Should I Turn Off 5G on My Phone?

The rollout of 5G promised lightning-fast internet speeds, smoother streaming, and more responsive apps. But for many smartphone users, especially in areas with patchy coverage, one question keeps coming up: "Should I turn off 5G on my phone?"

It's a fair question. Maybe your battery drains faster than expected, or you notice your signal dropping when the phone struggles to connect to a 5G tower. In this guide, we'll break down when disabling 5G makes sense, how to do it (using HONOR phones as an example), and the myths you should ignore.

When Should You Turn Off 5G on Your Phone?

5G is designed to be the next step in mobile connectivity. But not every situation calls for it. Here are the most common reasons people choose to disable 5G:

1. Battery Life Concerns

5G radios consume more power than 4G, particularly if your smartphone is frequently hunting for a stable 5G signal. In regions with limited coverage, your phone may switch between 4G and 5G repeatedly, leading to noticeable battery drain.

2. Unstable Coverage

If you're in an area where 5G signals are weak or inconsistent, 4G may actually provide a smoother experience. Constant reconnection attempts can slow your browsing and make apps feel sluggish.

3. Work or Travel Scenarios

When traveling abroad, disabling 5G can prevent roaming issues. Similarly, if you're working in an area with known 4G stability but no strong 5G, sticking to LTE is more reliable.

4. No Need for Ultra-Fast Speeds

If you mainly use your phone for calls, messaging, or browsing, you may not need 5G speeds at all. In this case, switching back to 4G saves energy without sacrificing performance for everyday tasks.

How to Turn Off 5G?

To disable 5G on your phone doesn't mean you'll lose access to high-speed networks forever. On most phones this option is tucked away in the 'Settings' menu—let's take HONOR 5G phone as an example to see how you can switch 5G off.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Settings: Tap the gear icon from your home screen or notification panel.

2. Go to Mobile Network: Scroll until you find "Mobile Network" or "SIM & Network."

3. Select Your SIM Card: If you have dual SIMs, choose the one currently using mobile data.

4. Tap Preferred Network Type: You'll see options like: 5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto); 4G/3G/2G (Auto)

5. Choose 4G/3G/2G (Auto): This disables 5G and locks your phone to LTE or below.

Extra Tips

● Switch back anytime: If you later want 5G again, just reselect the "5G/4G/3G/2G" option.

● Use 5G Power Saving mode: On most HONOR phones, you can search for '5G Power Saving mode' in Settings, open it, and switch it on. This allows your phone to automatically move between 4G and 5G to help extend battery life.

Common Myths About 5G

Since its rollout, 5G has sparked rumors, from battery drain exaggerations to health concerns. Let's separate fact from fiction:

Myth 1: "5G is dangerous for your health"

There's no scientific evidence that 5G is harmful. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that exposure from 5G is similar to existing mobile networks and poses no known risk. The FDA concurs that current evidence does not support any increase in health risks at regulated exposure levels.

Myth 2: "5G always drains battery faster"

Battery consumption depends on signal quality. In areas with strong 5G coverage, power usage is similar to 4G. Problems arise mainly when your phone struggles to find or hold a 5G connection.

Myth 3: "5G uses more data automatically"

5G doesn't magically consume more data. What happens is that faster speeds make it easier to stream in higher quality or download large files quickly. Your apps, not the network itself, dictate data usage.

Myth 4: "Turning off 5G improves your signal everywhere"

Not always. In strong 5G areas, leaving it on gives you the best performance. Switching to 4G might help only if 5G coverage is patchy.

When It's Smart to Keep 5G Enabled

Of course, 5G has real advantages, and in many cases, it's better to keep it on.

1. Faster Downloads and Streaming

Downloading movies, games, or large documents is much quicker on 5G. Streaming services like Netflix or YouTube can automatically bump quality to 4K without buffering.

2. Future-Proofing

5G is expanding rapidly. Industry reports from Statista and Ericsson show a clear trend: from around 1.6 billion users in 2023 to over 2.3 billion by 2024, with continued growth projected in 2025.

3. Work and Remote Productivity

Using your phone as a hotspot? 5G provides faster and more reliable internet for laptops or tablets, especially useful for remote workers.

4. Emergency Connectivity

Some networks prioritize emergency communications through 5G. Keeping it on could improve access to critical services during crises.

Conclusion

So, should you turn off 5G on your phone? The answer depends on your situation. If you're struggling with poor coverage, unnecessary battery drain, or simply don't need blazing speeds, disabling 5G makes sense. On HONOR phones, the process is quick and easy.

But if you live in an area with reliable 5G coverage, enjoy fast downloads, or rely on your phone for work, keeping 5G enabled is smarter. The key is flexibility: HONOR devices allow you to switch on and off as needed.

FAQs

Does turning off 5G improve battery life?

Yes, in areas with weak 5G signals, switching to 4G can save battery life because your phone won't keep searching for a connection. In strong 5G zones, the difference is minimal.

Can you turn off 5G and just use 4G?

Absolutely. Most HONOR phones let you lock your network to 4G by adjusting the "Preferred Network Type" in settings. This ensures you stay connected to LTE without 5G interruptions.

Does 5G consume more data?

Not directly. 5G just enables faster transfers. However, because streaming apps may default to higher resolutions on 5G, you might end up using more data without realizing it.

Does turning off 5G improve signal?

Sometimes, yes. If 4G coverage is stronger in your area, disabling 5G may give you a more stable connection for calls and browsing.

Is it safe to leave 5G on all the time?

Yes. Leading health authorities like the WHO confirm 5G is safe. If you have strong coverage, there's no harm in keeping it enabled all day.

Source: HONOR Club