Android 12 brought an important change for people running Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) on Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G): the OS enables 5G in DSDS scenarios more broadly than earlier Android releases.
That matters because before this, many DSDS setups effectively forced you to choose between having 5G data and keeping your second SIM available. With Android 12, you can get a more practical DSDS experience—if your carrier and provisioning support it.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This guide is built like a field checklist: you’ll confirm prerequisites, update your Pixel, configure the right settings, and verify 5G is actually being used. You’ll also get troubleshooting steps for the most common failure points.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What Android 12 changes for 5G on Pixel 5 and 4a 5G (DSDS context)
DSDS means your phone can keep two SIM profiles active for calls/texts, while only one data path is typically used at a time (exact behavior can vary by device and carrier). The user-facing goal is straightforward: you want one SIM for your primary line and another for work, travel, or a backup line—without losing the best network experience.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.7" FHD+ 120Hz display* and Dolby Atmos**. Upgrade your entertainment with an incredibly sharp, fluid display backed by multidimensional stereo sound.
- 50MP camera system with OIS. Capture sharper low-light photos with an unshakable camera system featuring Optical Image Stabilization.*****
- Unbelievable battery life and fast recharging. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, then fuel up with 30W TurboPower charging.***
- Superfast 5G performance. Make the most of 5G speed with the MediaTek Dimensity 7020, an octa-core processor with frequencies up to 2.2GHz.******
- Tons of built-in ultrafast storage. Enjoy plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB with a microSD card.
With Android 12, Google enabled 5G behavior compatible with DSDS on Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G. Practically, that means 5G can remain available for the active data SIM in DSDS setups instead of being downgraded as often seen on Android 11 and earlier.
Carrier support is the gatekeeper. Even if Android 12 supports the capability, your mobile operator must provision the correct profiles (5G access, VoLTE/VoNR where applicable, and DSDS rules for your plan).
Prerequisites before you try
1) Confirm the exact phone model
This DSDS + 5G behavior is specifically tied to Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G). Verify in Settings so you don’t chase settings on the wrong hardware.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Settings → About phone → Model
2) Update to Android 12
Android 12 shipped in October 2021 (Android 12 release date: October 4, 2021). Your Pixel must be on an Android 12 build that includes the relevant DSDS/5G improvements.
- Settings → System → System update
If you’re already on Android 12, check for pending updates—carriers and Google sometimes roll improvements via monthly patches.
3) Use a dual-SIM setup that supports 4G/5G data on the primary slot
DSDS requires both SIMs to be configured and provisioned. At minimum, your active data SIM must be provisioned for 5G by your carrier.
- Confirm SIMs are inserted and recognized: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Prefer an operator that explicitly offers 5G on DSDS-capable lines
4) Verify you’re in a 5G coverage area
This sounds obvious, but it’s also the most common “it doesn’t work” report. Your phone will only show 5G if it can attach to a 5G NR carrier.
- Check your carrier’s 5G coverage map
- Walk/drive a short distance if you suspect signal issues
Check whether your Pixel supports 5G DSDS behavior with your carrier
Android 12 enables the capability, but DSDS 5G depends on how your carrier provisions SIM profiles and handles simultaneous operation rules.
Use this quick eligibility checklist:
- Your plan includes 5G access (not just 4G LTE)
- Your SIM is provisioned for VoLTE (often required for consistent LTE/NR voice and fallback behavior)
- Your carrier supports 5G with DSDS (some carriers enable it on specific plan types or markets)
- Your region isn’t using a “5G requires single active data line” restriction
If you have two different carriers, test with each SIM separately as the primary data SIM first. Once one line reliably attaches to 5G, then switch to DSDS configurations and confirm behavior.
Enable 5G with DSDS: step-by-step (Android 12)
These steps cover the settings that most often prevent 5G from attaching or prevent it from staying on the active data SIM in DSDS mode.
Step 1: Confirm both SIMs are active
- Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Ensure both SIMs show as active (or enabled)
- Set each SIM name clearly so you don’t confuse which one is the data SIM
Step 2: Set your preferred network type for the data SIM
Android 12 typically controls 5G behavior through the network mode and carrier settings tied to the active data SIM.
- Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Select the SIM you want to use for mobile data
- Tap Preferred network type
- Select 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto) (wording may vary slightly)
If you don’t see a 5G/4G option, your carrier configuration may not be provisioned for 5G on that SIM.
Step 3: Choose the SIM for mobile data (primary data line)
- Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Under Mobile data, pick the correct SIM
- Restart mobile data toggle if the UI doesn’t reflect the change
Step 4: Ensure 5G features aren’t blocked by power or network settings
While Android 12 doesn’t usually hide 5G behind a single switch, power and developer options can change network behavior.
- Settings → Battery → Battery saver
- Turn off Battery Saver while testing
- Check Developer options (if enabled) for anything related to preferred network/Wi‑Fi settings
Step 5: Reboot after network provisioning changes
If your carrier recently updated SIM provisioning (or you just inserted a new SIM), a reboot can force the radio to reattach with the new profile.
- Hold Power
- Tap Restart
Verify it’s really working (signals, status icons, data test)
Verification is where most users stop short. Don’t assume you’re on 5G just because the phone says 5G somewhere.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #2
- 6.2" OLED 428PPI, 1080x2400px, 120Hz, HDR10+, Bluetooth 5.3, 4575mAh Battery, Android 14
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Octa-core, Google Tensor G3 (4nm), Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510), Mali-G710 MP7
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.7 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), Front Camera: 10.5MP, f/2.2
- 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/1700/1900, 3G: HSDPA 800/850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/46/48/66/71, 5G: 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/66/70/71/77/78/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Nano-SIM and eSIM
- Compatible with Most GSM + CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
Check the signal and service indicator
On Android 12, the status area should indicate 5G (or show a 5G-related indicator). If you only see LTE/4G, you’re not attached to NR.
Use the network detail screen
Most Pixels show live radio info under the cellular status screens.
- Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile network
- Look for a screen showing the current network type (LTE vs NR/5G)
Exact menu naming can vary by carrier build and Android patch level, but the concept stays the same.
Run a quick data sanity test
- Load a YouTube video at the highest quality you normally use
- Refresh a speed test in under 2 minutes (avoid long downloads during changing signal conditions)
If your second SIM is active and the data SIM is supposed to be on 5G, you should see noticeably better performance than LTE during stable coverage.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsCommon gotchas and fixes
DSDS + 5G issues tend to cluster into a few predictable causes.
Gotcha 1: Your data SIM is provisioned for 4G, not 5G
If the SIM lacks a 5G access profile, Android will fall back to LTE even with the correct preferred network type.
- Fix: confirm 5G is enabled for that SIM with your carrier (many carriers require a plan feature)
Gotcha 2: VoLTE/VoNR settings interfere with stable attachment
On many networks, voice provisioning and fallback behavior can indirectly affect the stability of LTE-to-5G attachment.
- Fix: ensure VoLTE is enabled for your line if your carrier requires it
Gotcha 3: You’re testing with the “wrong” SIM as mobile data
Because DSDS involves two SIM profiles, it’s easy to assume you’re testing the right line.
- Fix: label SIMs clearly, then re-confirm mobile data selection after every change
Gotcha 4: APN or carrier settings are stale
If you swapped SIMs, changed carriers, or used an eSIM/profile transfer, APN settings can be outdated.
- Fix: reset mobile data APNs only if you know what you’re doing, or request a carrier APN update
Gotcha 5: 5G coverage edge conditions
At the edge of coverage, your phone can flip between NR and LTE quickly. That can look like a DSDS bug even when it’s normal radio behavior.
- Fix: test in a stable coverage area and watch the indicator for a few minutes
Troubleshooting when 5G won’t stay on (what to try in order)
If your Pixel can’t attach to 5G or drops back to LTE when DSDS is enabled, use this sequence. It’s ordered to minimize time and maximizes the chance of fixing the root cause.
1) Toggle airplane mode
- Turn Airplane mode on for 20–30 seconds
- Turn it off and wait for service to return
2) Restart the phone
Restart forces a clean radio attach procedure.
- Hold Power → Restart
3) Re-check preferred network type for the active data SIM
- Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Select the mobile data SIM
- Ensure 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto) is selected
4) Force a reattach by switching data SIM temporarily
This helps confirm whether the issue is tied to one specific SIM’s provisioning.
- Switch mobile data to SIM A (wait for attach)
- Then switch mobile data to SIM B (wait for attach)
If one SIM consistently gets 5G and the other doesn’t, the problem is almost always provisioning rather than DSDS compatibility.
5) Refresh network settings
Some carrier updates only apply after a network refresh.
- Settings → System → Reset options
- Choose Reset Wi‑Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (only if you’re comfortable re-pairing Bluetooth and re-logging Wi‑Fi)
6) Update carrier services and system patches
Android 12 updates include radio-related and carrier services compatibility fixes over time.
Rank #3
- Immersive 120Hz display* and Dolby Atmos: Watch movies and play games on a fast, fluid 6.6" display backed by multidimensional stereo sound.
- 50MP Quad Pixel camera system**: Capture sharper photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity—and explore up close using the Macro Vision lens.
- Superfast 5G performance***: Unleash your entertainment at 5G speed with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 octa-core processor.
- Massive battery and speedy charging: Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, then fuel up fast with TurboPower.****
- Premium design within reach: Stand out with a stunning look and comfortable feel, including a vegan leather back cover that’s soft to the touch and fingerprint resistant.
- Run System update again after restarting
7) Contact your carrier and ask for 5G DSDS provisioning on that line
When settings show 5G/auto but the phone never attaches to NR on one SIM, ask support to confirm:
Recommended Free Tools
- 5G is enabled on the specific SIM/IMSI
- The plan supports 5G data (not just device capability)
- DSDS rules permit 5G on the active data SIM while the second SIM remains registered
How this compares to Android 11 and earlier behavior
On older Android builds, DSDS often caused 5G to drop more readily—or it prevented stable NR attachment when both SIMs were registered. That typically looked like:
- 5G works briefly, then falls to LTE as the second SIM registers
- 5G indicator disappears even when you select 5G/auto
- You can only reliably get 5G by disabling one SIM
Android 12’s DSDS 5G enablement aims to reduce those regressions on Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G, so 5G is more usable in a dual-line setup.
Alternatives if your carrier doesn’t provision DSDS 5G
If your carrier doesn’t fully support DSDS + 5G for your specific plan/market, you still have practical options.
Option 1: Use 5G on one SIM and keep the other for standby
Most DSDS setups still provide value with one SIM actively using 5G data while the other remains registered for calls/texts. The goal here is “best possible experience,” not perfect simultaneous data.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOption 2: Temporarily disable the second SIM for testing, then compare
If 5G works only when one SIM is off, it’s a strong sign your carrier’s DSDS + 5G provisioning is incomplete.
Option 3: Swap data roles and keep the working SIM as mobile data
If SIM A gets 5G but SIM B doesn’t, keep SIM A as the mobile data SIM in daily use. You can still route calls/texts to the other line depending on carrier defaults.
Device checklist for Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4a (5G)
The user workflow is the same on both models, but the radio experience can differ by hardware configuration and carrier bands.
| Model | What to focus on | Verification target |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 5 | Attach to NR on the mobile data SIM while both SIMs are registered | Status indicator shows 5G and data tests stay fast |
| Pixel 4a (5G) | Same settings, but validate coverage stability—edges can flip NR/LTE | Preferred network type set to 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto) |
Bottom Line
Android 12 enables 5G in DSDS scenarios on Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) more effectively than earlier Android versions, but your carrier provisioning is the deciding factor. If your SIMs are set up correctly and your plan supports 5G, you should be able to keep dual-line convenience without constantly losing 5G data.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Use the checklist above: update to Android 12, set preferred network type to 5G/auto for the mobile data SIM, verify attachment to NR, and troubleshoot with the ordered steps when it doesn’t stick.
FAQs
Does Android 12 guarantee 5G on both SIMs at the same time?
No. DSDS behavior can vary by device and carrier. What you typically want (and what Android 12 improves) is stable 5G availability for the active data SIM while the other SIM remains registered for calls/texts.
Why does my phone show 5G/auto, but I never see the 5G indicator?
Most often it’s one of these: your mobile data SIM isn’t provisioned for 5G, you’re outside stable 5G NR coverage, or the carrier has restrictions for DSDS on your plan. Confirm with your carrier and test in a known 5G area.
Will turning off one SIM make 5G work again?
If 5G starts working only when the second SIM is disabled, that’s a strong indicator your carrier hasn’t fully enabled DSDS 5G behavior for that setup. Try swapping which SIM is mobile data; if only one line attaches to 5G, the other is likely not provisioned for NR.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Should I reset APN settings to fix DSDS 5G?
Don’t reset blindly. APN changes can break mobile data entirely. If you suspect APN issues, confirm the correct APN your carrier uses, then apply updates with caution.
Is Battery Saver likely to kill 5G?
It can reduce background network activity and change performance characteristics, which can look like 5G instability. For troubleshooting, disable Battery Saver, then re-test the NR indicator and data performance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
