Almost every place in India is getting the 5G coverage. Who doesn’t want faster internet downloading and uploading speed? You get to watch your favourite videos and hows on HD without any buffering because of 5G! But then, if you are using older version or Android or facing network issues, your device can switch back to 4G or even 3G! This article will tell you how you can force your phone on only 5G mode to make sure that you are always connected to 5G network!
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Reasons For Switching Back To 4G/ 3G
Let’s check out the reasons why your device is switching itself back to 4G/ 3G/ LTE/ E from 5G network.
- You are experiencing poor network coverage for 5G Network.
- Your area does not cover all 5G bands and sometimes it switches back to 4G network.
- You are using an older version of Android like Android 12 or Android 13.
- You live in an area with mixed 5G signals.
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Top Methods To Force Your Phone On Only 5G Mode
Let’s check out different methods that you can use to solve this issue.
Method 1: Using Netmonitor App
In Android 12 or older models, you just switch your network in the settings menu and force it, but now, you can’t do that anymore.
To change to LTE or 5G, you need to use hidden menus with a special code or a third-party app. One good app for this is Netmonitor, which helps you check your cell signal.
How to Use Netmonitor?
- Download Netmonitor from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app.
- Tap the blue banner at the bottom that says “Service menu.”
- Tap on “Phone info.”
- Look for the “Set Preferred Network Type” menu.
- Choose what you want. “NR” means 5G, so if you see NR/LTE options, pick “NR” to force your phone on only 5G Mode.
Netmonitor doesn’t have an option just for LTE on Pixel devices. If you want LTE only, you may need to try something else. Some phones let you change the network type, but check under SIM settings in the Network & internet section if yours doesn’t.
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Method 2: Using Dial USSD Code To Update Network Settings
Here’s how you can use a specific code to force your phone on only 5G mode.
- Open your phone app.
- Dial *#*#4636#*#* to get to the testing menu.
- Click on Phone Info.
- Tap “Select Preferred Network Type”
- Choose NR Only for 5G.
Be careful! Changing these settings can mess up your calls and data connection. It doesn’t always happen, but it can. To switch back to 4G or LTE, you can follow the same process.
Method 3: Using the 5G Switch App
If the above two methods do not work or you find them complicated, use the 5G Switch app to force your phone to only 5G mode. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the Google Play Store and download 5G Switch – Force 5G Only.
- Launch the app and select your Android version.
- In the app, go to the Phone info menu.
- Tap the drop-down menu below.
- Set the preferred network type and select NR Only.
By following these steps you would force your phone to only 5G mode. But please remember, if your area does not have 5G internet, you might see the “no service error”.
To switch back to LTE or reset the network, you can visit the phone’s settings and switch back to LTE.
Method 4: Using Device’s Settings To Force Your Phone To Only 5G Mode
Different brands have different steps for changing network settings. Here’s a table to help you navigate through these settings for different brands. These brands include Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, OPPO, Samsung, Redmi, POCO, and more.
| Device Brand | Steps to Select 5G |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel / Motorola | 1. Open Settings 2. Tap Network & Internet 3. Tap Mobile Network > Preferred network type 4. Select 5G (recommended) |
| OnePlus / Oppo / Realme | 1. Open Settings 2. Tap Mobile Network 3. Tap SIM number and set Preferred network type to 5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto) 4. Go back and tap More settings 5. Disable Smart 5G and confirm |
| Samsung Galaxy | 1. Open Settings 2. Tap Connections > Mobile Network 3. Tap Network mode and select 5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto connect) |
| Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco | 1. Open Settings 2. Select SIM cards & mobile networks and tap your number 3. Click Preferred network type 4. Set it to Prefer 5G |
How To Check 5G Bands Supported In Your Area?
You need to know that even if your force your phone on only 5G Mode, 5G network won’t work because you may not have enough 5G bands according to your device.
Here’s a quick guide for you to check 5G bands that are supported in your area:
All Supported 5G Bands in India
This list includes low frequency bands, high frequency bands, major cities, and different states.
| Region | 5G Bands | Frequencies |
|---|---|---|
| Low Frequency Bands | n71, n28, n5, n8, n3, n1, n40, n41, n78, n77 | 600-4200 MHz |
| High Frequency Bands | n258, n257, n261, n260 | 24.25 – 40.00 GHz |
| Major Cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, AP, Karnataka) | 600, 700, 800-850, 900, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2500, 3300, 26 GHz | Available |
| Rajasthan | 600, 700, 900, 1800, 2100, 2300, 26 GHz | Available |
| Haryana, UP, Assam, MP, Orissa, WB, NE | 600, 700, 800-850, 900, 1800, 2100, 3300, 26 GHz | Available |
| Gujarat, Punjab, Maharashtra, Bihar, HP, J&K | 600, 700, 800-850, 900, 1800, 2100, 2500, 3300, 26 GHz | Available |
| Tamil Nadu | 600, 700, 800-850, 900, 1800, 2300, 2500, 3300, 26 GHz | Available |
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In A Nutshell
5G means faster internet and lower latency for everyone. With 5G, you can enjoy surfing the internet without any lag and watch in HD without waiting. But to use 5G unlimited to the fullest, you need to force your phone on only 5G mode. You can do that by following the methods that are mentioned in the article.
Check which 5G bands are available in your area. Do comment if you have any queries related to these methods and I would be happy to solve them!
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Shilpa Sharma
A passionate Tech Writer with a strong knack for converting complex Tech concepts into easy terms for my audience. A lifelong learner who is always up for coffee and a good conversation. Let's stay connected and stay updated on the latest happenings together!