How to Switch from 5G to 4G on Samsung
How to Switch from 5G to 4G on Samsung
Last updated: April 2026
5G is faster than 4G — but faster does not always mean better. If your Samsung phone keeps jumping between 5G and 4G, draining battery, or giving you an unstable connection, switching to 4G manually can solve the problem. Here is how to do it.
Steps to Switch from 5G to 4G
Step 1: Open the Settings app.
Step 2: Tap Connections.
Step 3: Tap Mobile networks.
Step 4: Tap Network mode. On some Samsung models, this may appear as Preferred network type.
Step 5: Select LTE/3G/2G (auto connect) or LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect) — the exact wording depends on your Samsung model and carrier. The key is to choose the option that includes LTE but not 5G/NR.
Your phone will immediately disconnect from 5G and reconnect on the 4G (LTE) network. You will see "4G" or "LTE" in your status bar instead of "5G".
Why Switch from 5G to 4G?
Battery life
5G radios use significantly more power than 4G, especially when the signal is weak or the phone is frequently switching between 5G and 4G. If you are in an area with marginal 5G coverage, your phone works harder to maintain the 5G connection, draining the battery faster. Switching to 4G can noticeably extend battery life — some users report 15-20% improvement.
Unstable 5G signal
5G coverage in the UK is still patchy, particularly outside major city centres. If your phone shows "5G" but web pages load slowly or video calls keep buffering, you may be connected to a weak 5G signal. A strong 4G connection is faster and more reliable than a weak 5G one. Your phone does not always make this judgement correctly on its own.
Indoor coverage
5G signals — particularly the higher-frequency mmWave and mid-band varieties — do not penetrate buildings as effectively as 4G. If you work in a building with thick walls or a basement office, switching to 4G may give you a stronger, more stable signal indoors.
Data throttling
Some business mobile plans prioritise 5G traffic differently from 4G. If you suspect your 5G data is being throttled or deprioritised during peak times, switching to 4G temporarily can help you maintain a consistent connection.
Travelling in rural areas
Rural UK coverage is predominantly 4G. If you are travelling through rural areas, your phone may waste battery searching for 5G towers that do not exist. Locking to 4G gives you a stable connection without the constant searching.
How to Switch Back to 5G
When you want to use 5G again:
- Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode
- Select 5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto connect) or the equivalent option that includes 5G/NR
Your phone will reconnect to 5G where available. We recommend switching back to auto mode when you return to an area with good 5G coverage, as 5G does offer faster speeds and lower latency when the signal is strong.
Quick Toggle Tip
On many Samsung Galaxy phones, you can add a Network mode tile to your Quick Settings panel for faster switching:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen with two fingers to open Quick Settings
- Tap the pencil/edit icon (usually in the top right or bottom left)
- Find the Network mode or 5G tile and drag it to your active tiles
- Save
Now you can toggle between 5G and 4G with a single tap from your Quick Settings — no need to dig through the Settings menu each time.
Need Better Coverage for Your Business?
If your team is consistently struggling with 5G reliability, the answer might be switching to a network with better 4G and 5G coverage at your locations. We compare every major UK network to find the best fit.