How to turn off 5G on Android phones

If you look around at the smartphone landscape, pretty much every phone maker has released an option that includes 5G connectivity. The new wave of 5G began back in 2019, but has really taken over and can be found in many phones, regardless of how much they cost.

However, while it’s great to “future-proof” yourself by getting a phone with 5G connectivity, that doesn’t mean that your carrier has caught up just yet. While the three major U.S. carriers do offer 5G connectivity, it’s not exactly available everywhere just yet. As a result, you’ll still be relying on the older LTE network speeds and this could mean that your phone’s battery life suffers. That’s because your phone will continue searching for 5G networks even if there aren’t any to be found wherever you are located.

Turn off 5G on Google Pixel phones

Currently, the Pixel 5a is the only Google device that you can purchase with 5G connectivity, as the Pixel 4a sticks with LTE to help reach the lower price point. But if you own the Pixel 5 or Pixel 4a 5G, then you also have access to 5G networks. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, arriving later this year, will also have 5G connectivity. So if you have a Google Pixel device, here’s how you can turn off 5G:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Network and Internet.
3. From the list, tap SIMs.
4. Scroll down and tap Preferred Network Type.
5. From the pop-up menu, tap any of the options other than 5G.

Turn off 5G on Samsung Galaxy phones

Samsung is an industry leader in many ways, and it was also one of the first companies to jump aboard the 5G hype train. Today, almost every Samsung Galaxy phone is equipped with 5G, but again, it may not be the best option depending on the availability in your area. Thankfully, you can turn off 5G on Samsung phones if you don’t need it.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Connections.
3. From the list, tap Mobile networks.
4. Tap Network mode.
5. Tap LTE/3G/2G (auto connect).

Turn off 5G on OnePlus phones

OnePlus was one of the first smartphone makers on the scene with a budget-friendly 5G device thanks to the company’s Nord lineup. 5G is also available on the flagships we’ve come to know and love over the past few years, but just like the other devices, trying to connect to 5G all the time could result in disappointing battery life. Here’s how you can turn off 5G on OnePlus phones.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Wi-Fi & Network.
3. Tap SIM & Network.
4. Under Cellular Data, tap Preferred Network type.
5. Select 2G/3G/4G (Automatic).