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10 Tech How-To

How to Turn 5G On or Off on iPhone and Android

Guide 10-9979 · Updated · Step by step

This guide shows you how to enable or disable 5G on your iPhone or Android phone. You’ll find the exact menu paths for both platforms, along with tips for battery life, data usage, and troubleshooting when the option isn’t showing up.

What You’ll Need

  • An iPhone (12 or newer) or a 5G-capable Android phone.
  • An active SIM card from a carrier that supports 5G.
  • Your phone’s unlock code or passcode (to change settings).
  • For some Android phones, you may need to be in an area with 5G coverage to see the option.

Step-by-Step

On iPhone (iOS 16 or later)

  1. Open the Settings app (the gray gear icon).
  2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions).
  3. If you have multiple SIMs, tap the line you want to adjust (e.g., Primary or Secondary).
  4. Tap Voice & Data.
  5. Choose one of these options:
    • 5G Auto – Uses 5G only when it won’t significantly drain battery (default).
    • 5G On – Always uses 5G when available, even if it uses more battery.
    • LTE – Turns off 5G completely and uses LTE/4G.
  6. To turn off 5G entirely, select LTE. To turn it back on, select 5G Auto or 5G On.

Additionally, you can control 5G for data usage:

  1. In the same Voice & Data screen, tap Data Mode.
  2. Choose Allow More Data on 5G (uses more data, but higher quality) or Standard (default, saves data).

On Android (varies by manufacturer, but common paths)

Since Android phones vary by brand (Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.), the exact steps may differ slightly. Below are the most common methods.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet (or Connections on Samsung).
  3. Tap Mobile network (or SIM & network).
  4. Tap the SIM card you’re using (if prompted).
  5. Look for Preferred network type (or Network mode).
  6. Tap it and select one of these options:
    • 5G/LTE/3G/2G (or NR/LTE/GSM) – enables 5G.
    • LTE/3G/2G (or LTE/GSM) – disables 5G.
  7. If you don’t see a network type option, look for a toggle labeled 5G (on some phones like Pixel, it’s under Network & internet > SIMs > Preferred network type).

On Samsung phones:

  1. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks.
  2. Tap Network mode.
  3. Select 5G/LTE/3G/2G to enable 5G, or LTE/3G/2G to disable it.

On Google Pixel phones:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
  2. Tap Preferred network type.
  3. Select 5G or LTE.

Common Mistakes

  • Selecting the wrong SIM: On dual-SIM phones, you might change the wrong line. Always check which SIM is active for data.
  • Assuming 5G is off when it’s just not available: Your phone may show LTE even when 5G is enabled, simply because you’re outside 5G coverage.
  • Not restarting after changing settings: Some phones need a reboot to apply network changes.
  • Confusing “5G Autoâ€� with “5G Onâ€�: On iPhone, “5G Autoâ€� is the default and may switch to LTE to save battery. If you want 5G always, choose “5G Onâ€�.
  • Looking for a dedicated 5G toggle on Android: Many Android phones don’t have a simple on/off switch; you must change the network mode.

Tips

  • Battery life: 5G consumes more battery than LTE, especially in areas with weak signal. If you’re not using data-heavy apps, switch to LTE to extend battery life.
  • Data usage: 5G can use more data because it loads content faster. Keep an eye on your data cap if you’re on a limited plan.
  • Speed test: After enabling 5G, run a speed test (e.g., using Speedtest.net) to confirm you’re getting 5G speeds. If you see LTE speeds, you may be in a weak 5G zone.
  • Airplane mode trick: Toggling Airplane mode on and off can force your phone to re-scan for networks, which can help when switching between 5G and LTE.
  • Update carrier settings: On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About – if a carrier settings update is available, you’ll see a prompt. On Android, check for system updates in Settings > System > System update.

Troubleshooting

5G option is missing or grayed out

  • Check if your phone supports 5G: Not all phones have 5G hardware. Look up your model online.
  • Contact your carrier: Your carrier may not support 5G on your plan, or may require a 5G SIM card. Some carriers restrict 5G to certain plans.
  • Update your phone: Ensure your phone’s software is up to date. Go to Settings > General > Software Update (iPhone) or Settings > System > System update (Android).
  • Reset network settings: On iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. On Android: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. This will not delete your data, but it will clear saved Wi-Fi passwords.

5G is on but you’re not getting 5G speeds

  • Check coverage: Use your carrier’s coverage map to confirm 5G is available in your area.
  • Move to a different location: 5G signals can be blocked by buildings, trees, and even weather. Try going outside or near a window.
  • Restart your phone: A simple restart can re-establish a better connection.
  • Toggle Airplane mode: Turn on Airplane mode for a few seconds, then turn it off.
  • Check if you’re on “5G Autoâ€� (iPhone): If you’re not getting 5G, switch to “5G Onâ€� to force 5G even if the signal is weak.

After turning off 5G, you still see 5G in the status bar

  • This can happen if you have a dual-SIM phone and the other SIM is on 5G. Check both SIM settings.
  • Restart your phone to ensure the setting takes effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turning off 5G save battery?

Yes, turning off 5G and using LTE typically improves battery life, especially in areas with weak 5G coverage where the phone works harder to maintain a connection.

Will I lose 5G if I switch to a different carrier?

Yes, 5G availability depends on your carrier. Even if your phone supports 5G, you need a carrier that offers 5G service and a compatible plan.

Can I turn 5G off for specific apps?

No, the 5G setting is global. However, on iPhone you can choose “Low Data Modeâ€� in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode, which reduces data usage but doesn’t specifically disable 5G.

Why is my phone on 5G but the internet is slow?

5G speeds vary based on signal strength, network congestion, and your carrier’s 5G implementation (e.g., low-band vs. mmWave). You might be connected to a slower 5G band.

Does 5G use more data than LTE?

Yes, because 5G is faster, it can cause apps to load more content (e.g., higher-resolution videos) automatically, which can increase data usage.

Can I set 5G to only work when charging?

No, there is no built-in feature that limits 5G to charging. However, on iPhone, “5G Auto� is designed to minimize battery drain, which is a similar effect.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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