How To Disable 5G On Samsung

In the era of smartphones and high-speed internet, the introduction of 5G has revolutionized the way we connect with the world. But like any technological advancement, not everyone is on board. Perhaps you’re skeptical about its benefits or concerned about its potential health implications.

Whatever the reason, you’ve landed here, searching for how to disable 5G on your Samsung device. And I’m here to guide you through it!

Understanding the Need to Disable 5G

Before diving into the technicalities, let’s understand why someone might choose to disable 5G:

• Battery Life: 5G can be a battery drainer. If you’re not frequently using high-bandwidth applications, sticking to 4G might help you squeeze some extra juice out of your phone.
• Connectivity Issues: In areas with spotty 5G coverage, your phone might constantly switch between 4G and 5G, leading to inconsistent internet speeds.
• Health Concerns: While most scientific studies have found no harmful effects of 5G radiation, some users feel safer avoiding it.

Steps to Disable 5G on Your Samsung Device

Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter. Follow these steps to disable 5G on your Samsung smartphone:

1. Open ‘Settings’: Tap on the gear icon, typically found in your app drawer or notification shade.
2. Navigate to ‘Connections’: This is where all connection-related settings reside.
3. Go to ‘Mobile networks’: This option will be present within the Connections menu.
4. Click on ‘Network mode’: Here, you’ll see multiple options related to different network combinations.
5. Select an Option Without 5G: I recommend choosing LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect) or any option that doesn’t include 5G. This ensures that your phone will only connect to 4G, 3G, or 2G networks.

Why Samsung Embraces 5G

While our central focus is on disabling 5G, it’s worth understanding why Samsung (and many other companies) are heavily investing in this technology:

• Speed and Efficiency: 5G networks can be significantly faster than their 4G counterparts, often 10x or more in optimal conditions. This speed can enhance the experience of streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive activities.
• Improved Connectivity: 5G is designed to connect a lot more devices at once. This is particularly important for the era of IoT (Internet of Things), where everything from your refrigerator to your car may have an internet connection.
• Reduced Latency: 5G has a much lower latency compared to 4G. This means that the response time between sending and receiving data is considerably faster, which is crucial for applications like augmented reality, virtual reality, and online gaming.

Benefits of Sticking to 4G (For Now)

There’s always a transition period with new tech, and many users find comfort in what they know. Here’s why sticking to 4G, at least for a while, might make sense for you:

• Established Infrastructure: 4G has been around for a while, which means it often offers more consistent coverage in many areas.
• Cost: Some carriers might charge extra for 5G coverage. If you’re not making the most of 5G speeds, why pay more?
• Device Longevity: As with any new tech, the first iterations tend to be less refined. Early 5G chips in phones might not be as power-efficient as those coming in the next few years. Thus, keeping 5G off could prolong your device’s battery life.

Potential Downsides of Disabling 5G

Making the choice to switch off 5G isn’t without its downsides:

• Missed Speed Opportunities: In areas with strong 5G coverage, you might miss out on blazing fast download and upload speeds.
• Forward Compatibility: As more areas are upgraded with better 5G infrastructure, keeping 5G off might mean you’re not enjoying the full potential of your device or network.

Alternative Solutions

If you’re not entirely convinced about disabling 5G but have concerns, consider these middle-ground solutions:

• Battery Saving Mode: Most Samsung phones come with a power-saving mode that automatically adjusts settings (including network usage) to prolong battery life.
• Data Saver Mode: This is another feature in Samsung phones which, when activated, restricts apps from using data in the background. It doesn’t directly shut off 5G, but it can prevent apps from consuming too much data at 5G speeds when you’re not actively using them.

Monitoring Your Network Usage

Whether you stick with 5G or not, it’s a good idea to keep tabs on your network usage:

1. Visit ‘Settings’ on your Samsung phone.
2. Scroll to ‘Connections’ and tap on it.
3. Select ‘Data usage’ to view detailed stats on how much network data you’ve consumed.

I recommend regularly checking this section, especially if you’re on a limited data plan, as 5G speeds can lead to increased data consumption without you even realizing it.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Signal Strength: After disabling 5G, you might notice a change in signal strength, especially if you were in a 5G dominant area.
• Speed: While 5G is faster than 4G, for most everyday tasks like browsing, texting, or watching videos, 4G is more than sufficient.
• Re-enabling 5G: If you ever wish to hop back onto the 5G bandwagon, just revisit the Network mode settings and select an option with 5G.

Conclusion

Disabling 5G on your Samsung device is a straightforward process, and while there are advantages to using 5G, there are also valid reasons to stick with 4G or even 3G. In the end, it boils down to individual needs and preferences.

I recommend reviewing the steps and tips provided in this guide to ensure you make an informed choice about your network settings. Remember, technology is there to serve you – not the other way around. Happy browsing!

FAQs

Will disabling 5G save battery life?

Yes, especially if your device was constantly switching between 4G and 5G due to uneven coverage.

Can I switch off 5G for specific apps only?

Unfortunately, no. Network mode is a device-wide setting.

Is 5G harmful?

There’s no concrete scientific evidence proving 5G is harmful to humans. However, it’s always best to stay updated with the latest research.