5G stands for the 5th generation mobile networks. Mobile operators have been deploying it globally since 2019, and it's slated to eventually replace the existing 4G LTE technology that smartphones use. Compared to 4G, 5G networks provide higher download speeds and significantly lower latency.
However, 5G connection isn’t always the best choice, because 5G coverage maps still have many gaps. Consequently, connecting to 5G can cause several problems, including draining iPhone battery life, network instability, and increased data usage.
For these reasons, some users turn off 5G on their iPhones®. Read this guide to learn about how to turn off 5G on iPhone and the benefits of doing so. We also have other tech guides, including one on how to turn off iPhone data roaming.
Reasons to turn off 5G on your iPhone
There are several reasons to turn off 5G on your iPhone.
Save battery life
5G can make browsing faster, but it can also drain your phone battery faster than LTE. To save energy while on the go, consider switching from 5G to LTE.
Improve network stability
In areas with weak 5G coverage, your iPhone may bounce between 5G and LTE, making smooth browsing, streaming, and downloading difficult. Disabling 5G can stabilize your connection by locking your device to a more reliable network.
Reduced data usage
Some users may use more of their data plan on 5G, especially when streaming or downloading large files. As such, you may want to stick to LTE or 4G to reduce unexpected data usage.
How to disable 5G on iPhone
Follow these steps to disable 5G on your iPhone,
- Go to Settings> Cellular.
- Select the SIM card you want to turn off 5G for.
- Choose Voice & Data. Here you’ll see available network options, including 5G and LTE. On some carriers, you may also see an option for "5G Auto," which uses 5G only when it doesn't significantly affect battery life.
- Tap “LTE” to disable 5G. Your iPhone will now exclusively use the 4G LTE network.
How to turn 5G back on
If you want to re-enable 5G in the future:
- Go to Settings> Cellular> Your SIM Card
- Tap Voice & Data. Select 5G Auto or 5G On, depending on your preferences.
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Troubleshooting common issues
Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues.
Unable to locate 5G settings
If you don’t see any 5G options in your iPhone’s settings, your iPhone model might not support 5G (only iPhone 12 and newer support it). Your SIM card or carrier plan may also not include 5G access. Try updating to the latest version of iOS to ensure your device supports all available features.
Persistent 5G connection despite changes
If you switched to LTE but still see “5G” in your upper right-hand corner, double-check the selected network mode under Voice & Data. Then, restart your iPhone to refresh network settings.
Resetting network settings
If you’re still experiencing problems, resetting your network settings can help. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note that this will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings.
FAQ
Does turning off 5G affect call or data quality?
Turning off 5G doesn’t significantly affect call or data quality, since LTE networks are still fast and reliable for most tasks. So, you probably won't notice a performance drop unless you’re in a strong 5G area and using data-heavy apps.
How do I know if my iPhone is using 5G?
If you see a 5G icon at the top-right corner of your screen, your phone is currently using 5G. If you see LTE or 4G, you’re on a 4G network.
Can I set my iPhone to only use 5G when available?
Yes. Select 5G Auto under the Voice & Data settings. This automatically balances speed and battery life by using 5G when it's efficient and falling back to LTE when it's not.
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