Where to find the 5G toggle on Samsung devices

You can turn off 5G on most Samsung phones through the Settings app. Open Settings, then go to Connections (or Network & Internet on some models), then Mobile Networks. Look for an option called 5G or Network Mode. If you see a toggle next to 5G, switch it off. If you see Network Mode instead, tap it and select LTE or 4G/3G/2G to disable 5G.

The exact menu names vary slightly between Samsung models and Android versions. If you cannot find these settings, try searching within Settings: open the app, tap the search icon at the top, and type "5G" or "network mode". This will take you directly to the right menu.

Some Samsung phones sold by specific carriers (like Verizon or AT&T) may have additional carrier-specific menus. If the standard path does not show a 5G option, check whether your carrier has its own network settings app installed on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • The 5G toggle is in Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks on most Samsung phones, though the exact path varies by model and Android version.
  • If you do not see a 5G toggle, look for Network Mode instead and select LTE or 4G to disable 5G.
  • Using the Settings search function will find the right menu faster if you cannot locate it manually.
  • Turning off 5G will reduce your data speed but may improve battery life on some devices.
  • You can turn 5G back on at any time using the same menu.

Why you might want to turn off 5G

The most common reason to disable 5G is battery drain. 5G radios consume more power than 4G LTE, especially when your phone is searching for a 5G signal in areas where coverage is spotty. If you notice your battery dropping faster than usual, turning off 5G can extend the time between charges.

Another reason is data usage. If you are on a limited data plan, 5G's faster speeds can lead to higher consumption without you realizing it. Switching to 4G LTE gives you more control over how much data you use.

Some people also turn off 5G in areas where the network is unreliable or unavailable. If your phone keeps switching between 5G and 4G, it can cause connection drops. Locking to 4G LTE provides a more stable connection in those situations.

How to check if 5G is actually available in your area

Before assuming 5G is draining your battery, verify that your phone is actually connecting to a 5G network. Look at the status bar at the top of your screen. If you see a "5G" or "5G+" indicator next to your signal bars, your phone is on a 5G connection. If you see "LTE" or "4G", you are on a slower network regardless of whether 5G is enabled.

Your carrier's coverage map can tell you whether 5G is available at your location. Visit your carrier's website and enter your address or zip code. Most carriers show 5G coverage separately from 4G coverage. If 5G is not available where you spend most of your time, turning it off will not change your connection speed but may still save battery.

Turning 5G back on when you need it

Disabling 5G is not permanent. You can turn it back on using the same Settings menu. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks, toggle 5G back on, or change Network Mode back to the default setting. Your phone will reconnect to 5G networks within a few seconds.

Some people prefer to leave 5G off most of the time and turn it on only when they need faster speeds for downloading large files or streaming video. This approach balances battery life with the option to use 5G when it matters to you.

Using Quick Settings for faster access

If you turn 5G on and off frequently, you can add a 5G toggle to your Quick Settings panel for one-tap access. Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the full Quick Settings menu. Look for an edit button (usually a pencil icon or "Edit" text) and tap it. Find the 5G tile in the available options and drag it into your Quick Settings panel.

Once added, you can toggle 5G on or off directly from your notification shade without opening the full Settings app. This is faster than navigating through menus each time.

What happens to your connection when 5G is off

When you disable 5G, your phone will use 4G LTE or 3G networks depending on what is available in your area. 4G LTE is still fast enough for most tasks like browsing, email, and video streaming. The difference in speed is noticeable only when downloading large files or using bandwidth-heavy apps.

Your phone will not lose cellular service. It will straightforward fall back to the next available network type. In areas with strong LTE coverage, you may not notice any practical difference in everyday use.

Troubleshooting if the 5G option does not appear

If you cannot find a 5G toggle or Network Mode option, your phone may not support 5G hardware, or the option may be hidden by your carrier. Some older Samsung models sold before 5G became standard do not have this feature at all.

Check your phone's model number (usually found in Settings > About Phone) and search online to confirm whether it has 5G capability. If it does but the setting is hidden, contact your carrier's support line. They can tell you whether the option is disabled on their end and how to access it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off 5G save my battery?

It may, depending on your situation. If your phone is constantly searching for a 5G signal in an area with poor coverage, disabling 5G can reduce battery drain. If 5G is not available where you are, turning it off will not make a difference. Test it for a day or two and compare your battery life.

Can I turn off 5G for specific apps only?

No, Samsung does not offer per-app 5G controls. When you disable 5G, it affects all apps and services on your phone. You can only turn 5G on or off globally through the settings described above.

Does turning off 5G affect my phone calls or texts?

No. Phone calls and text messages use separate networks and will work normally on 4G LTE or 3G. Turning off 5G only affects data speeds for internet-based services.

What is the difference between 5G and 5G+?

5G+ (sometimes called Ultra Wideband or UWB) is a faster version of 5G available in limited areas. Both are disabled when you turn off 5G in your settings. You cannot turn off 5G+ separately.

If I turn off 5G, will my phone automatically turn it back on?

No. Once you disable 5G, it stays off until you manually turn it back on. Your phone will not re-enable it on its own, even after a restart.