5G is exciting new technology set to supercharge our mobile networks and smartphones. It is, however, still very much in its infancy. As with any developing tech, there can be issues.
When testing 5G devices over the past year, I've encountered all sorts of hitches. I've wound up in black spots where the 5G network wouldn't transmit data, despite having full coverage. I've had instances where 5G speeds were slower than 4G. And I've also seen 5G drastically decrease the battery life on my smartphones. I found that constant 5G connectivity almost halved the battery life on the OPPO Find X2 Pro, for example.
5G will no doubt get better at time. Telcos will work out the kinks in their networks, and 5G devices will become more power efficient.
But if you've already got a 5G devices such as a Galaxy S20 or a Find X2 Pro, there's a chance that disabling 5G will improve your day-to-day experience, especially if you already live or work in an area lucky enough to be blanketed by 5G coverage.
If you're looking to switch off 5G on your 5G OPPO smartphone, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap SIM Card & Mobile Data
- Tap your SIM
- Tap Preferred Network Type
- Select 4G/3G/2G (Auto)
If you're looking to switch off 5G on your 5G Samsung smartphone, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Connections
- Tap Mobile networks
- Tap Network mode
- Select 4G/3G/2G (Auto)
The steps should be similar for other 5G Android devices, but if you're having trouble, search Network Type or Network Mode in the search menu in the Settings app.
If you want to reenable 5G on your device, follow the same steps, but select 5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto) under the Network Type settings pane. Or, see one of our helpful how-to guides:
- How to activate 5G on your Samsung Galaxy Note 20
- How to activate 5G on your Samsung Galaxy S20
- How to activate 5G on your iPhone 12 Pro Max
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