Simple Steps to Disable 5G on a Samsung Phone

Avoid unnecessary battery drain by disabling 5G on your Samsung smartphone

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: January 23, 2026

• Turning off 5G
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• FAQ
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• Tips

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Do you live in an area with mostly 4G service, but your 5G-enabled phone keeps searching for a 5G network? Fortunately, there's a way to turn off 5G in your Samsung phone. Turning off 5G on your phone can also save battery life. This wikiHow article teaches you how to turn off 5G on a Samsung smartphone.

Things You Should Know

• Your phone uses more battery on 5G networks.
• Turn off 5G in "Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode."
• Some carriers have removed "Network Mode" from your Samsung, making it impossible to turn off 5G.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Turning off 5G

1. 
   1
   Open Settings. Tap the app icon that looks like a gear, or swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the gear icon in the Quick Settings panel.
2. 
   2
   Tap Connections. It's usually near the top of the menu next to a Wi-Fi icon.
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3. 
   3
   Tap Mobile Networks. You'll find this menu option near the middle of the menu.
4. 
   4
   Tap Network Mode. Your phone's networks are displayed (i.e., 5G/LTE/WCDMA/GSM).

   • Some Verizon users cannot turn off 5G, but that's mostly an issue caused by the type of plan they've chosen. If you don't see the "Network Mode" option, contact your carrier for more help.
5. 
   5
   Tap the network without 5G. You can pick any of the listed network connections that don't have 5G on them, like LTE/WCDMA/GSM.

   • After picking the network without 5G, you may need to restart your phone.
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Section 2 of 2:

FAQ

1. 
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   Does 5G use more battery? Yes, your battery drains faster when using a 5G network, but your data is faster.
2. 
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   Can I turn off 5G on other Samsung phones? Maybe, you can always look in the Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode section of your phone to see if you have the option not to use 5G.
3. 
   3
   How can I do this automatically? Use a routine or Mode to automate when to turn off 5G. Go to Settings > Modes and Routines > Routines > + and choose the trigger for turning off 5G (like a specific time or when you arrive at a location. In "Add what this routine will do," select Connections > Network Mode and select the network connection without 5G.
4. 
   4
   Why can't I turn off 5G? Some carriers have removed the option to turn off 5G, so you won't see "Network Mode" or be able to switch to a non-5G network if you're connected to one.

   • Some users report that the Samsung Band Selection app in the Google Play Store is helpful with using non-5G networks.
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Tips

• If you're on the inside edge of a 5G area, it could disrupt your service and leave you barely able to connect. Switching 5G off may help give stability in those low signal areas.
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• You can also disable Digital Wellbeing so you aren't bothered by the notifications anymore.
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• Don't want to get voicemail? Turn it off so no one can leave you messages in your voicemail.
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