Switch to LTE in Settings on Your iPhone
You can change your iPhone from 5G to LTE by opening Settings, tapping Cellular, then Cellular Data Options, and selecting LTE instead of 5G Auto or 5G On. The exact menu names depend on your iPhone model and iOS version, but the path is the same on all recent iPhones. This change takes effect when ready — your phone will drop the 5G connection and connect to LTE within seconds.
The reason to make this switch is usually battery life. 5G uses more power than LTE, so if your battery drains quickly or you are in an area with weak 5G coverage, switching to LTE can extend your phone's runtime by several hours. You can also switch back just as easily if you want the faster speeds again.
Key Takeaways
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and tap LTE to turn off 5G on your iPhone.
- Switching to LTE saves battery life because 5G consumes more power, even when you are not actively using data.
- Your phone will reconnect to LTE within a few seconds of making the change, and you can switch back to 5G at any time.
- If you do not see a 5G option in Cellular Data Options, your iPhone model does not support 5G or your carrier does not offer it in your area.
Step-by-Step Instructions for iPhone 12 and Newer
Open the Settings app on your home screen. Tap the Cellular option — it usually has a signal bars icon next to it. Then tap Cellular Data Options, which appears below the list of your carrier's name and signal strength.
You will see a menu with options like 5G Auto, 5G On, or LTE. Tap the circle next to LTE to select it. Your phone will when ready stop searching for 5G networks and will use LTE instead. You can verify the change by looking at the status bar at the top of your screen — it should now show "LTE" instead of "5G" or a 5G symbol.
What to Do If You Cannot Find the 5G Option
If you look in Cellular Data Options and see only LTE listed, your iPhone does not support 5G. iPhones that support 5G include the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. If you have an iPhone 11 or earlier, 5G is not available on your device.
If you have a compatible iPhone but still do not see 5G options, your carrier may not offer 5G service in your area, or you may need to update to the latest iOS version. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates. After updating, restart your phone and check Cellular Data Options again.
Why Your Battery Drains Faster on 5G
5G networks require your phone's modem to work harder than LTE, which means it draws more power from your battery even when you are not downloading or streaming anything. The phone is constantly scanning for and maintaining a 5G connection, and that background work adds up over the course of a day. In areas with weak 5G coverage, your phone works even harder to hold onto the signal, draining the battery even faster.
LTE is slower than 5G, but the difference is not noticeable for most everyday tasks like texting, email, social media, and web browsing. You will notice a speed difference only when downloading large files, streaming video in high quality, or playing online games. If you rarely do those things, switching to LTE can give you several extra hours of battery life without any practical downside.
How to Switch Back to 5G
If you want to return to 5G, follow the same path: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. This time, tap the circle next to 5G Auto or 5G On, depending on which option your carrier offers. 5G Auto means your phone will use 5G when available but will switch to LTE automatically if the 5G signal is weak. 5G On means your phone will stay on 5G even if the signal is poor, which drains the battery faster but gives you the highest possible speeds.
Most people should choose 5G Auto if they want to use 5G, because it balances speed and battery life. Your phone will use 5G when the signal is strong and switch to LTE when it is not, so you get the best of both without the constant drain of a weak 5G connection.
Turning Off 5G Temporarily Without Changing Settings
If you want to disable 5G just for a few hours without going into Settings, you can turn on Airplane Mode and then turn Wi-Fi back on. This disconnects all cellular networks, including 5G, but keeps you connected to Wi-Fi for internet. Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhones), tap the airplane icon to turn on Airplane Mode, then tap the Wi-Fi icon to turn Wi-Fi back on.
This method is useful if you are at home or in an office with strong Wi-Fi and want to save battery for a few hours. When you turn off Airplane Mode, your phone will return to whatever cellular setting you had before — if you had 5G on, it will go back to 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will switching to LTE slow down my internet?
LTE is slower than 5G, but the difference is usually not noticeable for everyday tasks like email, social media, and web browsing. You will see a speed difference mainly when downloading large files or streaming video. For most people, the battery savings outweigh the small speed reduction.
Can I set my iPhone to use LTE only in certain locations?
No, the LTE setting applies to your entire phone at all times. You cannot create location-based rules that automatically switch between 5G and LTE. You have to manually change the setting in Cellular Data Options whenever you want to switch.
Does turning off 5G affect my phone calls or text messages?
No. Phone calls and text messages use a different network system than data, so switching from 5G to LTE does not change how calls or texts work. You will still send and receive them at the same speed.
What is the difference between 5G Auto and 5G On?
5G Auto switches your phone to LTE automatically when the 5G signal is weak, which saves battery. 5G On keeps your phone on 5G even if the signal is poor, giving you maximum speed but draining the battery faster. Choose 5G Auto unless you need the highest speeds at all times.