I remember the frustration of upgrading to Verizon 5G, expecting super-fast speeds, only to be stuck on LTE with weak signal bars. After spending hours tweaking settings, diving into Reddit threads, and testing different configurations, I finally got it working.
If you’re dealing with slow Verizon 5G speeds, missing MMS, or constant LTE fallback, your APN settings might need fixing. Many unlocked phones don’t auto-configure Verizon’s 5G APN settings, and some older devices need manual tweaks to work properly. This guide covers everything you need to fix Verizon 5G connectivity issues with real-world experiences, Reddit insights, and advanced troubleshooting tips.
Quick Summary
- Verizon’s 5G requires correct APN settings for high-speed data and MMS.
- Unlocked devices may not auto-configure APN settings, requiring manual setup.
- Adjusting APN settings can fix slow speeds, MMS problems, and weak signal issues.
- 5G performance depends on phone model, location, and signal bands.
Why Verizon 5G May Not Be Working Properly
Verizon’s 5G network has evolved rapidly. The transition from limited mmWave coverage in 2019 to nationwide C-band and standalone 5G in 2024 has changed the connectivity landscape. Depending on your phone model, location, and SIM activation, you may not be getting optimal speeds.
5G Speed & Signal Evolution Over the Years
| Year | Cities Covered | Max Speeds | Avg Speeds | Tech Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10 | 1.2 Gbps | 250 Mbps | mmWave Only |
| 2020 | 50+ | 2.0 Gbps | 450 Mbps | DSS 5G |
| 2021 | 1,700 | 3.5 Gbps | 600 Mbps | C-Band |
| 2022 | 2,000+ | 4.0 Gbps | 700 Mbps | C-Band Exp |
| 2023 | 2,700+ | 5.0 Gbps | 800 Mbps | 5G Ultra Wideband |
| 2024 | Nationwide | 5.5 Gbps | 1 Gbps+ | 5G Standalone (SA) |
Reddit user u/VerizonTechNerd said:
“My iPhone 15 Pro pulls 800 Mbps on 5G Ultra Wideband, but my Pixel 6a barely gets 100 Mbps in the same spot. Turns out, mid-range phones don’t always support all Verizon 5G bands.”
Key Takeaways:
- If 5G is slow or stuck on LTE, APN settings, SIM provisioning, and phone bands might be the issue.
- Phones with mmWave antennas (like iPhone 15 Pro, Galaxy S23 Ultra) get better speeds than budget models.
- Verizon’s best speeds come from Ultra Wideband (UWB) and C-band, not low-band DSS 5G.
How to Configure Verizon APN for 5G
Opening APN Settings
- Go to: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Access Point Names (APN)
- Tap the “+” icon (or modify an existing APN)
Correct Verizon 5G APN Settings
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| APN Name | Verizon 5G |
| APN | vzwinternet |
| MMSC | http://mms.vtext.com/servlets/mms |
| MMS Proxy | Not Required |
| MMS Port | Not Required |
| Authentication Type | None or PAP/CHAP |
| APN Type | default,mms,supl,dun |
| Bearer | LTE, NR (5G) |
| MVNO Type | None |
Personal Experience:
I struggled with MMS not working on my Pixel 7 Pro until I realized I forgot to add “mms” to the APN type. The moment I corrected it, picture messages sent instantly.
Tip: If your device does not connect to 5G, try setting Bearer to “NR only” instead of LTE/NR.
Applying APN Settings
- Tap “Save” and select the newly created APN as your default profile.
- Restart your phone to apply the changes.
Fixing Verizon 5G APN Issues
Ensuring SIM Activation
- If you recently switched to Verizon, your SIM may still be inactive.
- Go to: Settings → About Phone → Network and check the SIM status.
Enabling 5G Network Mode
- Go to: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Preferred Network Type
- Select: 5G/LTE/NR (New Radio)
Resetting APN to Default
- Go to: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Access Point Names (APN)
- Tap “Reset to Default” to restore Verizon’s factory settings.
- Restart your phone and check mobile data.
Reddit user u/5GforLife shared:
“I had to reset my APN settings three times before my phone finally picked up C-band. If you’re stuck on LTE, give it a few tries!” It LTE or 4/5G not showing, give this a try: ” https://fixing-pro.com/fixed/lte-volte-not-showing-working/.
Verizon MVNO APN Settings (Visible, Straight Talk, etc.)
Some Verizon MVNOs use different APN settings:
| Carrier | APN | MMSC |
|---|---|---|
| Visible | vzwinternet | http://mms.vtext.com/servlets/mms |
| Straight Talk | TRACFONE.VZWENTP | http://mms.vtext.com/servlets/mms |
- Restart your device after entering the correct APN settings.
FAQs About Verizon 5G APN
- Why is my Verizon 5G slow?
5G speeds depend on phone model, signal bands, and congestion. Check if your phone supports C-band and mmWave for best speeds. - Why does my phone stay on LTE instead of 5G?
Your area may not have proper 5G coverage, or APN settings need adjusting. - Can I use Verizon 5G on an unlocked phone?
Yes, but some devices need manual APN settings for full network compatibility.
Personal Story:
A friend switched from T-Mobile to Verizon but got terrible speeds on his Galaxy S22 Ultra. It turned out that his device was missing the latest Verizon 5G firmware update. A quick software update and an APN reset had him hitting 800 Mbps instantly.
Final Thoughts
Manually configuring Verizon 5G APN settings can fix slow data, missing MMS, and LTE fallback issues. However, 5G performance also depends on your phone model, network bands, and Verizon coverage. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your device connects properly and delivers the best possible 5G experience.