You've got a Samsung S21 Ultra on Verizon, and you're looking to dial back that 5G connection? Maybe you're experiencing faster battery drain, or perhaps you're in an area where 5G coverage is spotty and you'd prefer a more stable 4G LTE connection. Whatever your reason, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to turn off 5G on your Samsung S21 Ultra with Verizon.
Let's dive in and take control of your network settings!
Why You Might Want to Turn Off 5G
Before we get to the "how-to," let's quickly touch on why some users prefer to disable 5G:
Battery Life: 5G modems can consume more power, especially when constantly searching for a 5G signal in areas with limited coverage. Switching to 4G LTE can significantly improve your battery endurance.
Signal Stability: In nascent 5G coverage areas, your phone might constantly switch between 5G and 4G, leading to unstable connections, dropped calls, or slower data. A consistent 4G LTE signal can often be more reliable.
Data Usage: While 5G is faster, it can also lead to quicker consumption of your mobile data allowance, especially if you're streaming or downloading large files.
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| How To Turn Off 5g On Samsung S21 Ultra Verizon |
Step 1: Engage with Your Settings - The Direct Approach
First things first, let's try the most straightforward method. This is where most users will find the option to manage their network preferences.
Sub-heading 1.1: Navigating to Network Settings
Unlock Your Phone: Start by unlocking your Samsung S21 Ultra and getting to your home screen.
Open Settings: You can do this in a couple of ways:
Swipe Down: Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification shade, then tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner.
Find the App: Locate the "Settings" app icon on your home screen or in your app drawer and tap it.
Tap Connections: Once in the Settings menu, you'll see a list of options. Look for and tap on "Connections." This section deals with all your network-related settings, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile networks.
Sub-heading 1.2: Accessing Mobile Network Options
Select Mobile Networks: Within the "Connections" menu, you'll find an option called "Mobile networks." Tap on this.
Look for Network Mode: Here's where the magic happens for many users. You should see an option labeled "Network mode." Tap on this.
Choose Your Preferred Network Type: You'll now be presented with a list of network modes. Your current setting might be something like "5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto connect)." To disable 5G, you'll want to select an option that excludes 5G. Common options include:
LTE/3G/2G (auto connect)
4G/3G/2G (auto connect)
LTE only
Select the option that best suits your needs and preference for avoiding 5G.
Important Note for Verizon Users: It's crucial to acknowledge that some Verizon-locked Samsung devices, particularly newer models like the S21 Ultra, might have this specific "Network mode" option removed or hidden by the carrier. This is a common point of frustration for users as Verizon sometimes restricts direct 5G toggles to ensure optimal network performance and encourage 5G adoption. If you don't see the "Network mode" option as described above, don't worry, we have alternative solutions!
Step 2: The Power-Saving Mode Workaround
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
If the direct "Network mode" option isn't available, don't despair! Samsung has a clever workaround built into its power-saving features.
Sub-heading 2.1: Activating Power Saving Mode
Return to Settings: Go back to your main Settings menu.
Tap Battery and device care: Scroll down and find "Battery and device care."
Select Battery: Tap on "Battery" within this section.
Enable Power saving mode: You'll see a toggle for "Power saving mode." Tap on it to turn it ON.
Sub-heading 2.2: Customizing Power Saving for 5G Control
Access Power Saving Settings: After turning on Power saving mode, tap on the words "Power saving mode" itself (not just the toggle). This will open up more detailed options.
Find "Limit CPU speed by XX%" or "Limit background network usage": Look for settings that might impact network performance, such as "Limit CPU speed by XX%" or "Limit background network usage." While these don't directly say "turn off 5G," enabling power saving mode often implicitly disables 5G connectivity to conserve battery.
Crucially, some Power Saving modes have a specific option to "Disable 5G" or "Limit 5G speeds." Look carefully for this setting within the detailed Power Saving options. If you find it, simply toggle it on.
This method works because 5G connectivity is a significant power drain, and disabling it is a common strategy for extending battery life.
Step 3: Exploring Developer Options (Advanced Method)
This method is a bit more involved and requires unlocking "Developer options" on your phone. Proceed with caution, as these settings are intended for developers and can impact your device's performance if not used correctly.
Sub-heading 3.1: Unlocking Developer Options
Go to Settings: Open your phone's "Settings" app.
Scroll to About phone: At the very bottom of the Settings menu, you'll find "About phone." Tap on it.
Tap Software information: Within "About phone," tap on "Software information."
Tap Build number seven times: Locate "Build number" and repeatedly tap on it seven times. You'll see a toast message indicating that you're X steps away from becoming a developer, and eventually, "Developer options have been enabled." You might be prompted to enter your phone's PIN or pattern.
Sub-heading 3.2: Searching for Network Type in Developer Options
Return to Settings (Main Menu): Go back to the main Settings menu.
Access Developer Options: You'll now see a new option at the bottom of the Settings list, just above "About phone," called "Developer options." Tap on it.
Search for "Network Type" or "Preferred Network Type": Within the Developer options, there are many settings. You can use the search bar (usually a magnifying glass icon at the top of the Developer options screen) to search for terms like ""Network Type,"" ""Preferred network type,"" or ""Cellular network type.""
Select a Non-5G Option (if available): If you find this setting, it may allow you to directly select a preferred network type, such as "LTE/WCDMA/GSM" or "LTE only," effectively disabling 5G.
A Word of Caution: While this method can be effective, some users report that even if they manage to change the preferred network type in Developer options, the setting might revert to 5G after a phone restart. This highlights Verizon's efforts to keep users on 5G.
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
Step 4: Third-Party Apps (Use with Discretion)
There are third-party applications available on the Google Play Store, such as "Samsung Band Selection" or "Hidden Settings," that claim to provide access to hidden network settings, including the ability to disable 5G.
Sub-heading 4.1: How They Work (Generally)
These apps often leverage hidden Android menus or engineering codes (like *#*#4636#*#*) to expose options that carriers might have removed from the standard Settings UI.
Sub-heading 4.2: Important Considerations
Download from Reputable Sources: If you choose to explore this option, only download apps from the official Google Play Store and check their reviews and developer reputation carefully.
Potential Risks: Granting permissions to third-party apps, especially those that tinker with system settings, carries inherent risks. Be aware of what permissions the app requests and understand that it could potentially impact your phone's stability or security if not a legitimate application.
May Not Always Work: Due to carrier restrictions and Android version updates, these apps might not always function as intended or might stop working after a software update.
Final Thoughts and Troubleshooting Tips
Restart Your Phone: After attempting any of these methods, it's always a good idea to restart your Samsung S21 Ultra to ensure the changes take full effect.
Check Signal Indicator: Once you've made a change, observe your phone's signal indicator at the top of the screen. It should show "LTE," "4G," or "H+" instead of "5G" if the change was successful.
Contact Verizon Support: If you've tried all the above methods and are still unable to turn off 5G, it might be worth contacting Verizon's customer support. Explain your situation and your reasons for wanting to disable 5G. They might have a specific setting on their end, or they can confirm if it's intentionally restricted for your device and plan. However, be prepared that they may encourage you to use 5G.
Software Updates: Keep in mind that future software updates from Samsung or Verizon could potentially alter these settings or re-enable 5G by default. You may need to revisit these steps after an update.
Disabling 5G on your Samsung S21 Ultra (Verizon) can offer tangible benefits like extended battery life and a more stable connection in certain areas. While Verizon's carrier-locked devices can make this a bit trickier, by following these step-by-step guides, you'll be well-equipped to take control of your network preferences!
10 Related FAQ Questions
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How to Check if 5G is Currently Active on My Samsung S21 Ultra?
You can usually tell if 5G is active by looking at the network indicator in your phone's status bar, which will display "5G" next to your signal bars.
How to Re-enable 5G on My Samsung S21 Ultra if I Change My Mind?
To re-enable 5G, simply follow Step 1: Engage with Your Settings - The Direct Approach, and select the "5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto connect)" option under "Network mode." If you used the Power Saving mode, simply turn off Power Saving mode.
How to Know if My Area Has Good 5G Coverage?
You can check Verizon's official coverage map on their website or use third-party apps like OpenSignal or RootMetrics to view detailed coverage information, including 5G availability.
How to Improve Battery Life if I Cannot Turn Off 5G?
If you're unable to directly turn off 5G, you can still improve battery life by using Power Saving Mode (as described in Step 2), reducing screen brightness, limiting background app refresh, and turning off features like always-on display.
How to Understand the Different Network Modes (LTE, 3G, 2G)?
5G: The latest and fastest mobile network technology.
LTE (Long-Term Evolution) / 4G: The predecessor to 5G, still very fast and widely available.
3G (Third Generation): Older, slower network, primarily used for basic data and calls where 4G/5G isn't available.
2G (Second Generation): The oldest and slowest, mainly for voice calls and very basic data.
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
How to Deal with Dropped Calls or Unstable Connections on 5G?
If you're experiencing dropped calls or unstable connections on 5G, disabling 5G to prefer 4G LTE (as outlined in this guide) is often the most effective solution, as 4G LTE generally offers more stable coverage in a broader range of areas.
How to Force My Phone to Use a Specific Network Band (Advanced)?
For advanced users, apps like "Samsung Band Selection" (mentioned in Step 4) can sometimes allow you to force your phone to use specific LTE or 5G bands, but this is highly technical and can be complex.
How to Tell if My Verizon Plan Includes 5G Access?
Most current Verizon unlimited plans include 5G access. You can verify your plan details by logging into your My Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app.
How to Perform a Network Settings Reset if I Have Issues?
Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset mobile network settings. This will reset all network-related settings, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data, but will not delete your personal data.
How to Find Out My Samsung S21 Ultra's Model Number?
Go to Settings > About phone. Your model number will be listed there (e.g., SM-G998U for the US Verizon S21 Ultra). This can be useful for troubleshooting or seeking specific support.
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