How to Turn Off 5G on Samsung S20

Save battery life by disabling 5G

What to Know

  • You can turn off 5G by going to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode.
  • Select any option that doesn't have 5G in it.
  • Most commonly you'll choose LTE/3G/2G (auto connect).

This article explains how to turn off 5G on your Samsung Galaxy S20.

How Do I turn Off 5G on My Samsung Galaxy S20?

You can find the setting to turn off 5G in your device settings.

  1. Open Settings.

    You can open Settings by swiping down your notification shade and tapping the gear icon in the upper right corner or by tapping the Settings app from your app drawer.

  2. Tap Connections.

  3. Tap Mobile Networks.

    Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks on Samsung S20.
  4. Tap Network Mode.

  5. Tap any option in this list that does not have 5G in it. We recommend LTE/3G/2G (autoconnect). That will give you the most network options when you're moving around. If you want to turn 5G back on, just repeat these steps and tap 5G/LTE/3G/2G.

    Network Mode > Mobile networks on Samsung s20.

Can You Turn Off 5G on Galaxy S21?

Yes, you can turn off 5G on your Samsung Galaxy S21. The process follows the same steps, and you will force that phone onto 4G networks. Any Samsung phone running OneUI version 3.1 or better will follow these same steps. In fact, the process will be similar on most Android phones.

Why Would I Want to Turn Off 5G?

5G is brand new mobile technology, and as such, it can take a toll on your battery. This is for several reasons. First, if you've got super-fast speeds and use it all the time, you are likely using your phone more than you do on 4G. Second, 5G networks are still being built out. If your phone is constantly switching between 5G and 4G networks due to poor 5G coverage, that will take a toll on your battery. 

Since 4G networks are so prolific, especially compared to 5G networks, forcing your phone to stick with 4G will ensure your phone has a better signal more consistently. That makes your phone work less and therefore saves your battery.

Overall, you probably won't notice too much of a difference in speed between 4G and 5G. With networks still under construction, the maximum consistent speeds available on a 5G network are not much faster than on a 4G network. Therefore, many consider the battery savings you get from sticking to a 4G network worth losing speed. Your mileage may vary.

  • How do I turn on my 5G on my Samsung S20?

    To enable 5G, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode and select 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto connect). Note that 5G availability might vary depending on your location, network provider, and the signal strength.

  • How do I know if my S20 is 5G?

    The Galaxy S10 was the first 5G-capable. Samsung S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra are all available in 5G versions, so if your carrier offers 5G speeds, you can access it.

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