Frequently asked questions.

No. Relay requires zero driver installation on macOS. When you plug it in, macOS recognizes it natively as a cellular network interface using the built-in CDC-NCM stack. It works on macOS Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, and later versions — no software download, no utility app, nothing to install.

Relay works with any MacBook that has a USB-C port — which includes every MacBook Air and MacBook Pro released since 2017, as well as MacBook Neo. Relay Air is designed for MacBook Air and MacBook Neo. Relay Pro is designed for MacBook Pro but also works with MacBook Air if you prefer the higher-speed model.

Yes. Relay Air is fully compatible with MacBook Neo. Despite using iPhone-derived chip architecture, MacBook Neo is WiFi-only with no built-in cellular. Relay Air plugs into the USB-C port and adds 5G in 3 seconds. Available in color options matching MacBook Neo finishes. Read more about MacBook Neo and 5G →

Yes, as long as the MacBook has a USB-C port — which Apple has used on all MacBooks since 2017 and shows no signs of changing. Relay uses standard USB-C protocols recognized natively by macOS, so it will work on future macOS versions as well.

Relay is unlocked and works with all major US carriers via eSIM: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. International carriers are supported in most countries where 5G Sub-6GHz is deployed. Relay Air uses eSIM-only. Relay Pro supports both eSIM and a nano-SIM tray for physical SIM cards.

Yes. Relay Air includes 5GB of 5G data pre-loaded on the eSIM. Relay Pro includes 15GB. This data is ready to use the moment you plug in — no activation, no app required for initial use. After the included data is used, you can add more through the Relay app or switch to your own carrier plan.

After the included data is consumed, you can purchase additional data through the Relay app: day passes starting at $3/day, monthly plans starting at $5/month for light users, and unlimited plans for heavy users. Relay Pro users with the nano-SIM tray can also use any physical carrier SIM directly without the app.

Yes. You can switch the eSIM to any supported carrier plan through the Relay app — including your existing carrier if they support eSIM data-only plans. Relay Pro adds a nano-SIM tray so you can insert a physical SIM from any carrier without touching the eSIM. Relay is fully unlocked; we don't require you to use our data plans.

Yes. Relay supports eSIM carriers in most countries with 5G Sub-6GHz networks. International day and monthly data plans are available through the Relay app. Coverage in rural areas depends on local carrier infrastructure. Relay Pro with nano-SIM tray is recommended for frequent international travelers who prefer local SIMs.

MacBook Air doesn't have built-in 5G. The cleanest solution is Relay Air: plug it into any USB-C port on your MacBook Air. macOS recognizes it automatically in 3 seconds — no drivers, no hotspot, no setup. Relay Air includes 5GB of data pre-loaded. See all options for MacBook Air 5G →

Relay maintains its network registration when your MacBook sleeps. When you open the lid, it reconnects within a few seconds automatically — much faster than re-enabling a phone hotspot. The toggle button on the Relay lets you manually pause the connection when on WiFi to minimize power draw.

The toggle button pauses and resumes the cellular connection without unplugging. When you're on WiFi and don't need 5G, press it once to pause — Relay stops transmitting and drops to minimal power draw. Press again to resume. This is faster than unplugging and plugging back in, and avoids network interface changes in macOS.

Relay Air delivers up to 220 Mbps on 5G Sub-6GHz. Relay Pro supports 5G eMBB with theoretical speeds up to 5.4 Gbps (actual speeds depend on carrier and location). In typical urban environments with a strong 5G signal, expect 100–400 Mbps with Relay Pro. Both are more than sufficient for video calls, downloads, and real-time work.

Minimally. Relay draws approximately 1.5W at idle and under 3W under load from the USB-C port. For context, the MacBook Air's display alone draws 4–6W. In practice, you'll see less than 5–8% additional battery consumption over a full workday compared to WiFi-only use. The toggle button lets you pause Relay when on WiFi to eliminate the draw entirely.

Relay measures 70 × 35 × 6mm and weighs 18g (Air) or 20g (Pro). It is designed to plug directly into your MacBook's USB-C port — compact at 70×35×6mm. The profile is slim enough that it does not block the adjacent USB-C port on MacBooks with two ports per side.

Relay Air is available in Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Midnight — matching all MacBook Air color options. Relay Pro is available in Space Black and Silver, matching MacBook Pro finishes. The housing is matte polycarbonate, similar in texture to AirPods.

Relay Air is $125 (Founder's Pricing; regular $149). Relay Pro is $175 (Founder's Pricing; regular $199). Both include data on the eSIM. There is no required subscription — after included data is used, you choose how to add more. No recurring fee unless you opt into a monthly data plan.

Relay is targeting Q3 2026 for initial shipments to waitlist members. Waitlist members get first access in order of signup and lock in Founder's Pricing. No payment is collected until your order ships. Join the waitlist at relay5g.com.

Relay offers a 30-day return window from the date of delivery. If you're not satisfied for any reason, return in original condition for a full refund. No questions asked. Contact hello@relay5g.com to initiate a return.