Introduction
With the advent of 5G technology, users can experience faster internet speeds and improved connectivity on their Android devices. However, there may be situations where you want to turn off 5G on your Android device, whether it’s to conserve battery life, reduce data usage, or simply to troubleshoot network connectivity issues. Fortunately, there are a few ways to disable 5G on your Android device, and in this article, we will explore four different options.
These methods can vary depending on the make and model of your Android device, as well as the version of the operating system you are running. It’s always recommended to check your device’s user manual or consult the manufacturer’s support documentation for specific instructions tailored to your device.
Disabling 5G on your Android device can be helpful if you find yourself in a location with weak 5G signal strength, as your device may constantly try to connect to 5G networks, leading to poor battery life or dropped calls. By disabling 5G, you can force your device to connect to a more reliable 4G or 3G network, depending on what is available in your area.
Additionally, some users may prefer to disable 5G due to concerns about the potential health effects associated with prolonged exposure to higher frequency radio waves. While there is ongoing debate about the safety of 5G, it is important to make informed decisions and ensure your personal comfort and well-being.
In the following sections, we will explore four different methods to turn off 5G on your Android device. Whether you prefer quick settings, network and internet settings, developer options, or third-party apps, there is a solution that works for you. So, let’s dive in and learn how to disable 5G on Android.
Option 1: Using the Quick Settings Menu
One of the easiest ways to disable 5G on your Android device is through the quick settings menu. Here’s how you can do it:
- Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification panel.
- Look for the “Settings” icon and tap on it to open the settings menu.
- Scroll horizontally through the various quick settings tiles until you find the “Mobile Data” or “Network” tile.
- Long-press on the “Mobile Data” or “Network” tile to access the additional options.
- You should see different network options such as “5G”, “4G”, or “LTE”. Tap on the option that corresponds to the network you want to use (e.g., “4G” or “LTE”).
- Once you have selected the desired network, close the settings menu and your device will now be using the chosen network rather than 5G.
By using the quick settings menu, you can easily switch between different network options and disable 5G when needed. This method is quick and convenient, allowing you to make the switch on the go without digging into the deeper settings of your device.
Keep in mind that the availability of specific network options may vary depending on your Android device and the version of the operating system. Some devices may have a direct “5G” toggle in the quick settings menu, while others require you to access the mobile data or network settings to make the switch.
If you don’t see the desired network option in the quick settings menu, don’t worry. There are alternative methods that we’ll explore in the following sections.
Option 2: Using the Network & Internet Settings
If you prefer a more direct approach to disabling 5G on your Android device, you can use the network and internet settings. Here’s how:
- Open the “Settings” app on your Android device. You can usually find it in the app drawer or by swiping down and tapping on the gear icon in the notification panel.
- Scroll down and tap on the “Network & Internet” option.
- Look for and tap on “Mobile network” or a similar option that corresponds to your device.
- Depending on your device and Android version, you may see an option labeled “Preferred network type” or “Network mode. Tap on it.
- You should see a list of network options, including “5G”, “4G”, “3G”, and others. Select the network you want to use instead of 5G by tapping on it.
- Exit the settings app, and your device will now connect to the chosen network instead of 5G.
Using the network and internet settings gives you more control over your device’s network preferences. You can explicitly select the preferred network type and disable 5G without relying on the quick settings menu.
Remember, the available options may differ depending on your device and Android version. Be sure to explore the network and internet settings of your specific device to find the appropriate network mode or preferred network type option.
If the network settings on your device don’t have a direct option to disable 5G, don’t worry. We still have a couple more options to explore, which we’ll cover in the following sections.
Option 3: Using the Developer Options
If you’re comfortable diving into the advanced settings of your Android device, you can disable 5G using the developer options. Here’s how:
- Open the “Settings” app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on the “About phone” or “About device” option.
- Look for “Software information” or a similar section and tap on it.
- Find the “Build number” or “Build version” option and tap on it repeatedly, around seven times until you see a message indicating that you’ve unlocked the developer options.
- Now, go back to the main “Settings” menu and scroll down to find the newly unlocked “Developer options” or “Developer settings” option. Tap on it.
- Within the developer options, scroll down to find the “Mobile data always active” or a similar option and disable it.
- Exit the settings app, and your device will now switch off 5G. It will only connect to the network type you specified in the previous steps.
By accessing the developer options, you gain access to additional settings that are not normally available to the average user. Disabling the “Mobile data always active” option effectively disables 5G and ensures your device will only connect to the desired network type.
Keep in mind that the steps may vary slightly depending on your device, Android version, and manufacturer. If you’re having trouble finding the developer options or the specific option mentioned, refer to your device’s user manual or search online for instructions specific to your device model.
Now, let’s explore one final option in the next section if the previous methods don’t meet your needs.
Option 4: Using a Third-Party App
If the built-in options on your Android device don’t provide the desired functionality to disable 5G, you can turn to third-party apps for a solution. Here’s how:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- In the search bar, type in “5G Toggle” or “Network Switcher” to find third-party apps that allow you to control and disable 5G.
- Select a well-rated app from the search results and tap on it to open the app’s page.
- Read the app’s description, user reviews, and permissions to ensure it meets your specific needs.
- If you’re satisfied with the app, tap on the “Install” button to download and install it on your device.
- Open the installed app and follow the instructions or settings provided to disable 5G on your device.
- Exit the app and your device will now be using the network type you specified within the third-party app.
Third-party apps can offer more advanced features and customization options to control your device’s network preferences. They can provide a dedicated toggle or setting to disable 5G and force your device to use a different network type.
It’s important to note that third-party apps may have varying levels of reliability and compatibility depending on your device and Android version. Be sure to choose a reputable app with positive user reviews and regularly updated functionalities.
Now that we’ve explored different methods to disable 5G on your Android device, you can choose the option that suits your preferences and device capabilities.
Conclusion
Turning off 5G on your Android device can be useful in various situations, such as conserving battery life, reducing data usage, or troubleshooting network issues. In this article, we explored four different methods to disable 5G: using the quick settings menu, network and internet settings, developer options, or third-party apps.
The quick settings menu provides a convenient way to switch between network options on the go. By long-pressing the mobile data or network tile, you can select a network type other than 5G. This method allows for quick and easy access to change network settings without diving into deeper menus.
Using the network and internet settings gives you more control over your device’s network preferences. By accessing the mobile network or preferred network type option, you can explicitly choose a network other than 5G. This method allows for a direct approach to disabling 5G on your device.
If you’re comfortable exploring advanced settings, the developer options provide an option to disable 5G. By disabling the “Mobile data always active” option, your device will only connect to the specified network type, effectively turning off 5G.
If none of the built-in methods work for you, third-party apps can provide additional functionality to control and disable 5G. These apps give you more customization options and may offer dedicated toggles or settings to switch off 5G and select an alternative network type.
Remember, the specific steps and availability of options may vary depending on your device’s make, model, and Android version. It’s always recommended to consult your device’s user manual or manufacturer’s support documentation for device-specific instructions to disable 5G.
Now that you are equipped with various methods to disable 5G on your Android device, you can choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you need to conserve battery, reduce data usage, or troubleshoot network issues, these methods will help you regain control over your device’s network connectivity.