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Device Guides 1 min read

Can You Still Use a Galaxy Note 5 in 2026?

Maybe, the Galaxy Note 5 may still work in 2026, depending on the version. It's stuck on Android 7. What works, what doesn't, and what to check.

Founder & Lead Analyst, ShopCellPlans

Published October 3, 2026

Updated October 3, 2026

The Galaxy Note 5 came out in 2015. Maybe: some versions still make calls, but check yours first.

Key takeaways

Some Galaxy Note 5 versions still make calls; check the IMEI first.

It's stuck on Android 7.

Check the IMEI before switching carriers.

The quick answer

Calls: depends on the version and carrier; check the IMEI
Software: stuck on Android 7, no security updates
Fine as a backup if it's approved
Don't use it for banking

Calls after the 3G shutdown

Carrier versions of the Note 5 support VoLTE, so some still make calls. Check the IMEI before relying on one.

How to check yours

Find the IMEI: dial *#06#, or look in the phone's settings or under the battery.
Enter it in your carrier's compatibility checker. Every major carrier and most prepaid brands have one.
If it isn't supported, it's usually missing approval for VoLTE (calls over 4G), which every US phone now needs.

Who it still works for

If your carrier approves it, it's fine as a spare or basic phone. If not, it's time to replace it.

If you're replacing it

A new moto g 2026 or Galaxy A17 costs little, gets years of updates, and several carriers give them away when you switch. Pair it with a low-cost plan such as Mint Mobile ($15 a month for 6GB on a 12-month term) or Visible ($25 for unlimited, taxes included).

Free phones when you switch

Current offers from Metro, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Xfinity.

See phone deals →

Frequently asked questions

Does the Galaxy Note 5 still work in 2026? +

Maybe: some versions still make calls, but check yours first. Carrier versions of the Note 5 support VoLTE, so some still make calls. Check the IMEI before relying on one.

What's the last software version for the Galaxy Note 5? +

Android 7.

Keep reading

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About the author

Jean Gilles has researched personal finance, consumer technology, and wireless pricing for over a decade. He founded ShopCellPlans in 2019 and writes every review on the site.

More about Jean How we rank plans

#Samsung #Older phones #Galaxy Note 5

Independent since 2019 · No paid placement, ever Prices re-checked weekly

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Price-change alerts

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