How to Enable 5G Only Mode on Android?

With the rise of unlimited 5G data plans, many users are eager to maximize their 5G experience on Android smartphones. However, one common frustration is when the network automatically switches between 5G and 4G, especially in areas with weak 5G coverage. This can lead to unwanted 4G data usage, even if your plan offers unlimited 5G. The good news? There are ways to force your Android phone to stay locked on 5G only mode, ensuring you always benefit from high-speed connectivity—without wasting data on 4G. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods to set up 5G-only on Android mobiles, explore the pros and cons of each approach, and answer common questions to help you get the most from your 5G network.

✅ Why You Should Use 5G-Only Mode

Before jumping into the how-to, it’s essential to understand why you might want to enable 5G-only Mode:

• Maximize Unlimited 5G Plans: Avoid accidentally using 4G, which may be capped or metered.
• Faster Speeds: Enjoy the blazing-fast download and upload speeds that 5G provides.
• Lower Latency: 5G offers much lower latency, ideal for gaming and video calls.
• Avoid Network Fluctuations: Locking to 5G prevents your device from switching between bands.

That said, enabling 5G-only Mode does have its challenges—especially if your area doesn’t have consistent 5G tower coverage. However, this tweak can significantly enhance performance for those with strong 5G signals.

Method 1: Using the Hidden Testing Menu (##4636##)

This is the most commonly used method and doesn’t require any third-party apps.

Steps:

1. Open your Phone Dialer.
2. Dial *#*#4636#*#* — this will open the hidden testing menu.
3. Tap on “Phone Information.”
4. Scroll down to “Set Preferred Network Type”.
5. From the dropdown list, select NR only (NR stands for New Radio, which is 5G).
6. Exit the menu.

Note: Not all Android devices support this code, and the manufacturer or carrier might turn the menu off on some phones.

Method 2: Using a 5-Only App from the Play Store

If the secret code doesn’t work on your device, don’t worry. You can use apps specifically designed to force 5 G-only mode.

Recommended Apps:

• Force LTE Only (5G/4G/3G)
• Network Signal Guru (for advanced users and rooted phones)

How to Use:

1. Download and install the app from the Google Play Store.
2. Grant the necessary permissions.
3. Navigate to the “Set Preferred Network Type.”
4. Choose 5G Only or NR Only, depending on your Phone’s Phone’s labeling.
5. Apply the setting.

Pro Tip: Look for apps that mention Android 11+ support for better compatibility with newer devices.

Method 3: Developer Options & Advanced Settings

Some Android manufacturers offer network control settings in Developer Options. This is an indirect way, but it can help tweak performance.

Enable Developer Options:

1. Go to Settings > About PhonePhone.
2. Tap “Build Number” 7 times until you see “You are now a developer!”
3. Go to Settings > System > Developer Options.
4. Search for Mobile Data or Network Selection options (availability varies).
5. Try to locate or force 5G preferred or 5G only.

While this method doesn’t always offer a “5G only” mode, it can help prioritize 5G over other networks.

️ Method 4: Using Carrier Settings (For Some Phones)

Some devices (especially Samsung and OnePlus models) let you control network preferences via their SIM card settings.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Mode.
2. Choose 5G/LTE Only or 5G Preferred if available.
3. Save the changes.

This method depends on both the device model and carrier. In many cases, carriers lock these settings, so you may not see the 5G-only option unless the PhonePhone is unlocked.

Understanding NR, LTE, and Other Network Types

Let’s break down some standard terms you’ll see when changing settings:

• NR (New Radio): This is the technical name for 5G.
• LTE: This is the standard 4G technology.
• GSM/WCDMA/CDMA: Older network types like 2G and 3G.
• NR/LTE Mixed Mode: Allows your Phone to use 5G and 4G as needed.

To stay strictly on 5G, you’ll need to choose NR Only wherever possible.

⚠️ Potential Issues with 5G-Only Mode

While 5G-only Mode has clear advantages, it’s not without downsides:

• No Signal in Low 5G Areas: If no 5G tower is nearby, your Phone may lose connectivity.
• Vo5G Support Issues: Not all phones support Voice over 5G (VoNR). This means calls may not go through unless the device can fall back to 4G for Voice.
• Battery Drain: Staying on 5G can consume more power, especially in weak coverage areas.

If you experience dropped calls or signal loss, switch to a mixed mode like 5G/LTE.

How to Revert to Automatic Network Switching

If things go south and you want to restore normal network behavior:

1. Open the same testing menu or app used before.
2. Set the preferred network type to NR/LTE/GSM/CDMA (Auto) or Global.
3. Reboot your device for the changes to take effect.

This will let your PhonePhone intelligently choose the best available signal.

️ Tools to Monitor 5G Network Performance

To ensure your settings are working correctly, you can install these network monitoring tools:

• NetMonster – Provides real-time info about towers and signal strength.
• Speedtest by Ookla – Check your download/upload speeds.
• Network Cell Info Lite – Detailed signal analytics.

These apps can help you determine whether your phonePhone uses 5G after you apply your settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use 5G-only Mode without rooting my Phone?

YePhones, most methods listed above (like ##4636## or 5G apps) do not require root access.

Q: Why is my Phone stiPhonell showing 4G after enabling 5G-only?

This usually means that no 5G tower is nearby or your carrier has temporarily disabled the 5G band in that location.

Q: Will my calls work on 5G-only Mode?

Only if your device supports VoNR (Voice over 5G), otherwise, calls might fail or not connect properly.

Q: Is 5G the only safe mode for the phone?

YePhones. It’s a network preference setting, not a hardware-level tweak. It won’t damage your device.

Wrap Up-Get the Best Out of Your 5G Plan

Enabling 5G-only Mode on Android mobiles can be a game changer—especially if you’re on an unlimited 5G data plan. Following the steps above, you can lock your device to 5G, improve your download speeds, and reduce unexpected 4G data usage. Whether you use the hidden dialer code, third-party apps, or built-in phone settings, the key is to choose the method that suits your device best.

Remember that 5G is still expanding, and you may occasionally need to switch back to auto-mode in poor coverage areas. However, when used correctly, 5G-only Mode puts you in control of your mobile data experience.

So take charge of your 5G connection and enjoy the blazing-fast world of next-gen mobile internet!

Selva Ganesh

Selva Ganesh is the Chief Editor of this Blog. He is a Computer Science Engineer, An experienced Android Developer, Professional Blogger with 8+ years in the field. He completed courses about Google News Initiative. He runs Android Infotech which offers Problem Solving Articles around the globe.