To turn off 5G on Android, open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, select your SIM, tap Preferred network type, and choose LTE. On Samsung phones, the path is Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode, then select an option like LTE/3G/2G (auto connect) or 4G/3G/2G (auto connect).
How to turn off 5G on Android: The standard Android path
The most common method to turn off 5G on Android uses the Network & internet settings. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Tap SIMs (or Mobile network on some devices).
- Select the SIM you use for data.
- Tap Preferred network type.
- Choose LTE (or 4G/3G/2G) to disable 5G.
Samsung-specific path
On Samsung Galaxy phones, the setting is located under Connections:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap Mobile networks.
- Tap Network mode.
- Select a non-5G option such as LTE/3G/2G (auto connect) or 4G/3G/2G (auto connect).
Settings search tip for hard-to-find menus
If you cannot locate the setting, use the Settings search bar. Search for 5G, Network mode, Preferred network type, or Mobile network. This often reveals the correct menu, even when it is buried in a non-standard location.
Why the menu names vary by device
Manufacturers and carriers customize Android, so menu labels differ. Some phones show Preferred network type, while others show Network mode or similar wording. Carrier-locked devices may also rename or hide these options. The exact path depends on your phone maker (e.g., Samsung, OnePlus, Google) and your carrier. If the phone or carrier does not expose a non-5G network option, the setting may not be available at all.
What to do if you can't find the 5G setting
First, use the Settings search bar with keywords like 5G or Network mode. If that fails, some Android phones have a Developer options menu where network-selection controls may appear. To access Developer options, go to Settings > About phone > Build number and tap it seven times. Then check Settings > System > Developer options for network-related toggles. One specific toggle that may appear is Mobile data always active; toggling this off can deactivate 5G by preventing the modem from maintaining a 5G data connection when on Wi-Fi. However, availability varies by phone, and no universal, reliable developer-options switch for disabling 5G exists across all Android devices. If the setting is still hidden, your carrier may have locked it. No official third-party app method is documented for turning off 5G on Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off 5G affect my connectivity?
No. Your phone will connect to 4G LTE or 3G instead, which still provides reliable connectivity for browsing, streaming, and apps. You may notice slower peak speeds, but day-to-day use remains functional.
How do I turn 5G back on?
Follow the same steps you used to disable it, but select a network mode that includes 5G (e.g., 5G/LTE/3G/2G or 5G auto).
Why would someone disable 5G?
Common reasons include saving battery life (5G can drain the battery faster than 4G), getting a more stable connection in areas with weak 5G coverage, or managing cellular data settings to reduce data consumption.
Do these steps work on all Android phones?
No. The path and labels vary by manufacturer and carrier. The standard Android path and the Samsung path cover most devices, but some phones may use different wording or hide the option entirely.
What if my carrier locked the 5G setting?
Some carrier-locked devices hide the network mode option. In that case, you may not be able to disable 5G through the settings. You can try using the Settings search bar, but if the option is truly absent, no universal workaround exists.
Can I use Developer options to disable 5G?
Availability varies by phone. While some devices have network-selection controls in Developer options, there is no documented universal method across all Android phones. It is not a reliable solution.
Can I turn off 5G on my Android device?
Yes, most 5G-capable Android smartphones allow you to switch between 5G and other network modes like LTE or 4G through the Preferred network type or Network mode setting.
For the wider topic, see managing cellular data settings.
