While 5G comes with some substantial advantages over 4G or LTE, it may not be hailed as the ideal network as of now. For all 5G users, it is very important to occasionally turn on and turn off 5G iPhones in order to avoid battery drain. Not to mention, you can also manage your data usage to a certain degree.
Given the lower latency and interference, 5G offers great efficiency altogether. However, currently, there are more shortcomings to using 5G as compared to its perks. That is why, we have curated this article on everything you need to know about managing a 5G network on your iPhone.
Read: How Fast is 5G? 5G vs 4G Explained!
List of iPhones Supporting 5G
From iPhone 12 series and above, you can enjoy 5G connectivity. Bear in mind, the high-frequency band may vary based on the model. Here is a list of all the devices that supports 5G:
- iPhone 12 Series
- iPhone 13 Series
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 14 Series
Furthermore, 5G is not available worldwide, so make sure to check with your carrier as well as the cellular plan offered by them for the 5G network.
Read: Where is 5G Available in the US?
How to Turn On/Off 5G on iPhone
If you want to toggle between 5G connectivity on your iPhone, make sure to follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Head over to the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Cellular/Mobile Data.
Step 3: Select the Cellular Data option.
Step 4: Tap on Voice & Data.
Step 5: Now you can simply select 5G On or 5G Auto to enable the 5G network.
Similarly, if you want to disable 5G, you can select 4G/LTE from the options.
For dual SIM users, you can go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > and select the SIM where you want to turn on or off the 5G network.
Note: If you are unable to find the 5G option, chances are that your carrier doesn’t support 5G or you are in a 5G data plan altogether. So, make sure to pick your carrier accordingly.
Save Battery Life While Using 5G
In order to save battery life on your iPhone, you might consider turning off 5G. But this is not always the ideal option. In fact, you might be missing some of the speed and connectivity that comes with 5G.
This is where Apple offers different 5G options so that you can enjoy seamless connectivity based on your preference. As of now, there are 3 different 5G options that you can choose from. Here’s how you can save your battery life while picking the right one:
- 5G On: This is where your iPhone maintains 5G connectivity whenever available. Just bear in mind, it might also result in quicker battery drainage while being connected to an unstable network.
- 5G Auto: This is the Smart Data mode, where iPhone automatically reverts back to LTE when there is an unstable 5G network. This is where you can expect the most optimal experience, without taking a toll on your battery.
- LTE: Here your iPhone is only restricted to use the LTE network, even with the availability of 5G.
Manage Your 5G Data Efficiently
Do you know that Apple also offers a data-saver mode along with the standard battery saver? This is where you can actually save data while being connected to a 5G network. Follow the steps down below to manage your 5G data more efficiently:
Step 1: Open Settings and go to Cellular/Mobile Data.
Step 2: Tap on Data Mode.
Step 3: Now you can choose from one of the three options:
- Allow More Data on 5G
- Standard
- Low Data Mode
Note: All the options mentioned above are pretty self-explanatory, so you can pick the option best suited for you.
Understand Different 5G Status Bar Icons
If you have enabled 5G, and there is available bandwidth in the area, you will see a 5G icon on the status bar. Based on your 5G connectivity and carrier plan, here are some of the few iterations of 5G you can find:
- 5G: Typically, your iPhone is connected with the base or lower frequency of the 5G network.
- 5G+: The iPhone is connected to a higher frequency of 5G network.
- 5G UW: The UW signifies that the iPhone is connected with mmWave frequency.
- 5G UC (Ultra Capacity): This is the 5G network that is based on the mid-band spectrum.
Should You Turn Off 5G Network on Your iPhone?
This goes without saying that you should always turn off 5G if you want to save your battery life and data. In fact, there are several instances where turning off the 5G network has been effective to fix iPhone’s overnight battery drain.
Although theoretically, 5G should always perform better while managing battery life, the reality is completely different. Since the majority of the area has poor network coverage, 5G tends to consume more battery life as compared to 4G.
Not to mention, 5G data plans tend to be more expensive, so you need to manage them carefully. While more people are adapting to 5G, these are some of the few shortcomings of 5G for the time being.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does 5G comes with support for Data Roaming?
Data Roaming on 5G predominantly depends on the carrier you are using. You can still turn on/off Data Roaming on your iPhone via Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > On/Off Data Roaming. In case 5G roaming is not supported on your device, your phone automatically reverts back to 4G/LTE.
2. Why my iPhone picks LTE instead of 5G?
There are instances where 5G might not show up on your status bar. This mainly occurs due to connectivity issues and inadequate coverage. For starters, you can always try toggling on/off AirPlane mode or give your device a quick restart. But, if the problem still persists, it is always a good idea to contact your carrier.
3. Does Battery Saver mode disables 5G?
Yes, if you turn on Battery Saver mode, 5G is disabled by default. But, if you are streaming videos or downloading large files, you can still use 5G. Although, this functionality is not available on iPhone 12 series.
4. Does iPhone 11 Series or iPhone XR comes with 5G?
No, Apple started rolling out 5G for their smartphones from iPhone 12 series and above.
Also Read: 8 Ways to Fix iPhone Alarm Volume Low or Loud
Wrapping Up
As stated throughout the article, 5G in iPhone comes with its own set of perks and disadvantages. Since the 5G network is still expanding, the majority of the cons seem to be temporary. Over time, we should be able to use the 5G network smoothly without taking a significant hit on the battery. So, let us know in the comment section below, whether you are a regular user of the 5G network.
