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iPhone and iPadSwitch Cellular Data to 4G or 5G

How to Switch Cellular Data to 4G or 5G on iPhone?

By Lydia | Last Updated

If you’re an iPhone user search for how to switch from 5G to 4G on iPhone, or 4G to 5G to have a faster cellular connection, following step-by-step guide will help you with this.

Switch Celluar Data to 4G/5G

Understanding Cellular Data: 4G vs. 5G

Before diving into the switch, it's important to understand the differences between 4G and 5G networks.

4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution): This technology offers highspeed data transmission and is the standard for most mobile networks. It provides faster internet speeds and improved performance over 3G.

5G: The latest advancement in cellular technology, 5G, offers significantly higher speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity compared to 4G. It supports a wider range of devices and applications, making it ideal for high-band-width activities like streaming and online gaming.

Method 1: Switching Cellular Data to 4G or 5G with Settings

Here’s a detailed, step by step guide to change 4g or 5g on iphone:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone's home screen which represented by a gear icon.

Step 2: In the Settings page, scroll down and select "Cellular".

Access Cellular on iPhone

Step 3: Tap on "Cellular Data Options" to proceed.

Step 4: In the Cellular Data Options menu, you will see a section labeled "Voice & Data". Tap on it to reveal the available options to select your preferred network mode.

Voice & Data Option in Cellular Data Options

Step 5: Choose your Desired Network

Here list three options for you to choose, the differences between them are as follows:

Select 5G Cellular Data iPhone

For 4G: Select "4G" option will enable 4G for faster data speeds.

For 5G On: Select "5G On" if you want to use 5G whenever it’s available.

For 5G Auto: If you choose "5G Auto", your iPhone will automatically switch between 5G and 4G based on network conditions to save battery life.

Step 6: After selecting your preferred network mode, exit the Settings app. Your iPhone will now use the chosen cellular network for data transmission.

Method 2: Use Shortcut to Switch 4G/5G on iPhone

To use a shortcut to switch between 4G and 5G on your iPhone, follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap the "+" button to create a new shortcut.

Add Shortcut

Step 3: Tap "Add Action" and tap on the search box to search for and choose "Set Voice & Data".

Add Action to Shortcut

Search for Set Voice & Data

Step 4: Then add "Choose from Menu" to the shortcut and enter prompts, tap "+" button to add options.

Add Choose From Menu Prompt

The final menu is like this:

Edit Choose from Menu items

Step 5: Drag the Set Voice & Data mode plates below and be attached to 5g.

Drag Set Voice & Data Sub 5G

Step 6: Tap on "Radio Access Technology", select "Variables" > "Shortcut Input".

Set Radio Access Technology

Step 7: Then tap on "Cellular Plan" select "Primary", tap on 4G, change it to 5G.

Set Cellular SIM Card

Change Action

Step 8: Set other two option with the same steps.

Set Other Two Cellular Type

Step 9: Tap on the search box, search for "Vibrate Device", and add it to shortcut.After set, tap on "Done".

Add Vibrate Device when Switch Cellular

Step 10: Then long-press the shortcut, select "Rename" to name your shortcut. Enter a recognizable name, and tap "Done" to save.

Rename Shortcut

Step 11: Now, you can run this shortcut to quickly switch 4G/ 5G/5G Auto.

Switch iPhone From 4G to 5G

Switch to 5G iPhone

Note: You can add this shortcut in the home screen to access it faster.

Check and Reset Your Current Traffic Usage

To check your current traffic usage and disable data usage for specific apps on an iPhone, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to iPhone Settings -> Cellular.

Step 2: Scroll down to check Apps data usage. Tap on specific app to view cellular data.

App Use Cellular Data iPhone

Step 3: You can also switch to off for specific app to prevent it from using cellular data.

Turn off Cellular Data for App

To reset your data usage statistics:

Step 1: In the "Cellular" menu, find the "Cellular Usage Statistics" section.

Step 2: Tap "Reset Statistics" to clear the current data usage.

Reset Cellular Statistics

Change Cellular Data Mode

iPhone add "Allow More Data on 5G" in Cellular settings since iPhone 12, to offer higher quality for FaceTime Connection and video when using Wi-Fi. Here is how to access it:

Step 1: Navigate to iPhone Settings -> Cellular.

Step 2: Tap on Data Mode, then choose one of them:

Cellular Data Mode

Allow More Data on 5G: This mode provides the highest quality for data usage, allowing apps to use cellular data freely, including background app updates and higher quality streaming. It's ideal when you have ample data and want the best performance.

Standard: It is seemed as normal mode, with standard quality for FaceTime and Video.

Low Data Mode: This mode reduces data consumption by pausing automatic updates, background tasks, and lowers the quality of streaming content. It’s suitable for when you have limited data or want to save on your data plan.

Fix 4G/5G icon does not Appear on Screen

Before start, you should check if your cellular is turned on. Besides, when you’re using Wi-Fi at the same time, the cellular icon will be hidden. If the 4G/5G signal still not appear on your iPhone screen, try these steps to fix the issue:

Step 1: Ensure your iPhone model supports 5G and your carrier offers 5G in your area.

Step 2: Go to "Settings" > "Cellular" > "Cellular Data Options" > "Voice & Data" and select "5G On" or "5G Auto."

Step 3: Go back to Settings page, open "Privacy & Security" option.

Step 4: Enter Privacy Page, find and tap on "Location Service".

Turn on Location Services

Step 5: Then choose System Service > turn on "Status bar icon".

Turn on Status Bar icon

Other feasible ways to try on:

1. Restart Your iPhone: Turn off your iPhone, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.

2. Update iOS: Ensure your iPhone has the latest iOS version by going to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update".

3. Carrier Settings Update: Check for carrier settings updates by going to "Settings" > "General" > "About".

Software Update iPhone

4. Change Another SIM: To rule out whether the cause of sim corruption.