Ditch the Dash: Your Complete Guide to Turning Off Verizon's 5G UW
Hey there, fellow phone user! Are you noticing your battery draining faster than a leaky bucket, or perhaps struggling with inconsistent connectivity in certain areas, all while that "5G UW" icon proudly shines on your screen? You're not alone! While Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) promises blazing-fast speeds, it's not always the best fit for everyone, every time. Sometimes, going back to a stable 4G LTE connection can actually improve your overall mobile experience.
So, are you ready to take back control of your phone's network preferences and potentially extend your battery life? Let's dive in!
 |
| How To Turn Off 5g Uw Verizon |
Understanding 5G UW and Why You Might Want to Turn It Off
Before we get to the "how-to," let's quickly clarify what 5G UW actually is and why you might consider disabling it.
What is 5G UW? Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) is their high-performance 5G network, primarily built on millimeter-wave (mmWave) and C-band spectrum. This technology offers incredibly fast speeds and very low latency, making it ideal for data-intensive tasks like high-definition streaming, virtual reality, and cloud gaming. However, mmWave signals have a very limited range and are easily obstructed by buildings, trees, and even heavy rain. C-band offers a better balance of speed and coverage but is still more localized than 5G Nationwide.
Why Turn It Off?
Battery Drain: Constantly searching for and connecting to 5G UW towers can be a significant battery hog. Your phone works harder to maintain that high-frequency connection, leading to quicker discharge.
Inconsistent Connectivity: Because 5G UW has limited reach and struggles with obstructions, you might find your phone frequently switching between 5G UW, 5G Nationwide, and 4G LTE, leading to dropped connections or slower performance as it searches for the "best" signal.
Limited Availability: Unless you're in a densely populated urban area specifically covered by 5G UW, you might not be getting much benefit from it anyway. Your phone might be trying to connect to it even when a strong 4G LTE signal is more readily available.
Data Usage Concerns: While 5G UW offers speed, it might also encourage higher data consumption if you're not careful, potentially pushing you closer to data caps on certain plans.
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
Step 1: Prepare for the Change - A Quick Check
Before you make any changes, it's a good idea to understand your current situation.
1.1. Check Your Current Network Icon:
Take a look at the top right (or left, depending on your phone) of your screen. Do you see "5G UW," "5G," or "LTE"? Knowing what you're currently connected to can help you assess the impact of turning off 5G UW.
1.2. Understand Potential Impacts:
While rare, some specific apps or services might be optimized for 5G UW's higher speeds. However, for most everyday use, a strong 4G LTE connection will be perfectly adequate and often more reliable. Turning off 5G UW will likely mean your phone defaults to 5G Nationwide (if available) or 4G LTE.
Step 2: Turning Off 5G UW on Android Devices
The exact steps can vary slightly depending on your Android phone's manufacturer and its specific Android version. We'll cover the general process for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones, which are common with Verizon, but the logic applies broadly.
2.1. For Most Samsung Galaxy Phones:
Open Settings: Locate and tap the "Settings" app icon (it usually looks like a gear).
Navigate to Connections: Tap on "Connections."
Select Mobile Networks: Look for and tap on "Mobile networks."
Choose Network Mode: Tap on "Network mode."
Select LTE/4G Preferred: You'll typically see a list of options. Choose the option that prioritizes LTE or 4G, such as "LTE/3G/2G (auto connect)" or simply "LTE." This will prevent your phone from actively seeking 5G UW.
2.2. For Google Pixel Phones:
Open Settings: Locate and tap the "Settings" app icon.
Go to Network & Internet: Tap on "Network & internet."
Select SIMs: Tap on "SIMs." (If you have a dual SIM setup, select the Verizon SIM).
Choose Preferred Network Type: Tap on "Preferred network type."
Select LTE: From the options, choose "LTE." This will force your Pixel to use 4G LTE as its preferred network.
2.3. For Other Android Devices:
The general path is usually Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile Network > Preferred Network Type (or Network Mode). Look for the option that allows you to select LTE or 4G as the highest preferred network.
Important Note: Some carriers, including Verizon, have been known to remove the direct "5G off" option from the settings on some devices. If you don't see the "Preferred network type" or "Network mode" option that allows you to select LTE, you might need to explore a more advanced method.
2.4. The Dialer Code (Advanced/Troubleshooting):
This method accesses hidden phone settings and should be used with caution. It's often reported to work for Pixel phones and some other Android devices where the standard settings option is missing.
Open your Phone Dialer: The app you use to make calls.
Enter the Code: Dial ##4636##**.
Access Phone Information: This should open a "Testing" or "Phone info" menu.
Set Preferred Network Type: Look for "Set preferred network type" or a similar option.
Select LTE Only or LTE/GSM/WCDMA: You'll see a long list of network types.
Choosing "LTE only" will force your phone to stay on LTE.
Choosing "LTE/GSM/WCDMA (PRL)" or similar can be a good balance, allowing LTE while still having fallback options.
Restart your phone after making this change to ensure it takes effect.
Caution: Be careful not to change other settings in this menu unless you know what you're doing, as it could affect your phone's functionality.
Step 3: Turning Off 5G UW on iPhone Devices
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Apple provides a straightforward way to manage 5G settings on compatible iPhones (iPhone 12 models and later).
3.1. Navigate to Cellular Settings:
Open Settings: Tap the "Settings" app icon on your home screen.
Go to Cellular: Tap on "Cellular" (or "Mobile Data" in some regions).
Select Cellular Data Options: Tap on "Cellular Data Options."
3.2. Choose Voice & Data:
Tap on "Voice & Data."
3.3. Select LTE:
You will see three options:
5G Auto: This is the default "Smart Data mode." Your iPhone uses 5G when speeds are noticeably better and switches to LTE to save battery when 5G doesn't offer a significant advantage. This does not necessarily turn off 5G UW.
5G On: Your iPhone will always use 5G when available, which includes 5G UW. This may reduce battery life.
LTE: Select this option. This will force your iPhone to only use the LTE network, even when 5G is available, effectively preventing it from connecting to 5G UW.
Step 4: Confirming the Change and Observing Results
After making the network mode change, it's important to verify that it's working as intended.
4.1. Check Your Network Icon Again:
Immediately after changing the setting, look at your phone's status bar. You should now see "LTE" instead of "5G UW" or "5G."
4.2. Monitor Battery Life:
Over the next 24-48 hours, pay attention to your phone's battery performance. Many users report a noticeable improvement in battery life after disabling 5G.
4.3. Test Connectivity:
Browse the web, stream a video, and make a call. Ensure your connectivity is stable and sufficient for your needs. You might find that your overall experience is more consistent without the constant switching that 5G UW can sometimes cause.
4.4. Consider Rebooting (If Needed):
If you don't see the change immediately, or if you experience any unexpected connectivity issues, a simple reboot of your phone can often resolve them and fully apply the new network settings.
Troubleshooting and When to Re-enable 5G
If you encounter issues or decide you want 5G back, simply follow the steps above and select "5G Auto" or "5G On" (for iPhone) or a 5G-preferred option (for Android).
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
What if I can't find the option?
As mentioned, some carriers restrict these settings. For Android, try the dialer code. For iPhone, the options should always be there if your phone supports 5G. If not, ensure your iOS is up to date.
You might also consider contacting Verizon support. While they might encourage 5G usage, they should be able to confirm if a specific setting is disabled on your device or plan.
When might I want 5G UW back?
If you're in a known 5G UW zone (like a stadium, airport, or specific urban block) and need absolute maximum speeds for a large download or very low-latency gaming, you might temporarily re-enable it.
If you've upgraded your plan or live in an area where 5G UW coverage has significantly improved and is consistently stable, you might want to give it another try.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your Verizon 5G UW connectivity, potentially extending your battery life and enjoying a more consistent mobile experience!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my phone supports 5G UW on Verizon? You can check your phone's specifications on the manufacturer's website or Verizon's device support page. Generally, iPhone 12 and newer models, and many recent high-end Android phones are 5G UW compatible. Look for "mmWave" or "C-band" compatibility in the specifications.
How to know if I'm currently connected to 5G UW? On most phones, you'll see a "5G UW" icon in your status bar. If it just says "5G," you're likely on Verizon's broader 5G Nationwide network.
How to save battery by turning off 5G UW? By forcing your phone to use LTE, you reduce the power it expends searching for and connecting to high-frequency 5G UW signals, which are more demanding on the battery. This can lead to a noticeable improvement in battery longevity.
How to troubleshoot if I lose data after turning off 5G UW? First, restart your phone. If that doesn't work, double-check your network mode settings to ensure you selected a valid LTE option. You can also try resetting your network settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings on iPhone; or Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth on Android).
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
How to tell the difference between 5G UW and 5G Nationwide? 5G UW (Ultra Wideband) is Verizon's fastest 5G, using mmWave and C-band, offering gigabit speeds but with limited coverage and penetration. 5G Nationwide uses lower-frequency bands, providing broader coverage but speeds that are more comparable to or slightly faster than 4G LTE. The icon "5G UW" indicates the former, while "5G" usually indicates the latter.
How to re-enable 5G UW if I change my mind? Simply follow the same steps outlined in "Step 2" (for Android) or "Step 3" (for iPhone) and select a 5G-preferred network option (e.g., "5G Auto" or "5G On" for iPhone, or a 5G/LTE/3G auto-connect option for Android).
How to determine if 5G UW is available in my area? You can check Verizon's official coverage map on their website. They typically highlight 5G UW areas distinctively. Remember that even within a "covered" area, signal can be spotty due to obstructions.
How to check my Verizon data plan for 5G UW access? Most current Verizon unlimited plans include 5G UW access. You can log into your My Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app to view your plan details and confirm 5G UW access.
How to deal with slow speeds on 5G UW? Slow speeds on 5G UW could indicate you're at the edge of coverage or experiencing signal obstruction. Moving to a different spot, or simply switching to LTE as described in this guide, can often resolve this. Resetting network settings might also help.
How to understand why Verizon doesn't always allow direct 5G off switches? Some carriers prefer to keep users on 5G by default to promote their advanced network and encourage adoption, even if the user experience isn't always optimal. They may remove direct switches from device settings, pushing users to use automatic network selection or more hidden menus.
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
