If you’re a proud owner of a Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro device and experiencing issues with 5G connectivity, this article is for you. In this guide, we will show you how to disable 5G on your device and provide you with two different methods to achieve this.
Why Disable 5G?
5G is the latest cellular band that promises faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and improved network reliability. However, due to the relatively new nature of 5G technology, some users have reported issues such as overheating and reduced battery life when their Pixel 6 devices are connected to a 5G network.
One of the main reasons for these issues is that the 5G modems currently available are not as fully developed as their 4G counterparts. This can result in the device consuming more battery power as it repeatedly tries to connect and maintain a connection with the 5G network. Additionally, in some areas, the 5G signal strength may not be sufficient, causing the device to struggle with maintaining a stable connection.
Disabling 5G on your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro can help alleviate these issues and improve your overall device performance and battery life.
Method 1: Change Preferred Network Type
The first method we’ll explore is changing the preferred network type on your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Tap on “Network & Internet” and then select “SIMs.”
- Scroll down until you see the “Preferred Network Type” option.
- By default, it is set to 5G. Tap on it and change it to LTE, 3G, or 2G.
- Selecting LTE will ensure that your device only connects to 4G networks.
This method should work for most users, but some have reported that the preferred network type setting resets back to 5G after a few minutes. If you encounter this issue, don’t worry; there’s an alternative method you can try.
Method 2: Using a Phone Dialer
The second method involves using the phone dialer application to access a hidden menu on your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro. Follow these steps:
- Open the phone dialer on your device.
- Enter the following secret code: ##4636##. This will take you to a testing page.
- On the testing page, tap on “Phone Information.”
- Look for the “Set Preferred Network Type” option.
- Tap on it and choose the GSM/WCDMA/LTE option from the drop-down menu.
- This option will prioritize 3G, 4G, and WCDMA networks.
- Alternatively, you can select the LTE option for 4G connectivity only. However, it is generally not recommended to disable all other network types.
By selecting the GSM/WCDMA/LTE option, your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro will avoid connecting to 5G bands when searching for a cellular network.
Please note that disabling 5G won’t solve all overheating or battery life issues, but it can help if you’re specifically experiencing problems related to 5G connectivity.
Additional Tips and Troubleshooting
If you’re still facing difficulties with your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, here are some additional tips and troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Check for software updates: Make sure your device is running the latest software version. Software updates often include bug fixes and optimizations that can improve device performance.
- Optimize battery usage: Adjust your device’s battery settings to optimize power usage. You can find this option in the Settings app under “Battery.”
- Clear cache: Clearing the cache can help resolve performance issues. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See all apps > [App Name] > Storage & Cache > Clear cache.
- Reset network settings: Resetting network settings can help resolve connectivity issues. Go to Settings > System > Reset > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
- Contact customer support: If none of the above solutions work, reach out to Google’s customer support for further assistance.
Conclusion
Remember, disabling 5G is not a permanent solution, and it may limit your access to the benefits of this new technology. However, if you’re facing specific issues related to 5G connectivity on your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, these methods can help you troubleshoot and improve your overall device performance.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
