In this tutorial, we will show you how to set your iPhone to always use 5G or use it only when needed. Additionally, we will help you decide if you should let your phone use more 5G data or not.
iPhone 12 and newer models support 5G connectivity. 5G has the potential to offer blazing-fast internet connectivity, but it can consume more battery than 4G. Therefore, out of the box, your iPhone takes the middle approach to ensure great performance while also preserving battery life.
Optimize 5G on iPhone for speed or battery life
1) Open the Settings app and tap Cellular. In some countries, Cellular is called Mobile Service or Mobile Data.
2) Tap Cellular Data Options. If you use two or more SIMs on your iPhone, select the line whose 5G settings you want to change.
3) Tap Voice & Data.
Now, you can select one of the following options:
5G Auto: This is the default setting that turns on Smart Data mode to automatically strike a balance between 5G cellular data speed and battery life. It can automatically switch to 4G/LTE if 5G does not provide a noticeably improved experience. Apple says that Smart Data mode is automatically enabled based on your cellular data plan.
5G On: Selecting this option will prompt your iPhone to always connect to a 5G network, which will reduce battery life. Of course, if 5G is unavailable in that location, your iPhone will fall back to 4G, 3G, or even EDGE (2G).
LTE or 4G: Select this option to limit your cellular data and voice to LTE networks, even when 5G is available. Doing so will optimize cellular networking for battery life at the expense of data speeds. You’re recommended to use this mode if you’re seeing speeds that are closer to LTE, which may be the case with some Sub-6GHz 5G networks.
Manage 5G cellular data usage on iPhone
Apple allows you to control whether things like iOS software updates, FaceTime, TV shows & movies, and third-party apps should take full advantage of 5G cellular data and use more cellular data for enhanced experiences or reduce their cellular data consumption.
1) Go to iPhone Settings > Cellular.
2) Tap Cellular Data Options if you use a single SIM card with your device. If you have set up two or more eSIMs, tap your mobile number whose settings you want to change.
3) Tap Data Mode.
Now, select one of the following:
Allow More Data on 5G: If you enable this option, apps and certain system tasks, such as automatic iCloud backup, will be permitted to use more 5G cellular data. Allowing more data on 5G will boost the quality of FaceTime calls, stream or download movies and TV shows in the TV app in high definition. Your Apple Music songs and videos will sound and look better, too, and the operating system will download iOS updates over cellular. This setting allows third-party apps to use more cellular data for enhanced experiences.
Allow More Data on 5G is usually off by default, but it can be the default if your cellular plan has unlimited data allowance.
Furthermore, when Allow More Data on 5G is enabled, your iPhone may automatically use 5G if you have connected to an occasionally used Wi-Fi network that’s slow or insecure.
Standard: This setting will permit automatic software updates and background tasks on 5G cellular data. However, FaceTime calls and video-enabled apps like TV and Music will use standard quality settings.
Low Data Mode: This mode will pause automatic updates and background tasks to help reduce cellular data usage. It may also disable 5G except during video streaming.
On a related note: Having trouble with your iPhone’s 5G connection? Try these troubleshooting steps