Turning off 5G on your iPhone running iOS 17 is a simple process. By following a few quick steps, you can switch your connection to a lower bandwidth like 4G or LTE to save battery life or improve your signal strength in areas with poor 5G coverage. Let’s dive in.
You can also watch this video about how to turn off 5G on your iPhone for more on this topic.
How to Turn Off 5G on iPhone Running iOS 17
Before we get into the step-by-step guide, it’s important to understand why you might want to turn off 5G. The latest generation of cellular network technology offers faster download and upload speeds, but it can also drain your battery more quickly and might not be available everywhere. By turning off 5G, you can extend your battery life and often get a more stable connection.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Start by tapping the Settings icon on your iPhone’s home screen.
The Settings app is where you can adjust all sorts of preferences on your iPhone, from sounds and notifications to privacy settings and, of course, your cellular network options.
Step 2: Tap on Cellular
Scroll down and tap on the Cellular option in the Settings menu.
The Cellular menu contains all the settings related to your iPhone’s connection to your mobile carrier’s network.
Step 3: Tap on Cellular Data Options
In the Cellular menu, tap on Cellular Data Options to access more specific network settings.
This is the area where you can manage your data usage and network preferences, such as turning data roaming on or off and selecting your voice and data settings.
Step 4: Tap on Voice & Data
Under Cellular Data Options, you’ll find the Voice & Data setting. Tap on this to see your network options.
The Voice & Data setting lets you choose what kind of network your iPhone should use for calls and data.
Step 5: Select LTE or 4G
Finally, select LTE or 4G instead of 5G to turn off your iPhone’s 5G connectivity.
By selecting LTE or 4G, you’re telling your iPhone to use an older, often more reliable network that might have better coverage in your area.
After completing these steps, your iPhone will no longer use the 5G network, but instead default to 4G or LTE. You may notice an improvement in battery life and possibly even better signal strength, depending on your location and carrier.
Tips for Managing 5G on Your iPhone Running iOS 17
- Keep an eye on your battery usage. If you notice that your iPhone’s battery is draining faster than usual, switching off 5G might help.
- Be aware of your carrier’s 5G coverage. If you’re frequently in areas without 5G coverage, your phone might work harder to find a signal, using more battery in the process.
- Consider your data needs. If you don’t need the fast speeds that 5G offers, sticking with 4G or LTE can save battery life without a noticeable difference in performance.
- Remember that you can always switch back to 5G. If you find yourself needing quicker download speeds, it’s easy to re-enable 5G by following the steps above and selecting 5G instead of LTE or 4G.
- Stay updated with the latest iOS versions. Apple often releases updates that can improve battery life and connectivity, so make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off 5G affect my call quality?
Turning off 5G should not affect your call quality. Calls can be made over LTE or 4G networks with no noticeable difference for most users.
Does 5G use more battery than LTE or 4G?
Yes, 5G can use more battery than LTE or 4G because it requires more power to maintain a connection to the newer, faster network.
Can I still use data when I turn off 5G?
Absolutely, you can still use cellular data with 5G turned off. Your iPhone will simply connect to the next best available network, which is usually LTE or 4G.
Will my iPhone automatically switch to 5G if I’m in an area with 5G coverage?
If you’ve turned off 5G by following the steps above, your iPhone won’t automatically switch to 5G. You would need to manually change the settings back to connect to 5G.
Is 5G available everywhere?
No, 5G coverage is still being rolled out and might not be available in all areas or with all carriers. Checking with your mobile carrier for coverage maps can give you a better idea of 5G availability.
Summary
- Open the Settings App
- Tap on Cellular
- Tap on Cellular Data Options
- Tap on Voice & Data
- Select LTE or 4G
Conclusion
So, there you have it—the ins and outs of turning off 5G on your iPhone running iOS 17. Whether you’re looking to save some battery life or just don’t have 5G coverage in your area, you now know exactly how to switch to a different network. Keep in mind that as 5G networks expand and technology improves, you might want to switch back to take advantage of faster speeds. For now, take control of your iPhone’s connectivity and use it in a way that works best for you. And hey, if you ever get stuck or have questions, remember that Apple’s support site and your carrier’s customer service are just a few taps away. Happy connecting!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.