Many people want to turn off 5G to save battery life and improve data speeds. 5G can cause batteries to drain up to 10% faster than 4G LTE. This is especially true if you move between areas with and without 5G, or if your phone is older.
To turn off 5G on Android phones, like Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel, go through your phone’s settings. For iPhone users with a model 12 or later, there are easy steps to follow. Even though 5G is fast, it might not be worth the extra battery use for some.
What is 5G and Why You Might Want to Turn it Off
5th Generation technology, or 5G, is a huge step up in mobile internet. It offers speeds up to 1 gigabit per second. This is much faster than 4G LTE, up to eight times faster, in fact. It can handle a lot more data at once, a thousand times more than before. However, there are reasons you might want to turn it off on your phone.
Understanding 5G Technology
5G works with millimeter wave (mmWave) and Sub-6GHz bands for fast cellular network speeds and more bandwidth. But, it needs many network towers, especially in big cities. While it’s great for performance, it comes with challenges and limits we should know.
Reasons to Consider Disabling 5G
A big issue with 5G is that it’s not available everywhere. Major US carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have 5G plans. But coverage can be uneven, mainly outside big cities. Also, not all smartphones work smoothly between 5G and older networks, leading to connectivity problems.
Also, the first 5G phones, like those with the Qualcomm X50 modem, often use the battery quickly and can overheat. By turning off 5G, you can avoid these issues and save battery life.
Impact of 5G on Battery Life
Many have noticed that the fast cellular network speeds of 5G drain batteries quickly. It’s especially true for networks using lower-frequency bands, like T-Mobile’s low-band 5G network. Connecting to far-off signals uses a lot of battery power. So, companies like Verizon and T-Mobile suggest turning off 5G to save battery.
New technology is coming to help with this. Things like standalone 5G and RF tuning in new chipsets should use less energy and help batteries last longer. But for now, turning off 5G can help your phone’s battery stay strong.
Turning Off 5G on Android Phones
Turning off 5G on your Android phone is not hard, but it depends on your phone model. Let’s look at how to do it for different Android phones.
Steps for Samsung Galaxy Phones
If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, like the Galaxy S21, S22, or S23, you can turn off 5G. Here’s the way to do it:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Select Mobile Networks.
- Tap on Network Mode.
- Choose a network option without 5G, such as LTE/3G/2G.
Some carriers may not let you change network settings to turn off 5G. If you don’t see the option, it might be due to carrier rules.
Steps for Google Pixel Phones
Turning off 5G on Google Pixel phones is slightly different but just as easy:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Network & Internet.
- Select SIMs.
- Choose a network type other than 5G, like LTE or 3G.
This way, Google Pixel users can improve their battery life or manage data better.
General Steps for Other Android Models
Most Android phones, no matter the brand, have a similar way to turn off 5G. Here’s a general guide:
- Access Settings.
- Find and tap on Network & Internet or a similar option like Connections.
- Select Mobile Networks or Cellular Networks.
- Look for Network Mode or Preferred Network Type.
- Pick a setting that doesn’t include 5G, like 4G/3G/2G.
By doing this, you can save battery and manage data usage more effectively by adjusting your Android’s settings.
Turning Off 5G on iPhones
Apple has made it easy to switch 5G on and off on recent iPhone models. You might want to save battery life or just prefer using the stable 4G connection. Here’s a simple guide to adjusting your iPhone 5G settings.
Steps for iPhone 12 and Later Models
For iPhone 12 and newer models with the latest iOS:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to Cellular, then tap Cellular Data Options.
- Tap on Voice & Data.
- Choose LTE to turn off 5G and use 4G networks instead.
- You can also select 5G Auto to let your iPhone switch to 5G without affecting the battery much.
This method works for Apple devices released after the iPhone 12. It includes the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and the iPhone 15. Adjusting these settings helps find a good balance between speed and battery life.
Tips to Maximize Battery Life
Looking to improve your iPhone’s battery life? Managing 5G settings is key. Here are some tips:
- Turn on Low Power Mode to avoid using 5G for most tasks, saving it for video streaming or big downloads.
- Use Smart Data Mode to better manage data use. It helps save battery by switching between 5G, 4G, and Wi-Fi.
- Keep your network settings up-to-date for the best performance under the newest iOS version.
Turning off 5G can save battery, especially in areas with poor 5G signal. This can be handy in some city parks or while traveling in places like Colorado. Considering the 5G network’s varying coverage and quality, it’s smart to choose when to use 5G on your devices.
Can I Turn off 5G?
Yes, you can definitely turn off 5G on most smartphones today. If you have an iPhone or an Android, brands like Apple and Samsung made it simple. They added options in the settings for you to switch network modes easily. This feature is handy if your 5G signal is weak. Changing to a 4G LTE network could make your phone’s battery last longer.
However, you should first check if your phone carrier allows you to switch off 5G. Some plans or phones might not have this option because of carrier policies. U.S. carriers such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon usually let you turn off 5G. But, you might need to talk to them or get a new SIM card for detailed steps. This is important for older phones that used to need a 3G network, which is now outdated.
Turning off 5G might not always make your battery last way longer, but it helps in some cases. For example, the iPhone 13 can save battery with its Smart Data mode. This mode only uses 5G when it’s really needed. But, if you’re often in places with bad 5G connection, staying on 4G LTE could save more battery. So, adjusting your network can improve battery life, depending on where you are and how you use your phone.
