps above.

5. Step 5 Ask the carrier to check provisioning

   If the settings are correct and coverage exists, the issue may be on the account side - a plan without 5G access, or a line that needs reprovisioning. That is a five-minute call.

Why the unofficial routes are a bad trade

• Flashing firmware from another region voids the warranty and can break carrier features permanently.
• Unlocking the bootloader disables the verified boot chain, which banking and payment apps detect.
• Modified configurations often survive until the next update and then fail again, leaving you to repeat the whole process.
• Region firmware can change supported bands, turning a software annoyance into a hardware limitation.
• Keeping the device stock means the next update is a normal one rather than a risk.

• Symptom: No 5G option in the settings menu. Likely reason: The update reset the preferred network type. What to check: The mobile network settings, and set a 5G-capable mode.
• Symptom: 5G is selected but never appears in the status bar. Likely reason: Carrier configuration or APN mismatch. What to check: Reset the APN to carrier defaults.
• Symptom: 5G vanished only on one SIM. Likely reason: The data SIM assignment changed. What to check: Reassign the data line, then re-test in a known coverage area.
• Symptom: Signal drops after switching modes. Likely reason: Band preferences and local coverage. What to check: The carrier's coverage map for the bands your model supports.

Will a factory reset bring 5G back?

Sometimes, because it clears configuration state. Try the network settings and APN steps first - they are far less disruptive.

Is this a hardware fault?

Unlikely if the phone worked on 5G before the update. Software and configuration explain the overwhelming majority of cases.