5G Settings Guide – Enable, Optimize and Troubleshoot Your 5G Network

If you just got a 5G phone, you might wonder whether it’s really using the fastest network. The answer is simple: it depends on the settings you choose. In this guide we walk through the exact steps to turn 5G on or off, tweak it for better battery life, and fix the usual hiccups.

How to Enable or Turn Off 5G on Android

Most Android phones hide the 5G option under Network & Internet → Mobile network. Tap Preferred network type and you’ll see three choices: 5G/4G/3G/2G Auto, 5G only, and 4G/3G/2G only. Choose 5G/4G/3G/2G Auto if you want the phone to switch to 5G when it’s available and drop back to 4G when the signal is weak. This setting gives the best mix of speed and battery life.

If you’re traveling abroad or your data plan limits 5G usage, pick 4G/3G/2G only. Your phone will stay on the slower network, saving data and battery. Some manufacturers also add a 5G‑only mode; use it only when you’re sure the coverage is solid, otherwise you may see drops in calls or slower speeds.

iPhone 5G Options and Battery Tips

On iPhone, open Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Voice & Data. You’ll find 5G Auto, 5G On and LTE. 5G Auto works like Android’s auto mode: it uses 5G when the signal is strong and switches to LTE when it isn’t. This is the safest default for most users.

Choosing 5G On forces the phone to stay on 5G even if the signal is weak. Expect faster download speeds but also a noticeable dip in battery life. If you’re low on charge or just want to stretch your day, select LTE. The phone will run on 4G, which is still quick for most apps and saves power.

To see how much battery 5G uses, go to Settings → Battery. The ‘Cellular’ section shows the percentage of battery used by the network. Use this info to decide whether the speed boost is worth the extra drain.

Now for a quick test: open a speed‑test app, note the result on 5G, then switch to LTE and test again. You’ll get a clear picture of the real‑world benefit on your network.

Beyond the basic toggle, both Android and iPhone let you control data roaming. If you travel, turn off Data Roaming to avoid surprise charges, then enable it only when you’re in a region with a trusted 5G partner.

When you notice sluggish speeds, first check the signal bars. Low bars usually mean the phone fell back to 4G or even 3G, even if you have 5G set to auto. In that case, move to a spot with better coverage or give the network a minute to re‑connect.

Another common issue is apps that refuse to use 5G because they’re set to Wi‑Fi only. Go to each app’s settings and make sure ‘Background data’ is allowed over mobile networks.

Finally, keep your phone’s software up to date. Manufacturers often release patches that improve 5G handoff and battery management.

With these simple tweaks you can make sure your device uses 5G only when it matters, saves battery the rest of the time, and stays connected without surprise drops. Enjoy the speed, but keep an eye on the settings – that’s the sweet spot for any 5G user.