How to change the network type on Android: from 2G to 5G in 5 minutes

Modern smartphones on Android automatically adapt to available mobile networks, but sometimes manual configuration is required. For example, when 4G is unstable, and 3G covers better, or when you need to save battery power by switching to 2G. In other cases, users want to manually activate 5G for maximum speed - if the operator supports this standard in the region.

In this article we will look at all the ways to change the network type to Android - from standard settings to hidden commands for the engineering menu. We will also explain why a smartphone may “forget” the selected mode after a reboot, and how to fix it. The instructions are relevant for devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Google Pixel and other brands based on Android 10–15.

Before changing the settings, check two things: whether your smartphone required type of network is supported (for example, budget models often do not have a module 5G), and whether the corresponding option is included in the operator's tariff. Otherwise, the changes simply won’t work.

Why you may need to change the network type

Automatic mode (LTE/3G/2G (auto)) is suitable for most users, but there are situations when manual configuration is justified:

• 📶 Weak signal 4G/5G: in remote areas or basements, a smartphone can “cling” to a weak one LTE, instead of switching to a more stable one 3G. By manually selecting Only 3G, you will get a lower speed, but a stable connection for calls.
• 🔋 Battery saving: modules 5G i 4G consume significantly more energy than 2G. If you don't need speed, switching to 2G only will extend battery life by 10-15%.
• 💰 Tariff restrictions: some operators (for example, Tele2 or Yota) can be blocked 5G on cheap tariffs. If the smartphone supports this standard, but there is no network, check the tariff conditions.
• 🛠️ Diagnostics of problems: if the Internet disappears or calls are interrupted, testing different network modes helps to identify the cause - for example, a module malfunction LTE.

Important: some instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram) require an Internet connection to make calls. If you choose 2G only, voice messages and video calls will not work - only SMS and regular calls through an operator.

Standard method: through Android settings

The simplest method is to use built-in settings menu. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version Android and manufacturer shells (for example, One UI y Samsung or MIUI y Xiaomi), but the general algorithm is the same.

Open the application Settings and follow along the path:

Network and Internet → Mobile network → Network type

In some firmware the path may look like this:

Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode

In the window that opens, you will see the available options. Typical list:

• 🔄 Automatic (LTE/3G/2G) —recommended mode for most users.
• 📶 LTE only (4G). data-i="99">—if the smartphone supports —priority is given to the fourth generation, but if there is no signal, the connection will be lost.
• 📱 3G only — suitable for stable calls in areas with poor 4G.
• 📞 Only 2G (GSM) — minimal power consumption, but without mobile data (calls/SMS only).
• ⚡ 5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto) - if the smartphone supports 5G, this item will allow you to use it if coverage is available.

If the desired option is not available (for example, missing Only 2G), this may mean:

• 📵 Your smartphone does not support this type of network (for example, 5G in budget models).
• 🔒 The operator has blocked the possibility of manual selection (rare, but occurs among virtual operators).
• 🛠️ The firmware is modified (for example, custom software like LineageOS may hide some options).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 s Android 14) after manually selecting a network, the 4G/5G icon in the status bar may disappear, even if the Internet is working. This is a firmware bug - check the speed via Speedtest.

Hidden settings: engineering menu and USSD codes

If standard settings do not give the desired result, you can use Engineering menu or special USSD codes. These methods are suitable for experienced users and can lead to failures if used incorrectly.

The most universal way to open the engineering menu is to enter the code:

##4636##

Then the menu will open Testing, where you need to select item Phone information or Phone Information. Here you will see the current network type (Set preferred network type) and can change it to:

• 🌐 LTE only —4G only.
• 📡 WCDMA only —3G only.
• 📞 GSM only —2G only.
• 🔄 LTE/WCDMA auto —automatic selection between 4G and 3G.

For devices Samsung a different code may be required:

*#2263#

And on some models Xiaomi and Redmi the engineering menu opens via:

##36446337##

⚠️ Attention: Changes in the engineering menu are not saved after a reboot on some firmwares. To fix the settings, after selecting the network type, press Menu → Save (if such an option is available) or use applications like Network Signal Guru to forcefully block the mode.

There are also USSD operator codesthat can help:

Operator	Verification code network	Code for resetting network settings
MTS	*111*0887#	*111*1234#
Beeline	*110*180#	*110*777#
MegaFon	*105*888#	*105*0000#
Tele2	*155*8#	*155*0#

These codes do not change the type networks directly, but help diagnose problems. For example, if after entering the verification code you see the message “The 4G service is inactive", it means that the operator does not provide access to this standard on your tariff.

Problems when changing the network type and their solutions

Even after correct configuration, the network type may not change. Let's look at typical problems and ways to fix them.

1. The smartphone does not save the selected mode

If, after a reboot or loss of signal, the smartphone switches back to automatic mode, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Operator policy: some providers forcibly reset the network settings via OTA commands (for example, Yota or Tinkoff Mobile).
• 📱 Firmware bug: especially relevant for Android 12–14 on devices Samsung i OnePlus.
• 🔧 Application conflict: apps to save traffic (for example, Datally from Google) or VPN can interfere with network settings.

Solutions:

• 🔧 Install the application Network Signal Guru (available in Google Play) and manually block the desired type of network through it.
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version or roll back to a more stable one (for example, with Android 14 on Android 13if the bug appeared after the upgrade).
• 🚫 Disable VPN and network optimization applications.

2. There is no option “Only 2G” or “Only 5G”

If the menu does not have the required item, this is due to:

• 📱 Hardware limitations: budget smartphones (for example, Redmi 9A or Samsung Galaxy A03) often do not support 5G.
• 🌍 Regional settings: some models (for example, Google Pixel for the USA) may block 2G due to an outdated standard.
• 🔧 Modified firmware: custom builds (for example, LineageOS) sometimes remove unnecessary options.

Solutions:

• 🔍 Check the specifications of your smartphone on the manufacturer's website (for example, on GSMArena).
• 📱 If you need 2G, but it is not in the menu, try entering GSM only in the engineering menu (see previous section).
• 🔧 For 5G you may need to update the module via FOTA (if the operator supports this standard in your region).

3. After changing the network, the Internet disappears

If you manually selected Only 3G or Only 4G, but the mobile data does not work:

• 📵 Check if mobile traffic is enabled in the settings (Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network).
• 🔧 Make sure you entered the correct APN (access point). To do this, go to Settings → Mobile network → Access Point Names (APN) and select your operator's profile.
• 📡 Perhaps the selected network type is simply not available in your region. For example, 5G from MegaFon does not work in all cities.

⚠️ Attention: If, after changing the network type, the smartphone stopped picking up any network (even for calls), reset the network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings. This will return all settings to factory settings, including APN and connection priorities.

How to fix the network type forever

If your smartphone constantly resets manual settings, you can use third-party tools or hidden functions Android.

Method 1: Network Signal Guru application

This application allows you to manually block the network type and prevent automatic switching. Download it from Google Play and follow the instructions:

1. Open the application and grant rights ADB (if prompted).
2. Go to the tab Network Lock.
3. Select the desired network type (for example, LTE only).
4. Press Lock —now the smartphone will not switch automatically.

Note: to work Network Signal Guru on Android 11+ you need to enable developer mode and enable USB debugging.

Method 2: ADB Commands

For advanced users, there is a way to fix the network type via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). enable USB debugging and run the commands:

adb shell
su
setprop persist.radio.force_on true
setprop persist.radio.data_con_rprt 1
setprop persist.radio.add_power_save 0

These commands disable power saving of the communication module, which can help stabilize the selected network type. However, this method requires root access and may lead to increased battery consumption.

Method 3: Modifying the build.prop file

This method is only suitable for firmware with root access and can lead to unstable network operation if incorrect edits are made. Open the file /system/build.prop in any text editor (for example, Root Explorer) and add the lines:

ro.telephony.default_network=9
persist.radio.modem.cap=8

Here:

• 9 — priority LTE.
• 8 — priority WCDMA (3G).
• 1 — priority GSM (2G).

After saving, reboot your smartphone. If the network is lost, delete the added lines.

⚠️ Attention: Editing build.prop without backup can lead to bootloop (loop loading). Before making changes, make a backup copy of the file.

Optimizing battery consumption for different network types

The choice of network type directly affects the battery life of the smartphone. Below is a comparative table of energy consumption and optimization tips.

Network type	Battery consumption (compared to 2G)	Internet speed	Recommendations for use
2G (GSM)	Basic (100%)	Up to 0.3 Mbit/s	Ideal for saving battery power if you only need voice communication.
3G (WCDMA)	+20–30%	Up to 42 Mbit/s	Optimal for calls and easy surfing (social networks, instant messengers).
4G (LTE)	+40–60%	Up to 1 Gbit/s	Suitable for streaming, downloading files, online games.
5G (NR)	+70–100%	Up to 10 Gbit/s	Use only when necessary (for example, for downloading large files).

Tips for saving battery:

• 🔋 If you do not need mobile data, switch to 2G only - this will reduce battery consumption by 15-20%.
• 📶 In an area of poor coverage 4G/5G the smartphone spends a lot of energy searching for a signal. By manually selecting 3G, you will extend the operating time.
• ⚡ Use the mode Flight in the subway or elevators, where there is still no connection.
• 🔄 If necessary leave 4G for the Internet, but save battery power, disable background application update in the settings.

To automatically switch between modes depending on the signal level, you can use applications like Network Signal Speed Booster or 4G Switcher. They analyze the quality of communication and choose the optimal balance between speed and energy consumption.

Features for different brands of smartphones

Manufacturers often modify interface Android, so the path to the network settings may differ. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands.

Samsung (One UI)

On smartphones Galaxy (for example, S23, A54) the path to the network settings:

Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode

Features:

• 🔧 On some models, the option 2G only is hidden. To see it, you must first select LTE/3G/2G (auto), then return to the menu - sometimes the item appears.
• 📡 5G may require a firmware update via Smart Switch.
• 🔄 B Android 14 on Samsung Added an option Prioritize 5Gthat forces the use of the fifth generation, if available.

Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO (MIUI)

On devices with MIUI (for example, Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13):

Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Select SIM] → Network type

Features:

• 📱 The MIUI 14 option Only 5G may be missing, even if the smartphone supports this standard. In this case, use the engineering menu (##4636##).
• 🔧 After updating the firmware, the network settings are reset. To avoid this, before upgrading, make a backup via Mi Cloud.
• 📵 In some regions (for example, in Europe) Xiaomi blocks 2G by default - it must be enabled manually.

Google Pixel (Stock Android)

On “clean” Android (for example, Pixel 7, Pixel 8):

Settings → Network and Internet → SIM cards → Network type

Features:

• 📡 Google Pixel automatically connects to 5Gif the operator supports this standard. To disable the fifth generation, select LTE.
• 🔧 On Android 13+ appeared option Pixel there is an option Enhanced 4G LTE (improved 4G), which speeds up page loading due to caching.
• 📵 If the option disappears after the update 3G only, reset the network settings.

Realme, Oppo, OnePlus (ColorOS)

On smartphones with ColorOS (for example, Realme 10 Pro, OnePlus 11):

Settings → Mobile network → SIM card and mobile data → Preferred network type

Features:

• 📡 B ColorOS 13 added an option Smart 5Gthat automatically switches between 5G and 4G to save battery.
• 🔧 On some models OnePlus when select Only 2G the signal level icon may disappear - this is a bug, the connection works.
• 📵 To activate 5G on Realme sometimes you need to enter IMEI in the engineering menu (*#197328640#).

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones Huawei and Honor (c EMUI) after manually selecting a network, a reboot may be required to apply the changes. Also, these devices often block the engineering menu without special codes unlocking.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the network type on Android

Can I turn on 5G on a smartphone if it is not in the settings?

If there is no option in the menu 5G, this means one of three things:

1. Your smartphone hardware does not support fifth generation (check the model specifications on the manufacturer's website).
2. The firmware is outdated - update it via Settings → System → Software update.
3. The operator does not provide 5G in your region or on your tariff (check with support).

If the smartphone supports 5G, but the option is hidden, try:

• Enter into the engineering menu (##4636##and manually select NR/LTE/WCDMA auto.
• Install alternative firmware (for example, LineageOS), if the manufacturer blocked the function.

Why did the networks stop working after changing calls?

This problem occurs in three cases:

1. You have selected Only 4G (LTE), but the operator does not support VoLTE (voice communication via 4G). Solution: switch to 3G/4G (auto).
2. The settings are lost APN - check them in Settings → Mobile network → APN and select the profile of your operator.
3. The SIM card does not support the selected standard (for example, the old SIM does not work in 4G). Solution: replace it with USIM or eSIM from the operator.

If calls do not work even in 2Gcheck whether the SIM card is blocked (for example, due to a negative balance).

How to return automatic mode if the smartphone is stuck on 2G?

If after manual selection 2G the smartphone does not return to automatic mode, try:

1. Reboot the device - sometimes this resets the settings.
2. Return to the menu Network type and manually select LTE/3G/2G (auto).
3. Reset the network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network.
4. If all else fails, use the ADBcommand:

   adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9

   (where 9 is automatic mode).

On some smartphones (for example, Samsung) automatic mode may be called LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto.

Is it possible to change the network type without access to the settings (for example, if the screen is broken)?summary>

Yes, there are three ways:

1. USSD operator codes: