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How to turn off 5G on iPhone 12

Updated: Jul 06, 2021, 8:54 AM

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How to turn off the iPhone 12 Pro 5G data speeds

While Apple's iPhone 12 5G compatibility is the highest of any phone due to the record number of 5G bands support, and the so-called C-Band inclusion makes it futureproof for Verizon or AT&T's 5G network expansion plans, the next-gen connectivity can be a battery hog.

iPhone 13 release date, price, features, and specs

Moreover, you can't run 5G in a dual SIM mode, so there are plenty of reasons you might want to turn 5G on the iPhone 12 off. Thankfully, Apple will do it for you provided with a new feature.

How do I turn 5G off on my iPhone 12?

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options.
2. Choose the Voice & Data option.
3. Tap on the LTE option to switch off the default 5G Auto and make your iPhone 12 roam with 4G connectivity only.
4. Enjoy 20% battery gains compared to browsing or downloading when connected to a 5G network.

Tap on LTE to turn off the default iPhone 12 5G Auto connectivity mode

Choosing between the iPhone 12 automatic 5G settings and Smart Data

Even if you choose to keep your iPhone 12 in the default 5G Auto mode, Apple's new Smart Data Mode in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode has been specifically crafted for the 5G era.

Apple knows that you only need to be on 5G speeds when streaming or downloading something, so it provided an extra 5G setting to manage data on the iPhone 12:

Allow more data on 5G: this one is the heavy 5G hitter that lets you FaceTime or stream video in high definition, or download OTA iOS updates.
Standard: here you keep the automatic updates feature, but lose FaceTime and video streaming quality.
Low Data Mode: automatic updates and background tasks are put on pause to save your precious data allotments.

Chose the iPhone 12's Smart Data Mode option that is most suitable for your carrier plan

How can I tell if my iPhone 12 is on 5G/4G?

Apple is providing a few visual cues on the iPhone 12, 12 mini, Pro and Max models to tell you whether you are connected to a 5G network. Here's how to tell when your iPhone 12 is using T-Mobile, Verizon or AT&T's 5G network:

5G status bar icon: your carrier’s 5G network is available, and your iPhone can connect to the Internet over that network. Works with iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max.
5G+/5GUW icon: your carrier’s 5G network with higher frequency (Verizon's Ultrawide Band) is available, and your iPhone can connect to the Internet over that network.
5G E icon: your carrier’s 5G E network (AT&T) is available, and your iPhone can connect to the Internet over that network. Works with iPhone 8 and later.
4G or LTE icon: our carrier’s 4G UMTS (GSM) or LTE network is available, and your iPhone can connect to the Internet over that network. Works with iPhone 5 and later.

If you’re looking to get an iPhone 12 at a lower price, make sure to check our best iPhone 12 Black Friday deals and other major shopping events pages.

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Daniel, a devoted tech writer at PhoneArena since 2010, has been engrossed in mobile technology since the Windows Mobile era. His expertise spans mobile hardware, software, and carrier networks, and he's keenly interested in the future of digital health, car connectivity, and 5G. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel finds balance in travel, reading, and exploring new tech innovations, while contemplating the ethical and privacy implications of our digital future.