Hit Voice & Data. 5G Auto switches between 4G and 5G automatically. If you want to rely on 4G at all times, tap on LTE/4G. If you'd rather use 5G always (assuming you have 5G coverage), tap 5G On.
Yes, you can force your phone to use 4G instead of 5G. To do this, you will need to access the settings on your phone and find the option that allows you to select network type. Depending on the make and model of your device, it may be located in different places.
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and tap Enable LTE or Settings > Mobile Data and tap Enable LTE.
Open the Settings app. Go over to Mobile Network. Choose the SIM card to enter SIM info & settings. Select Preferred network type, then choose the mode you want.
If 4G or LTE is available from your provider, you can switch to a 4G network in your cellular or mobile settings. If you don't see the 4G or LTE option on your Android and are sure your phone is compatible, dial #*#4636#*#* to enable the feature. Some carriers do not allow you to change your network type.
Check Your Cellular Data Options
Your iPhone gives you the ability to pick and choose which cellular networks your iPhone can connect to. Head to Settings -> Cellular -> Cellular Data Options -> Voice & Data. Make sure that LTE is selected. If you have a 5G iPhone, you can also select 5G here.
5G up to 100 times faster than 4G
In the right conditions 5G download speeds can reach 10 gigabits per second. That's up to 100 times faster than 4G – and certainly the level of performance needed for an increasingly connected society.
If you've bought a new 5G smartphone, particularly one of the latest iPhone models, you might've noticed that it sometimes switches between 4G and 5G automatically. That's because iOS 16, by default, shifts between the networks based on different factors, such as your phone's needs and battery life.
Ensure your SIM card and phone are 4G-compatible
Though most modern phones are built with 4G (and 5G) chips, some entry-level devices feature only 3G networks to save cost. Even so, if you have an old SIM card that has not been upgraded to 4G, your phone won't so 4G.
Turning off 5G really extends your battery life.
Switching 5G off saves battery because, when connected to a 5G signal, your cell phone is basically connecting to a bunch of different, smaller networks all at once. This rapid loss of charge may also cause your phone to heat up.
iPhone default 5G setting
It uses what Apple calls “Smart Data mode” that tries to automatically strike the best balance between 5G/LTE and battery life. Apple even says it takes into account your data plan: The default settings for 5G on iPhone are optimized for battery life and data usage based on your data plan.
To turn off 5G on your Android phone, navigate to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks and select Network mode. You can now choose which 5G option you want or switch to LTE or 4G.
There are a few reasons why your 5G connection may be slower than 4G LTE: Distance from the cell tower: 5G has a shorter range than 4G, so you may need to be closer to a 5G tower for a faster connection. Obstruction: Buildings, trees, and other obstacles can block or weaken the 5G signal, making it slower.
Truth is 5G is a new technology that can use more battery on your smartphone due to its higher power consumption and heat generation. It's not as energy-efficient as 4G LTE. The issue of battery drain is more pronounced with non-standalone (NSA) 5G networks, which rely on existing 4G infrastructure.
5G Auto: Enables Smart Data mode. When 5G speeds don't provide a noticeably better experience, your iPhone automatically switches to LTE, saving battery life. 5G On: Always uses 5G network when it's available. This might reduce battery life.