Network and connectivity
Voice and Data, and 5G mode
Most people call this choosing how aggressively the phone uses 5G.
You can let the phone decide when 5G is worth the battery, force it on whenever available, or fall back to LTE only.
This setting is present on your iPhone.
- We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.
Where to find it - iOS 14 and later
- Settings
- Cellular
- Cellular Data Options
- Voice & Data
What it does
5G Auto uses 5G only when it will make a real difference, which is Apple's Smart Data Mode. 5G On keeps 5G whenever it is available, which costs more battery. LTE turns 5G off entirely.
A separate Data Mode setting decides whether 5G is allowed for higher quality media and backups.
What changes
When it is on
With 5G On, the phone stays on 5G wherever it can.
When it is off
With LTE selected, the phone never uses 5G and battery life usually improves.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- 5G is genuinely faster where coverage is good.
- Allow More Data on 5G improves video quality and lets backups run.
Good reasons to turn it off
- 5G On drains more battery for little benefit in weak coverage.
- 5G Auto is the better default for most people.
Battery
Depends how you use it
Privacy
No real change
Performance
Depends how you use it
Cellular data
Depends how you use it
Storage
No real change
Out of the box: 5G Auto on supported models.
What your iPhone needs
- Needs an iPhone with 5G
Questions people actually ask
- Should I turn off 5G to save battery?
- 5G Auto is usually enough. Switching to LTE helps most if your 5G coverage is weak and the phone keeps hunting.
If it is not working
- If the option is missing, your iPhone does not have 5G.
- Selecting LTE is a quick test when battery life suddenly drops in a poor coverage area.