Hold on a second! Before we dive deep into the fascinating world of network switching, let's clarify something crucial. As of July 2025, Verizon has completely shut down its 3G CDMA network. This means that switching to LTE CDMA Verizon is no longer a possibility because the CDMA network no longer exists.
However, what you likely mean is how to ensure your phone is properly connected to Verizon's LTE (4G) or 5G network and how to troubleshoot common connection issues. This is a far more relevant and actionable topic!
Let's assume your goal is to optimize your Verizon cellular experience for the best available speeds and connectivity, which will undoubtedly be on their 4G LTE or 5G networks.
Navigating Verizon's Network: Ensuring Optimal 4G LTE/5G Connectivity
Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your Verizon device? Let's get started on ensuring you're always connected to the fastest and most reliable network available – Verizon's robust 4G LTE and cutting-edge 5G. Say goodbye to slow loading times and dropped calls, and hello to seamless streaming, blazing-fast downloads, and crystal-clear communication!
Step 1: Are You Already on the Right Track? Checking Your Current Network Status
The first step in any journey is knowing your starting point. Let's quickly verify what network your phone is currently using. This can often be seen right on your screen!
Look at your phone's status bar: Typically, in the top right or left corner of your screen, you'll see an icon indicating your network type.
If you see "LTE," "4G LTE," "5G," "5G UW," or "5G UC," congratulations! You are already connected to Verizon's modern high-speed networks.
If you see anything else, or no data indicator at all, then this guide is definitely for you.
Access your phone's settings:
For Android users:
Go to Settings.
Tap on Network & internet or Connections.
Tap on Mobile network or SIM cards & mobile networks.
Look for Preferred network type or Network mode. This will usually show you what your phone is set to prioritize.
For iPhone users:
Go to Settings.
Tap on Cellular.
Tap on Cellular Data Options.
Tap on Voice & Data. Here, you'll see options like "5G Auto," "5G On," "LTE," etc.
If you're already seeing LTE or 5G, fantastic! Your phone is likely configured correctly. However, if you're experiencing slow speeds or connectivity issues, continue to the troubleshooting steps below.
Step 2: The Foundation: Ensuring Your Phone Supports Verizon's Networks
This might seem obvious, but it's a critical prerequisite. Not all phones are created equal, and for optimal performance on Verizon's network, your device needs to be compatible.
Sub-heading: Is Your Phone Verizon-Certified?
Purchased from Verizon: If you bought your phone directly from Verizon, it's almost certainly compatible and optimized for their network.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): If you brought a phone from another carrier or an unlocked device, you need to ensure it supports Verizon's specific LTE and 5G bands.
Key LTE Bands for Verizon: Look for support for Band 13 (700 MHz), Band 4 (AWS), Band 2 (PCS), Band 66 (AWS-3). Band 13 is particularly crucial for Verizon's primary LTE coverage.
Key 5G Bands for Verizon: For 5G, look for n5 (850 MHz), n2 (1900 MHz), n66 (AWS-3), and especially n77 (C-band) for widespread mid-band 5G, and n260/n261 (mmWave) for incredibly fast, but limited, ultra-wideband 5G.
Check IMEI Compatibility: The easiest way to confirm compatibility is to use Verizon's online IMEI checker.
Go to the Verizon BYOD page (you can search "Verizon BYOD check" on Google).
Enter your phone's IMEI number (dial *#06# on your phone to find it).
Verizon will tell you if your device is compatible.
If your phone is not compatible, then no amount of settings adjustments will get you on their network. You'd need a new, compatible device.
Step 3: The Brains Behind the Brawn: Configuring Your Preferred Network Type
This is where you tell your phone what kind of network it should prioritize. Since CDMA is gone, our goal is to ensure LTE or 5G is the top choice.
Sub-heading: Setting Your Phone's Network Mode
For Android users:
Go to Settings.
Tap on Network & internet or Connections.
Tap on Mobile network or SIM cards & mobile networks.
Select your Verizon SIM card if you have multiple.
Tap on Preferred network type or Network mode.
Crucially, select the highest available option that includes "LTE" or "5G." This might be "5G/4G/3G (Auto connect)," "5G preferred," "LTE/CDMA auto (PRL)," or simply "LTE." Avoid selecting any option that only lists 3G or 2G. The "LTE/CDMA auto (PRL)" option, if present, is a legacy setting that would automatically connect to LTE if available, and theoretically fall back to CDMA if not (which, again, is no longer an option). It's best to choose a pure LTE or 5G preference if available.
For iPhone users:
Go to Settings.
Tap on Cellular.
Tap on Cellular Data Options.
Tap on Voice & Data.
Select "5G Auto," "5G On," or "LTE." "5G Auto" is usually the best choice as it intelligently switches between 5G and LTE to balance speed and battery life. "5G On" forces 5G whenever available, which can drain battery faster. "LTE" will only use LTE.
After making these changes, it's often a good idea to restart your phone to ensure the settings are fully applied.
Step 4: The Digital Highway: Verifying APN Settings (Less Common for Verizon-Branded Phones)
APN (Access Point Name) settings are like a roadmap for your phone to connect to Verizon's data network. For Verizon-branded phones, these are usually automatically configured correctly. However, if you're using an unlocked phone, or experiencing data issues, it's worth a quick check.
Sub-heading: Checking and Adjusting APN Settings
For Android users:
Go to Settings.
Tap on Network & internet or Connections.
Tap on Mobile network or SIM cards & mobile networks.
Select your Verizon SIM card.
Tap on Access Point Names (APNs).
You should see an APN listed, likely something like "Verizon Internet."
Tap on it to view its settings. The default Verizon APN settings are typically:
Name: Verizon Internet
APN: VZWINTERNET
MCC: 310
MNC: 004
APN type: default,supl,dun,mms,fota,cbs,ia,emergency (or simply "default")
Do not modify these settings unless you are absolutely sure. If they are incorrect, you can try resetting them to default (usually an option in the APN menu) or manually creating a new APN with the correct settings.
For iPhone users:
iPhones typically manage APN settings automatically based on the carrier profile. You usually don't have direct access to modify them. If you're having issues, ensure your carrier settings are up to date (Settings > General > About).
Step 5: When All Else Fails: Troubleshooting Common Connectivity Issues
Sometimes, even with the right settings, things don't work perfectly. Here are some common troubleshooting steps.
Sub-heading: Essential Troubleshooting Techniques
Restart Your Phone: The oldest trick in the book, and often the most effective. A simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches.
Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn on Airplane Mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off. This forces your phone to re-establish its connection to the cellular network.
Check for Software Updates: Ensure your phone's operating system (iOS or Android) is up to date. Updates often include network performance improvements and bug fixes.
Android: Settings > System > System update
iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update
Reset Network Settings: This will erase all Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth connections, and cellular settings, but it can resolve stubborn network problems.
Android: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (wording may vary slightly)
iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings
Check for Carrier Settings Updates (iPhone): Sometimes Verizon pushes updates to their network profile.
Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you'll see a prompt.
Remove and Reinsert SIM Card: Power off your phone, carefully remove your SIM card, wait a few seconds, and then reinsert it. This can sometimes refresh the connection.
Contact Verizon Support: If you've tried everything and are still having issues, it's time to reach out to Verizon customer support. They can check for network outages in your area, verify your account status, and perform diagnostics on their end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my phone supports Verizon's 5G network?
You can check your phone's specifications on the manufacturer's website or a reputable tech review site. Look for support for Verizon's 5G bands (n2, n5, n66, n77, n260, n261). The easiest way is to use Verizon's online IMEI checker.
How to enable 5G on my iPhone for Verizon?
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data, and select "5G Auto" or "5G On."
How to improve LTE signal strength on my Android phone?
Try toggling Airplane Mode, restarting your phone, resetting network settings, or checking for software updates. In some cases, a signal booster might be necessary in areas with poor coverage.
How to know if Verizon's 3G CDMA network is still active?
Verizon completely shut down its 3G CDMA network on December 31, 2022. It is no longer active.
How to activate a new phone on Verizon's LTE network?
Typically, once you insert your active Verizon SIM card into a compatible new phone, it will automatically connect to the LTE network. You might need to restart the phone or, in some cases, activate it through your My Verizon account online.
How to perform a network settings reset on my Samsung phone?
Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settings.
How to troubleshoot slow LTE data speeds on Verizon?
Check for network congestion in your area, try restarting your phone, ensure your data plan isn't throttled, and verify your APN settings are correct (especially for unlocked phones).
How to update carrier settings on my iPhone?
Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, a pop-up will appear prompting you to update.
How to verify my phone's IMEI number?
Dial *#06# on your phone's dialer, and the IMEI number will appear on your screen.
How to contact Verizon customer support for network issues?
You can contact Verizon by dialing 611 from your Verizon phone, visiting their website for chat support, or using the My Verizon app.
