To switch your phone from 5G to 4G, open the settings menu and change the preferred network type to LTE or 4G. This forces your device to use the 4G network instead of 5G, which can save battery or provide a more stable connection when 5G is unreliable.
How to switch phone from 5G to 4G on an iPhone
On an iPhone, the documented menu path to force a 4G/LTE connection is Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > LTE. Selecting LTE turns off 5G use on that line and keeps the phone on LTE even when 5G is available. Apple explains that this setting applies to the cellular data settings screen on iPhone, and LTE uses only the LTE network, even when 5G is available.
How to switch phone from 5G to 4G on an Android
The exact menu path varies by manufacturer and Android version. For a Pixel phone on Google Fi, the documented path is Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Google Fi > Preferred network type > LTE or 5G. On many other Android devices running Android 13, 14, or 15, the common structure is Settings > Network and Internet > Mobile network / SIM > Preferred network type, then choosing the preferred network type. Some versions instead show Network & internet > SIMs and then the SIM or carrier name. The exact labels differ by Android version, so the setting may be named Mobile network, SIMs, or Preferred network type depending on the phone. The Android menu path is not universal.
Troubleshooting when the 4G or LTE option is missing
If the device is on a carrier-managed setup such as Google Fi, the carrier’s SIM path may be required rather than a generic Android path. Apple notes the iPhone setting works from the cellular data settings screen, but carrier behavior can still affect what networks are available. No 4G Network Option: This can happen if your phone does not support 4G or if it has been disabled by your service provider. Contact your service provider to ensure that 4G is enabled on your plan and that your phone is compatible with the network. Incompatible Phone: If your phone does not support 4G or is not compatible with your service provider's 4G network, switching to 4G may not be possible. Consider upgrading to a 4G-compatible phone or contacting your service provider for alternative options. Try searching within the settings app for terms like "preferred network type" or "LTE" to locate the option. If you encounter any difficulties or do not see the expected options, refer to your phone's user manual or contact the manufacturer's support for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 5G be turned off on iPhone?
Yes, by choosing LTE under Voice & Data in the cellular data settings.
Can the exact Android steps differ?
Yes, the menu labels and path vary by Android version and device manufacturer.
Does "LTE" mean 4G?
Apple’s support describes LTE as the 4G network option in the cellular settings context.
Why would I want to switch from 5G to 4G?
Switching to 4G can save battery life or provide a more stable connection when 5G is weak or unreliable.
Will switching from 5G to 4G affect my internet speed?
Yes, 4G is slower than 5G, but if you are in an area with weak 5G coverage, the difference may not be noticeable.
What if I still have issues after switching?
For issues like slow speeds or connection drops, restart your phone, check your signal strength, or contact your service provider for help with managing cellular data settings or T-Mobile cellular data troubleshooting steps.
How do I know if my device supports 5G?
To determine if your device supports 5G, you can check the manufacturer's specifications or refer to the device's user manual. Most newer smartphones and tablets that were released in the past couple of years are 5G compatible. Additionally, you can check with your mobile service provider to see if your device is compatible with their 5G network.
Does 4G drain battery faster than 5G?
Battery Drain: Some users may experience faster battery drain when using 4G compared to 5G. To optimize battery life, try reducing screen brightness and timeout settings, disabling unnecessary background activities and notifications, closing unused apps running in the background, and using Wi-Fi whenever possible to conserve data usage.
