Do you want to force switch your smartphone to 3G or 2G, but don’t know how remove 4G on Android without losing connection? This problem is relevant for owners of devices with unstable LTE coverage, when frequently switching between networks, or to save battery power. In some regions, 4G networks work worse than 3G, and operators still have not provided uniform coverage - and then forced network selection becomes the only solution.

In this article you will find 5 working methods disabling 4G on any Android device - from standard settings to hidden engineering menus and commands ADB. We will analyze the nuances for popular brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, Realme), explain why sometimes 4G does not turn off through the menu, and provide a checklist for checking the result. If you encounter a problem where your smartphone ignores your network settings, here you will find a solution.

1. Standard method: through the Android settings menu

The most obvious and safest method is to use the built-in network settings. However, the interface may differ depending on the version Android and shell of the manufacturer. Let's consider a universal algorithm:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to section Network and Internet (or Connections to Samsung).
  3. Select Mobile network → Network type (or Network mode).
  4. Uncheck 4G (LTE) or select manually 3G (WCDMA) or 2G (GSM).

On some devices (Xiaomi, Redmi), the path may look like this: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → SIM card settings → Preferred network type. If there is no separate item for 3G in the list, try the option 3G/2G (auto) - this will force the smartphone to ignore 4G.

Make sure the SIM card is active

Reboot your smartphone after changing the settings

Check the network indicator in the status bar (should change from "4G" to "3G" or "H+")

Open the browser and check the speed (should drop to ~1-5 Mbps)-->

⚠️ Attention: On Samsung Galaxy s Android 12+ and One UI 4.0+ there may be no option to manually select a network. In this case, use the methods from the following sections.

2. Hidden engineering menus (USSD codes)

If the standard settings do not allow you to disable 4G, try engineering menu. This method works on most devices, but requires caution - incorrect changes can disrupt the network. Here are the universal codes:

  • 📱 ##4636## - opens the testing menu (section Phone informationHere you can manually select the network type (WCDMA only for 3G).
  • 🔧 ##2263## —menu for setting up frequency bands (on some Samsung and LG).
  • 🌐 *#0011# —information about the current connection (useful for diagnostics).

After entering the code, select your SIM card (if there are several), then find the item Set preferred network type or similar. Options may have different names:

Option in the menu What does it mean Suitable for disabling 4G?
LTE only 4G only ❌ No
WCDMA only Only 3G ✅ Yes
GSM only Only 2G ✅ Yes (but the speed will be minimal)
WCDMA preferred 3G priority, but 4G is possible ❌ No

On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13+), the engineering menu may be blocked. In this case, use the ADB method from section 4.

3. Forced disabling 4G through applications

If manual settings do not help, use third-party utilities. They allow you to bypass the restrictions of manufacturers' shells and force the network type to be set. The best options:

  • 🛠️ Network Signal Guru —shows detailed information about the network and allows you to block 4G bands. Suitable for Qualcomm-chips.
  • 📡 4G LTE Switch - simple switch between 2G/3G/4G (required root on new Android).
  • 🔄 NetMonster - for advanced users (displays all available networks and their parameters).

Example of working with Network Signal Guru:

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Open the tab Band Selection.
  3. Uncheck all LTE-ranges (for example, B1, B3, B7).
  4. Save the settings and restart your smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Applications like 4G LTE Switch on Android 10+ require root access or activated USB debugging. Without this, they only work on older versions of the OS (before Android 8).

Through standard settings

Used the engineering menu (USSD codes)

Installed special applications

Tried ADB commands

I haven’t tried anything, I’m just looking solution-->

4. Disabling 4G via ADB (for advanced)

If none of the previous methods worked, it remains ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This is an official tool from Google that allows you to manage hidden settings. You will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with ADB drivers installed.
  • 📱 A smartphone with USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number on - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
  2. Enter the command to check connections: 
    adb devices

    The serial number of your device should appear.

  3. Run the command to disable 4G (replace with 3G): 
    adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 1

    where 1 is the code for WCDMA only (3G). Other options:

    • 0 — GSM only (2G)
    • 9 — LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto (auto)
    • 10 — LTE/WCDMA auto
  • Reboot your smartphone: 
    adb reboot

    • On some devices (for example, Samsung Exynos) this command may not work due to proprietary firmware modifications. In this case, try an alternative method via service call.

    Alternative ADB command for Samsung

    If the standard command did not work, try:

    adb shell service call telephony 34 i32 1

    Where 1 is WCDMA only. For 2G use 0. Please note: this method may reset after a reboot!

    5. Disabling 4G through configuration files (root)

    If you have root access, you can manually edit the system files responsible for network settings. This method is suitable for experienced users and requires caution - incorrect changes can lead to loss of connection.

    Instructions:

    1. Install a file manager with support root (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
    2. Go to the path: 
      /system/etc/telephony/db/

      And find the file network_settings.conf or carrier_config.xml.

    3. Open the file in a text editor and find the lines with preferred_network_mode or lte_enabled.
    4. Replace the value with: 
      preferred_network_mode=1

      (where 1 is 3G).

    5. Save the file, set permissions 644 (rw-r--r--) and restart your smartphone.
      6. ⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ with the separation of system partitions (A/B partitions), changes may not be saved after the update. Also, some manufacturers (for example, Huawei) block editing of these files even with root.

      6. Features for different brands

      Manufacturers often modify network settings to suit their shells. Here are the key nuances for popular brands:

      Brand Features of disabling 4G Alternative method
      Samsung (One UI) In new versions there is no manual network selection. Use ADB or the engineering menu (*#2263#). Application Samsung Band Selection (requires root).
      Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI) Path: Settings → SIM cards → Preferred network type. On MIUI 14+ it may be hidden. ADB command: settings put global preferred_network_mode 1.
      Honor/Huawei (EMUI/Magic UI) Network setting is blocked without root. Use ##2846579## (ProjectMenu). Application Huawei Network Assistant (unofficial).
      Google Pixel (Stock Android) The standard path works, but may reset after the update. ADB command with flag --user 0 for permanent saving.

      On devices with Mediatekchips (many Realme, Oppo, Tecno), the engineering menu ##36446337## (EngineerMode) often helps. Here you can manually disable LTE bands in the section Telephony → BandMode.

      💡

      On Samsung and Huawei standard methods are often blocked. Use ADB or specialized applications that support a specific chipset (Qualcomm/Mediatek/Exynos).

      Common problems and solutions

      Even after turning off 4G, the smartphone can continue to connect to LTE. Here are typical causes and ways to eliminate them:

      • 🔄 Settings are reset after reboot → Use an ADB command with a flag --user 0 or install applications with autorun (for example, Tasker to automatically execute commands).
      • 📵 No signal after disabling 4G → Check whether your operator supports 3G in your region (for example, Tele2 and Iota actively disable 3G networks).
      • ⚙️ There is no manual selection option in the menu → Check whether it is hidden in the “advanced settings” or blocked by the operator (for example, on some tariffs MTS and Beeline).
      • 🔋 Quick battery drain after changes → This is normal when searching for a 3G network. If the discharge is critical, return to 4G or check applications in the background.
    ⚠️ Attention: Starting s 2023, many operators (including MegaFon and Beeline) have begun a massive shutdown of 3G networks in favor of 4G/5G. Before forced switching to 3G, check the coverage in your region on the operator's website or through the app SberMobil/My MTS.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    ❓ Why did the Internet disappear completely after the 4G shutdown?

    Most likely, the operator turned it off in your region 3G networks or they are unstable. Check coverage on your operator's map. Also make sure that the mode is not set in the settings Only 2G - many operators (for example, Tele2) have completely abandoned EDGE/GPRS.

    ❓ Is it possible disable 4G only for specific applications?

    No, this is not possible at the system level. However, you can:

    1. Use VPN with traffic limitation for individual applications.
    2. Disable background data transfer for them in Settings → Applications → Data traffic.
    3. Install Firewall application (for example, NetGuard) to block access to the mobile network.
    ❓ Will the battery be saved after turning off 4G?

    Yes, but not significantly. A 4G modem uses more power than a 3G modem, but the difference is usually 5-15% of charge per day. More significant savings are achieved by disabling mobile data mode completely or switching to Saving traffic.

    ❓ Why is there no manual network selection option on the Samsung Galaxy S22?

    Starting from Samsung Galaxy S21 i One UI 4.0+ The manufacturer has removed manual network settings for most regions. This is due to operator policies and optimization of 5G operation. Use ADB or applications like Samsung Band Selection (requires root).

    ❓ Is it possible to disable 4G forever so that the smartphone never connects to LTE?

    Technically yes, but this requires deep changes in the firmware:

    1. Install custom software (for example, LineageOS) and edit the configuration files.
    2. Use Xposed Framework with the module Network Mode Changer (works on Android 7–9).
    3. On some devices it will help Firmware modem-partition with disabled LTE bands (risky!).

    Without root permanently disabling 4G is impossible - after updating or resetting the settings, the option will return.