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! 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. It will make sure that you are always connected to 5G network!
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What Is 5G Only Mode?
Generally, smartphones switch between 5G and 4G bandwidths according to which signal is more readily available. It is the perfect setting as your phone does not need to worry about manually selecting the network every time you enter the low signal zone. Sometimes Android smartphones prefer a 4G/3G network even if that specific area has strong 5G coverage. In such a scenario, you might need to use 5G network and lock it. It is called a 5G Only mode.
For most Jio and Airtel users in 2026, unlimited 5G plans are widely available on eligible recharges. The bigger concern today is battery drain and possible calling issues rather than exhausting your data quota. That’s why it is pretty easy to breeze through the allocated data in no time. On the flip side, the 4G network can help you conserve your mobile data. Therefore, if you have an unlimited 5G plan, you must lock the 5G network.
What Are SA 5G And NSA 5G?
There are mainly two types of 5G in India right now.
- SA
- NSA
Let’s understand them in a brief.
SA stands for Standalone, and NSA stands for Non-Standalone. NSA 5G is built on top of the existing 4G core. So, your phone uses 4G for control signals and 5G only for data. In this mode, the 5G control plane is linked to the 4G LTE and uses its core network. As the control plane is linked to the 4G base station, 4G takes over the control. It means even if you force 5G mode, your phone still needs 4G to function. That’s why calls can fail, or data drops backs to 4G.
On the other hand, SA 5G runs on a fully independent 5G infrastructure with its own core. So, there will be no dependency on 4G. Lower latency, better battery efficiency, and more stable connections.
Along with 5G types, which carrier you use also matters a lot. Jio launched fully SA 5G from day one in late 2022. In early 2026, even Airtel confirmed that it is actively rolling out 5G Standalone. It means if you’re using Jio, then 5G-only mode is more effective because you’re on a true SA network. So, if you’re phone keeps dropping to 4G even after forcing 5G mode, your carrier’s NSA architecture, not just your phone’s settings, could be the reason.
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How Far Has The Coverage Actually Come In 5G In India In 2026?
As per the DoT (Department of Telecommunications), they have rolled out 5G services in all major States and Union Territories across the country. Almost 99.99% districts have these facilities. India now has well over 500 million 5G subscribers in 2026, making it one of the world’s largest 5G markets. That’s massive growth. However, coverage is not the same as quality.
Let’s understand it in a better way.
Airtel’s 5G rollout has expanded significantly in 2026, with Standalone (SA) deployment reaching more circles. However, your actual 5G experience still depends on your city, device, and network congestion.
Jio users tend to get the most consistent 5G experience. If you’re on Vi, forcing 5G might not help because their rollout is still expanding. So, before you force 5G-only mode, you should check your carrier’s official 5G coverage map to confirm a strong signal in your area.
- Jio: jio.com/5G
- Airtel: airtel.in/5G-network
- Vi: myvi.in/5g
5G Auto vs 5G Preferred vs 5G Only: What’s the Difference?
Before forcing your phone to use 5G, it’s important to understand what the different network settings actually do.
| Network Mode | What It Means | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 5G Auto | The phone manages network selection and may switch to LTE when appropriate. | Everyday use, battery efficiency and stable connectivity |
| 5G Preferred / 5G Recommended | The phone prioritises 5G where supported but may still use 4G/LTE. | Users who want 5G without sacrificing network flexibility |
| 5G Only / NR Only | Attempts to restrict the phone to 5G New Radio, if the device and network support this mode. | Temporary testing or troubleshooting in compatible network conditions |
Important: These options are not interchangeable. A setting labelled 5G, 5G Preferred or 5G Recommended does not necessarily mean your phone is locked to 5G.
NR Only can also prevent a device from connecting successfully when its carrier requires LTE connectivity, such as on certain 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) networks.
For most users, keeping the phone on automatic network selection is the better choice. Use a stricter 5G setting only if your device supports it and you understand its limitations.
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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
On many Android phones running Android 14, Android 15, or Android 16, manufacturers have hidden the option to manually force 5G. So, users often rely on hidden testing menus or third-party apps.
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 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.
Also Read: HyperOS 2.0 Eligible Devices, Release Date All Details List!
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. This table will help you see these settings for many brands. These brands include Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, OPPO, Samsung, Redmi, POCO, and more.
| Device Brand | Steps to Enable 5G |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel / Motorola | Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Preferred Network Type > 5G (On/Recommended) |
| OnePlus / Oppo / Realme | Settings > Mobile Network > SIM > Preferred Network Type > 5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto) > Disable “Smart 5G” in More Settings |
| Samsung Galaxy | Settings > Connections > Mobile Network > Network Mode > 5G/LTE/3G/2G (Auto) |
| Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco | Settings > SIM Cards & Mobile Networks > SIM > Preferred Network Type > Prefer 5G |
Note: Some manufacturers remove the manual 5G option through software updates. If you don’t see it, your carrier, software version, or device may not allow forcing 5G manually.
Method 5- Use the 5G Only App
You must install the5G Only app to always get the 5G signal. Here are the steps that you need to follow.
- Install and launch the 5G Only app on your phone.
- Click on Set 5G Only
- Click on Set Preferred Network Type
- Choose NR Only
How To Enable 5G On An iPhone
If you use an iPhone, you can adjust your 5G preferences directly through the Settings app. The available options depend on your iPhone model, carrier and mobile plan.
Steps to Enable 5G On
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Mobile Data or Cellular.
- Select Mobile Data Options or Cellular Data Options.
- Tap Voice & Data.
- Choose 5G On, if available.
With 5G On, your iPhone uses 5G whenever it is available. However, this is not necessarily a strict 5G-only network lock.
5G Auto vs 5G On on iPhone
- 5G Auto: Your iPhone can switch to LTE when 5G does not offer a noticeably better experience, helping conserve battery life.
- 5G On: Your iPhone uses 5G whenever it is available, but this may reduce battery life.
- LTE: Your iPhone uses LTE even when 5G is available.
Some iPhone models and carriers may also offer additional 5G Standalone or Voice Over 5G Standalone settings. These options are not available to everyone.
Should you enable 5G On?
Choose 5G On if you want to use 5G more consistently and have reliable coverage. If you travel frequently, experience weak signals or want better battery efficiency, 5G Auto is generally the more practical option.
If you cannot find these settings, check your iPhone’s compatibility, carrier support and mobile plan.
How to Force 5G-Only Mode for Different Smartphones?
Samsung Galaxy smartphones don’t have a native “5G Only” option in settings. The default mode is 5G/LTE/3F/2G. If you want to force 5G-Only on Samsung, you need a third-party app like 5G Switch – Force 5G Only.
If you’re a OnePlus or Realme user, you might have noticed that even after forcing 5G-Only via settings, you may still see the phone switching back. It is because of the feature called “Smart 5G.” On OnePlus devices, you may have to turn off Smart 5G, too. For that, go to Settings -> Mobile Network -> More Settings and turn off the toggle switch for Smart 5G. This feature is specifically designed to save battery by switching between 5G and 4G automatically. However, it overrides your manual 5G-Only setting if left on.
Xiaomi/POCO/Redmi phones run HyperOS or MIUI and include a “Prefer 5G option.” If you want to use only 5G on these phones, go to Settings ->click on SIM Cards & Mobile Networks, choose your SIM card, click on Preferred Network Type and choose Prefer 5G.
How To Check 5G Bands Supported In Your Area?
Even if you force your phone to only 5G Mode, the 5G network, it won’t work. This is 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
Here, you can see low frequency bands, high frequency bands in major cities.
| Carrier | Primary 5G Bands |
|---|---|
| Jio | n28, n78 |
| Airtel | n78 (with expanding SA deployment) |
| Vi | n78 (available in select cities) |
Also Read: Most Annoying Problems With Xiaomi Smartphones And How To Fix Them
Things to Know Before Forcing 5G-Only Mode
Here are a few things that you need to know before forcing 5G-Only Mode.
Battery Drain Warning
5G uses more battery than 4G. When you force 5G-only mode, your phone constantly searches for 5G signals. It drains your battery faster. You can expect 20-30% more battery usage throughout the day.
Call Quality Issues
Some phones use 4G for voice calls (VoLTE). If you lock to 5G-only mode, you might face call drops or poor call quality. Your phone needs to switch networks for calls to work properly.
Data Usage Increases
5G is faster, so you download more data quickly. Apps also load higher-quality content on 5G. You may consume 15-20% more data than on 4G networks.
When Should You Force 5G-Only Mode?
Force 5G mode only in the following situations:
- Testing 5G speed: You want to check your actual 5G performance without 4G interference.
- Strong 5G area: You live or work where 5G coverage is excellent and stable.
- Heavy downloads: You’re downloading large files and want maximum speed.
If you use two SIM cards and force 5G, then it affects both SIMs differently:
Many newer smartphones released in 2025 and 2026 support Dual SIM Dual 5G, although implementation varies between manufacturers. Check your phone specifications for confirmation.
Who Should Avoid 5G-Only Mode?
Don’t force 5G if you:
- Travel frequently between cities
- Live in areas with weak 5G coverage
- Need long battery life
- Make frequent phone calls
- Have limited data plans
Why Is My Phone Not Connecting to 5G? Ways to Fix It!
If your phone supports 5G but keeps connecting to 4G/LTE, try these troubleshooting steps before forcing 5G-only mode.
1. Check 5G Coverage in Your Area
5G availability can vary by location, indoor coverage and network congestion. Even if your city has 5G services, your building or neighbourhood may not have a strong signal.
Check your operator’s official coverage information and test your connection in an open area.
2. Check Your Phone’s Network Settings
Go to your phone’s mobile network settings and check whether 5G is enabled for the correct SIM. If the phone is set to LTE/4G only, it will not connect to 5G.
Choose the recommended 5G automatic setting, if available.
3. Verify Your SIM and Mobile Plan
Check whether your mobile operator supports 5G on your current plan, SIM/eSIM and device. If you are using dual SIM, confirm which SIM is selected for mobile data.
Contact your operator if you are unsure about 5G eligibility or activation.
4. Turn Airplane Mode On and Off
Enable Airplane Mode briefly, turn it off and wait for your phone to reconnect. This can help refresh the network connection, although it will not fix coverage or provisioning issues.
5. Restart Your Smartphone and Check for Updates
Restart your phone and install any relevant software or carrier settings updates available for your device.
Menu names and update options may vary by manufacturer.
6. Compare Network Performance Before Changing Settings
Run a speed test in the same location using the same SIM and similar conditions. Compare the results before and after changing a supported network setting.
Check download speed, upload speed, latency and whether calls remain reliable. A 5G indicator alone does not guarantee faster internet.
If none of these steps helps, contact your operator to check for local network issues or account-related restrictions.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of 5G Only Mode?
Here are some pros and cons of 5G Only Mode.
| Pros | Cons |
| It offers a stable 5G connection. Your phone stays connected to 5G instead of switching back to 4G frequently. | Most phones still use 4G for voice calls, so locking your phone to 5G can block calling. |
| 5G Only Mode is useful when you want to test real 5G speeds in strong coverage areas. | Text messages may fail or arrive late in 5G Only Mode. |
| It reduces constant switching between 4G and 5G. | Your phone may consume more battery while searching for a stable 5G signal. |
| 5G Only Mode can help identify whether network issues are caused by weak coverage or phone settings. | Speed may drop, or data may disconnect in places with poor 5G coverage. |
| This mode is ideal for testing, not for regular phone usage. |
How to Check Whether 5G Only Mode Will Work on Your Phone
All 5G phones cannot handle 5G Only Mode properly. Even if your phone supports 5G, it may be possible that it relies on 4G for certain functions like calls and fallback connectivity.
Therefore, before forcing 5G Only Mode, you should check if your phone supports multiple 5G bands. Ensure your phone software is updated. Also, confirm that your carrier allows 5G-only connections in your area.
If any of these are missing, your phone may lose signal or show “No Service” after switching.
How 5G Only Mode Affects Calls and Messages
One major downside of 5G Only Mode is calling support. Most phones still depend on 4G for voice calls.
After enabling 5G Only Mode:
- You may not be able to make or receive calls
- SMS messages may fail or arrive late
- Emergency calls may not connect properly
It makes the 5G Only Mode risky for daily use, primarily if you rely on your phone for work or important communication.
Better Ways to Improve 5G Performance Without Forcing It
Instead of locking your phone to 5G Only Mode, try:
- Restarting your phone
- Turning Airplane Mode on and off
- Moving to open areas with a better signal
- Letting the phone manage network switching automatically
These options keep calls working while still giving good data speeds.
Is 5G Mode Better Than 4G Mode? Here’s What The Comparative Analysis Says
Before you make your phone turn into a full-on 5G mod, here are some comparative analysis that you must understand:
| Aspect | 4G/3G/LTE/5G (Automatic) | 5G Only |
| Network selection | Phone can switch between available 5G, 4G/LTE and sometimes 3G networks | Phone tries to stay on 5G |
| Speed | Usually very good; may use 4G when 5G is weak | Can be faster if strong 5G is available |
| Coverage | Better overall because 4G can fill gaps | Worse if 5G coverage is weak |
| Network stability | Generally more reliable | Can become unstable in weak 5G areas |
| Battery | Usually better when 5G coverage is inconsistent | May consume more battery searching/holding weak 5G |
| Gaming latency | Good, depending on network | Potentially lower latency, but not guaranteed |
| Calls | More reliable because the phone can fall back to other networks | Calls may fail depending on your carrier/VoNR support |
| Travelling | Better because the phone can use different network types | Riskier in areas with limited 5G |
| Best use case | Everyday use | Strong 5G coverage + data-heavy usage |
So, ultimately, the 5G-only mode is beneficial only when:
- You have strong, consistent 5G coverage.
- Your carrier supports reliable 5G voice/VoNR.
- You primarily use mobile data.
- You want to prevent the phone from repeatedly switching between 5G and 4G.
Does Forcing 5G-Only Mode Affect Your Battery?
Yes, 5G uses more battery, but its impact depends on which type of 5G you’re on. Usually, SA 5G power consumption is less than NSA 5G because NSA has to maintain two simultaneous connections: 4G + 5G. Both Jio and Airtel have expanded Standalone 5G deployment in 2026. Battery consumption now depends more on your phone’s modem efficiency and signal quality than solely on your carrier.
Some tips to reduce battery drain while on 5G.
- Keep the screen brightness at Auto.
- Turn off background app refresh for data-heavy apps.
- Use 5G-only mode for large downloads or gaming. After that, switch back to Auto.
- If your phone has the dedicated “5G battery saver” option, you must enable it. It reduces peak 5G performance slightly but saves a significant amount of battery.
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.
You don’t need to force 5G in most situations. Modern smartphones switch intelligently between 4G and 5G. Use 5G Only mode mainly for testing, troubleshooting, or when you’re certain strong 5G coverage is available.
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!
FAQs
Q: Do all smartphones support 5G?
A: Most modern smartphones, including budget models, support 5G. Check your device’s specs to confirm.
Q: Can I disable 5G if I don’t need it?
A: Yes, go to your phone’s network settings and select “LTE/4G” or “3G/2G” instead of 5G.
Q: What if forcing 5G causes “No Service”?
A: This happens in areas with weak 5G coverage. Revert to “5G/LTE Auto” in your settings or via the USSD code (*#*#4636#*#*).
Q: How do I know if my carrier supports 5G?
A: Major Indian carriers (Jio, Airtel, Vi) support 5G. Visit their website or call customer service to confirm coverage in your area.
Q. Is the 5G Only Mode safe to use?
A. Yes, it is safe, but it’s not recommended for full-day use. It can affect calls, messages, and battery life, so it’s best used temporarily.
Q. Will I get faster internet in 5G Only Mode?
A. Only if you are in an area with strong and stable 5G coverage, in weak areas, forcing 5G can actually make speeds worse.
Q. Can I make calls in 5G Only Mode?
A. No, you cannot make calls in most cases. Many phones still need 4G for voice calls. That’s why calls may fail in 5G-only mode.
Q. Does the 5G Only Mode consume more battery?
A. Yes, your phone works harder to maintain a 5G signal. It can lead to faster battery drain and heating.
Q. Should I keep the 5G Only Mode turned on all the time?
A. No, it’s better to use automatic network mode for daily use. It allows your phone to switch between 4G and 5G for a better balance.
Q. When should I use 5G Only Mode?
A. Use it when testing 5G speed, checking network stability, or troubleshooting network switching issues. Turn it off once testing is done.
Q. How do I switch back to normal network mode?
A. Go back to your network settings and select automatic or default network mode. Your phone will then manage 4G and 5G on its own.
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