How to Force Your Android Smartphone to Latch Onto a 5G Network

How to Force Your Android Smartphone to Latch Onto a 5G Network

As the world embraces the rapid advancements in mobile technology, 5G networks have become a game-changer, promising unparalleled download and upload speeds, as well as significantly lower latency compared to 4G. For Indian users, major telecom providers like Airtel and Jio have rolled out 5G services across the country, bringing this revolutionary technology to millions. However, many smartphones automatically switch between 4G and 5G to save battery life, which can sometimes compromise network performance during data-intensive tasks such as gaming and live streaming. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to force your Android smartphone to stay connected to a 5G network. 

1. Preliminary Checks

Before diving into the settings on your phone, ensure that there are no 5G network issues in your area. Coverage is essential; if there’s a problem, your phone might end up out of service. Additionally, verify that you have an active data pack with 5G coverage. Both Airtel and Jio currently offer select 4G plans that come with unlimited 5G data for eligible smartphones.

2. Steps to Lock Your Phone to 5G

The process to force your smartphone to latch onto a 5G network may vary slightly depending on the device manufacturer and the Android version, but the following steps should work for most Android phones:

a. Access Network Settings

1. Open Settings: Start by opening the 'Settings' app on your Android device.

2. Navigate to Connections or Network & Internet: Look for either 'Connections' or 'Network & internet' in the settings menu.

3. Select Mobile Network: Tap on 'Mobile network' to access more detailed settings.

b. Set Network Mode to 5G Only

4. Choose Network Mode: Find and select the option that says 'Network mode'. Here, you will see several options such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G.

5. Select 5G Only: Select '5G only' to ensure your device stays connected to the 5G network whenever it is available.

c. Enable Vo5G (Voice over 5G)

6. Enable Vo5G: If your phone supports it, enable Vo5G (Voice over 5G) to ensure that voice and video calls utilize the 5G network for the best possible quality.

d. Managing Smart 5G Features

Many modern smartphones come with a feature called Smart 5G or 4G/5G auto switch, which dynamically switches between 4G and 5G depending on signal strength and battery life. While this feature is useful, it can be counterproductive if you want a consistent 5G experience. 

e. Disable Smart 5G

7. Locate Smart 5G Option: Within the 'Mobile network' settings, look for an option named 'Smart 5G' or '4G/5G auto switch'.

8. Disable the Feature: Turn off this feature to prevent your phone from switching between networks, thereby ensuring it stays on 5G.

Troubleshooting and Considerations

While forcing your phone to stay on 5G can significantly improve your internet speeds and reduce latency, it may come with some trade-offs. One of the primary concerns is battery life. 5G technology can be more power-hungry than 4G, leading to faster battery drain. Therefore, it's important to monitor your battery performance after making these changes.

If you encounter network stability issues or if 5G coverage is inconsistent, you might need to switch back to the default 4G/5G auto mode to maintain a stable connection. This will allow your phone to fall back on 4G when 5G signals are weak or unavailable.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your Android smartphone remains connected to the 5G network, leveraging the full potential of 5G speeds for tasks like gaming, streaming, and more. However, always be mindful of the potential impact on battery life and be prepared to revert to 4G/5G auto mode if necessary. Embrace the future of connectivity with 5G and enjoy the enhanced mobile experience it offers.