To turn off 5G on an iPhone 15, navigate to the settings app, tap on “Cellular,” then “Cellular Data Options,” and finally select “LTE” as your preferred data option. This quick method disables 5G and switches your network connection to LTE.
After you’ve completed this action, your iPhone 15 will no longer connect to a 5G network, even if it is available. Instead, it will connect to an LTE network, which might result in a slower internet connection but can also save on battery life.
You can also watch this video about how to turn off 5G on an iPhone for more information.
Introduction
The iPhone 15, like its predecessors, comes with the ability to connect to 5G networks, providing faster internet speeds and more reliable connections. While this is a great feature for streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive activities, not everyone needs or wants to be connected to 5G all the time. Some users may find that 5G drains their battery too quickly, while others might live in an area where 5G coverage is spotty at best.
Additionally, there are those who simply prefer to stick with what they know, and LTE has been around for quite a while now. Whatever the reason, Apple has made it possible to turn off 5G on the iPhone 15, allowing users to connect to an LTE network instead.
This article is meant for iPhone 15 users who wish to learn how to disable 5G and switch to LTE. It provides a simple, step-by-step guide on how to do so, as well as additional information on the pros and cons of turning off 5G.
Related: How Can I Enable 5G on an iPhone 13?
Step by Step Tutorial
In this section, we’ll go through the steps required to turn off 5G on your iPhone 15.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Navigate to and open the Settings app on your iPhone 15. Opening the Settings app is the first step in this process. This is where you can adjust all of the settings on your iPhone 15, including network preferences.
Step 2: Tap on “Cellular”
In the Settings menu, find and tap on the option labeled “Cellular.” “Cellular” is where all of your phone’s network-related settings are located. This includes options for turning cellular data on and off, as well as choosing which type of network to connect to.
Step 3: Tap on “Cellular Data Options”
Once in the Cellular menu, find and select “Cellular Data Options.” “Cellular Data Options” will give you access to settings related to your data connection, including the option to enable or disable 5G.
Step 4: Select “LTE”
In the Cellular Data Options menu, you will see an option for “Voice & Data.” Tap on this, and then select “LTE.” By selecting “LTE,” you are instructing your iPhone 15 to use LTE networks for data and voice services, effectively turning off 5G.
Pros
Now, let’s delve into some of the advantages of turning off 5G on your iPhone 15.
Pro 1: Battery Life
Turning off 5G can result in improved battery life. 5G networks can use up more power than LTE networks, so by switching to LTE, you may find that your phone’s battery lasts longer throughout the day.
Pro 2: Less Heat
Your phone might run cooler without a 5G connection. 5G connectivity can cause some phones to heat up, especially during prolonged use. By using LTE instead, your iPhone 15 might stay cooler.
Pro 3: Network Stability
In some areas, LTE networks might be more stable than 5G. If you live in an area with spotty 5G coverage, switching to LTE could provide a more reliable connection.
Cons
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider before turning off 5G.
Con 1: Slower Speeds
You might experience slower internet speeds on LTE compared to 5G. 5G networks are capable of providing faster download and upload speeds than LTE, so if speed is a priority for you, turning off 5G might not be the best option.
Con 2: Potential for Network Congestion
LTE networks could be more congested than 5G networks. As more people upgrade to 5G-capable phones, LTE networks could become more crowded, potentially leading to slower speeds and less reliable connections.
Con 3: Missing Out on Future Improvements
5G technology is continually improving, and you might miss out on future enhancements. The 5G network is still relatively new, and carriers are constantly working to improve its speed and reliability. By turning off 5G, you might miss out on these improvements.
Video About Shutting Off 5G
Additional Information
It’s worth noting that even if you turn off 5G on your iPhone 15, your phone will still be capable of connecting to a 5G network if you decide to turn it back on in the future. Additionally, it’s important to be aware that the availability and performance of 5G networks can vary widely depending on your location and your carrier. Before making the decision to turn off 5G, it might be worth doing a bit of research to see how 5G performs in your area and whether or not it’s worth using.
Another thing to keep in mind is that 5G is not the only factor that can affect your phone’s battery life and performance. Other settings, such as screen brightness and background app refresh, can also play a role. If you’re looking to maximize your phone’s battery life, you might want to consider adjusting these settings as well.
Summary
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone 15.
- Tap on “Cellular.”
- Select “Cellular Data Options.”
- Choose “LTE” as your preferred network option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off 5G affect my phone calls?
No, turning off 5G will not affect your ability to make or receive phone calls. Your phone will still be able to connect to LTE networks for voice services.
Can I turn 5G back on after I’ve turned it off?
Yes, you can easily turn 5G back on by following the same steps and selecting “5G” instead of “LTE” in the “Voice & Data” menu.
Will turning off 5G save data?
Turning off 5G will not save data, but it might cause you to use less data if you experience slower internet speeds on LTE.
Does LTE provide a good internet connection?
Yes, LTE networks are capable of providing fast and reliable internet connections, though they are generally not as fast as 5G networks.
Will I still be able to use the internet and apps if I turn off 5G?
Yes, you will still be able to use the internet and all of your apps with a 5G network connection turned off.
Conclusion
Whether or not to turn off 5G on your iPhone 15 is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs and circumstances. While there are certainly advantages to using 5G, such as faster internet speeds and potentially better network coverage, there are also valid reasons to stick with LTE, including improved battery life and a potentially cooler-running phone. Ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide what’s best for you. With this guide, you now have all the information you need to make an informed decision and know exactly how to turn off 5G on your iPhone 15 should you choose to do so.
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.