What to Know
- 5G is the fifth-generation standard for cellular communication and is faster and more reliable than 4G networks.
- However, 5G consumes more data than 4G networks, so if you don't have unlimited data, you should disable 5G networks in your iPhone's cellular settings.
5G is the ideal way to use your iPhone on the go since it offers faster upload and download speeds and more reliable connections than 4G networks. However, 5G networks can use more battery and drive up the cost of your phone bill if you don't have unlimited data. If that's a concern for you, you can easily disable 5G in your iPhone settings.
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What Does 5G Mean on iPhone?
5G is the fifth-generation standard for cellular communications. It is currently the fastest way to use your mobile devices, whether you're browsing the web, scrolling through social media, or watching your favorite Netflix series. If your cellular provider offers unlimited data as part of your plan, you should be fine with using 5G.
Whenever 5G is not available, your iPhone will likely fall back to LTE. LTE falls under the fourth-generation cellular standard. It’s not quite as fast but it doesn't consume as much battery and could help you lower your phone bill. If you are concerned about data usage, find out how to see which apps are using the most data on your iPhone.
How to Turn Off 5G
So now you know what 5G is, but how do you turn off 5G? Luckily, if you need to disable 5G for any reason, you can do so in the Settings app. For more helpful iPhone tips, check out our free Tip of the Day newsletter. Now, here's how to turn off 5G on your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app, and tap Cellular.
![iphone settings with a red box around cellular]()
- Tap Cellular Data Options.
![iphone cellular settings with a red box around cellular data options]()
- Tap Voice & Data.
![iphone cellular data options menu with a red box around voice & data]()
- Tap LTE to turn off 5G.
![iphone voice and data settings with a red box around LTE option]()
That’s how to turn 5G off on your iPhone. Now, when you are not using Wi-Fi, your iPhone will default to using your cellular provider's LTE network. Keep in mind that it will not be quite as fast, but it will help you save battery and should not cost as much. Next, find out what it means when your iPhone says sos in top right corner.
FAQ
- Which iPhones have 5G? Apple brought 5G to the iPhone with the release of the iPhone 12. All device models released since then are 5G-capable, including the most recent iPhone 15.
- Why is 5G not working on my iPhone? If 5G is not working on your iPhone, it could be that you are in an area where 5G is not available. However, you can also try troubleshooting why data is not working on your iPhone.
- What does UC mean next to 5G? Depending on your cellular provider, you might sometimes see an extra symbol next to the 5G symbol in your status bar, such as 5G UC or 5G UW. These are carrier-specific 5G networks. Find out more about the meaning of 5G UC and UW.
