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06 Numbers and Powers

Turn Off 5G on Samsung S22: Switch to LTE Step by Step

Card No. 06·4252 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

To turn off 5G on a Samsung Galaxy S22 and switch to LTE, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode and select LTE/3G/2G (auto connect). This forces the phone to use 4G LTE instead of 5G, which can improve battery life and reduce heat in areas with weak 5G coverage.

Why You Might Want to Disable 5G

5G offers faster speeds, but it isn’t always better. On the Samsung S22, 5G can drain the battery noticeably faster than LTE, especially when the signal is weak and the phone constantly searches for a 5G tower. Many users also report that the phone gets warmer during 5G use, particularly when streaming or downloading large files. Switching to LTE is a simple way to extend battery life and keep the device cooler, at the cost of some speed. For most everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and messaging, LTE is more than fast enough.

Step-by-Step: Switch from 5G to LTE

Follow these steps exactly as they appear in the current Android version on the S22 (One UI 5.x/6.x):

  1. Open the Settings app (gear icon).
  2. Tap Connections.
  3. Tap Mobile networks.
  4. Tap Network mode.
  5. Select LTE/3G/2G (auto connect).
  6. Wait a few seconds for the phone to reconnect to the network. You should see the status bar change from 5G to LTE.

If you don’t see the Network mode option, your carrier may have hidden it. In that case, try the dialer code method below.

Alternative Method: Using the Dialer Code

Some carriers lock the Network mode menu. A workaround is to use a hidden dialer code that opens the same settings:

  1. Open the Phone app (dialer).
  2. Dial *#*#4636#*#* (this is a standard Android testing menu code).
  3. The phone will automatically open a hidden menu.
  4. Tap Phone information.
  5. Scroll down to Set preferred network type.
  6. Select LTE only or LTE/UMTS auto (PRL) – the exact name depends on your carrier.
  7. Tap Turn off radio and then Turn on radio to apply the change.

This method forces LTE even if the carrier tries to override. Note that after a software update or a factory reset, the setting may revert to default.

How to Re-enable 5G Later

If you want to go back to 5G, repeat the first method and select 5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto connect) instead. On the dialer code method, choose NR/LTE or Global (the wording varies). The phone will reconnect to 5G networks when available. There is no permanent change; it’s just a toggle.

Common Problems and Fixes

  • No LTE option in Network mode: This is usually carrier-specific. Use the dialer code method, or contact your carrier to ask if they allow manual network selection.
  • Still shows 5G after switching: Wait 30 seconds; the phone may take time to drop the 5G connection. If it persists, restart the phone.
  • Data stops working after switching: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks and tap Access Point Names. Reset to default by tapping the three-dot menu and selecting Reset to default.
  • Can’t find the dialer code menu: Some Android versions block the code. Try the standard Settings path again, or use a third-party app that accesses the same hidden menu (but be cautious with permissions).

Does Switching to LTE Save Battery? What You Should Know

Yes, in most cases it does. The Samsung S22 has a 3700mAh battery, and 5G modems consume more power, especially when the signal is weak. Anecdotal reports and general tech knowledge indicate that disabling 5G can extend battery life by 10-20% in mixed usage. However, if you are in an area with excellent 5G coverage, the difference may be minimal. Also, if you rely on high-speed downloads or low-latency gaming, you’ll notice the drop in performance. LTE speeds typically range from 20-100 Mbps, while 5G can exceed 200 Mbps, so consider your usage before switching.

5G vs LTE: Speed and Coverage Comparison

5G is not a single technology; it includes low-band, mid-band, and mmWave. Low-band 5G is barely faster than LTE but covers long distances. Mid-band offers a good balance, and mmWave is extremely fast but only works in short ranges. LTE is mature and widely available. In many rural areas, LTE is more reliable than 5G. If you travel frequently, keeping LTE on can prevent your phone from constantly searching for a 5G signal, which drains battery. The S22 supports both, so you can switch based on your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off 5G affect my phone calls?

No. Calls on most carriers use VoLTE (Voice over LTE) or fall back to 3G/2G if needed. Disabling 5G does not affect voice calls; they will continue over LTE or 2G/3G.

Does the S22 have a quick toggle for 5G?

No, Samsung does not provide a quick settings toggle for 5G on the S22. You must go through Settings or use the dialer code. Some third-party apps can create a shortcut, but they are not officially supported.

Will switching to LTE break my data connection?

No, LTE is a fully functional data network. You will still have internet access, just at lower speeds than 5G. If you have no LTE coverage, the phone will fall back to 3G or 2G, which may be very slow.

Why is the Network mode option grayed out?

This happens when your carrier has disabled manual network selection. The dialer code method usually bypasses this, but if it doesn’t, you may need to contact your carrier to request that they enable the option.

Does disabling 5G reduce heat?

Yes, many users report that the S22 runs cooler when 5G is off, particularly in warm environments or during heavy usage. The 5G modem generates more heat, so turning it off can help.

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