Change Preferred Network Type on Android (5G, LTE, 3G, 2G)
Prefer LTE when 5G is flaky, or confirm 5G is allowed? Preferred network type (Pixel) and Network mode (Samsung) live under mobile / SIM settings—carrier‑dependent and easy to miss. Paths below follow official Pixel Phone Help and Samsung support.
What You Need
- Active SIM / eSIM and a plan that supports the modes you pick.
- Pixel (Android 11+ for some steps) or Samsung Galaxy with Mobile networks.
- No third-party apps—system Settings only.
Reality check: Not every phone shows every option. Pixel Help: preferred network choices can vary by country; when 5G isn’t available, 5G‑capable Pixels fall back to 4G. Samsung: Mobile networks options vary by carrier. Some carriers lock or hide Network mode. Battery Saver can turn off 5G on Pixel—turn it off if you’re testing 5G.
Step 1: Pixel — Preferred network type
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (or your carrier name) → select the SIM.
Tap Preferred network type. Pixel Help lists choices such as 5G (recommended), LTE, 3G, and 2G—exact labels depend on carrier/region.
Step 2: Samsung — Network mode
Settings > Connections > Mobile networks → Network mode (search Settings for Network mode if the path differs).
Pick a mode that includes 5G for 5G service, or an LTE/4G‑preferring mode if you want to avoid 5G. Samsung: when 5G coverage isn’t available the phone falls back to 4G or 3G automatically.
Step 3: Dual SIM
Set preferred network type / network mode per SIM when both lines are active. No dual SIM? Skip—single‑SIM phones only show one mobile network entry.
Step 4: If the setting is missing
Carrier or regional firmware may hide it. Confirm you’re looking under the correct SIM, restart the phone, and check with the carrier. Don’t rely on unofficial dialer codes for everyday changes—stick to Settings paths from Google/Samsung help.
Samsung Galaxy
US help lists Network mode under Mobile networks (ANS10002546). For 5G enablement, Samsung also documents searching for Network mode and choosing an option that includes 5G (ANS10001946). Labels like “5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto)” vary by model and region.
Battery Saver vs 5G
Official docs
Pixel: Connect to mobile networks (Preferred network type); Fix mobile connectivity (Check network type: 5G / LTE / 3G / 2G). Samsung: ANS10002546, ANS10001946.