Force 4G Only On Samsung: A Quick Guide

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4G Only Network Mode Samsung: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey guys! Ever wondered how to lock your Samsung phone to use only the 4G network? Maybe you're in an area where 4G is super strong, but 3G or 2G are just dragging their feet. Or perhaps you're trying to conserve battery life by avoiding constant network switching. Whatever the reason, forcing your Samsung device into 4G-only mode can be a game-changer. Let's dive into how you can do it, why you might want to, and some things to keep in mind.

Why Choose 4G Only?

Improved Data Speeds: This is the most obvious benefit. 4G networks offer significantly faster data speeds compared to older 2G or 3G networks. By locking your phone to 4G, you ensure that you're always getting the best possible data connection in areas where 4G coverage is strong. This can make a huge difference when streaming videos, downloading files, or even just browsing the web. Think of it like this: 4G is the express lane on the highway, while 3G and 2G are the slow, winding backroads. Who wouldn't want to take the express lane if it's available? Now that 5G is becoming more widely available, you might wonder why you'd want to stick with 4G. There are a few reasons! First, 5G coverage isn't everywhere yet. Second, 5G can sometimes drain your battery faster. And third, 4G is still plenty fast for most everyday tasks.

Better Call Quality: Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is a technology that allows you to make voice calls over the 4G LTE network. This results in significantly improved call quality compared to older 2G or 3G networks. Calls are clearer, and there's less background noise. Plus, VoLTE often allows you to continue using data while you're on a call, which wasn't always possible with older technologies. Ever been on a call where the audio is choppy or muffled? VoLTE helps eliminate that issue. It's like upgrading from a tin-can telephone to a crystal-clear landline (remember those?). When 4G is solid, VoLTE ensures your calls are too. Plus, using VoLTE can sometimes mean faster call setup times, so you're not left waiting for ages while your phone tries to connect the call. It's a win-win situation!

Conserving Battery Life: This might seem counterintuitive, but in some cases, locking your phone to 4G can actually help save battery. When your phone is constantly switching between different network types (4G, 3G, 2G), it uses more power. By forcing it to stick to 4G, you can reduce this switching and potentially extend your battery life. Imagine your phone is constantly searching for the best radio station. That takes energy! By locking it into the strongest signal, you reduce the search effort and save some juice. However, keep in mind that this benefit is most noticeable in areas with strong and stable 4G coverage. If your phone is constantly struggling to maintain a 4G signal, it might actually use more battery than if it were allowed to switch to 3G or 2G.

Avoiding Network Congestion: In some areas, 2G and 3G networks can be heavily congested, leading to slow data speeds and dropped calls. By forcing your phone to use 4G, you can avoid this congestion and enjoy a more reliable connection. Think of it like rush hour on the highway. Everyone's crammed into the same space, and things move slowly. By taking a different route (4G), you can bypass the congestion and get to your destination faster. This is especially true in densely populated areas or during peak usage times. By sticking to 4G, you're essentially giving yourself a priority pass on the network.

How to Force 4G Only on Your Samsung Phone

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. There are a few ways to force 4G only on your Samsung phone, and the method you use might depend on your phone model and Android version.

Method 1: Using the Secret Code (Dialer Code)

This is the most common and often the easiest method. However, it's important to note that this method might not work on all Samsung phones, and some carriers may block it. But hey, it's worth a shot, right?

  1. Open your phone's dialer. This is the app you use to make phone calls.
  2. Type in the following code: *#*#4636#*#*
  3. A menu called "Testing" should appear automatically. If it doesn't, try entering the code again slowly and carefully. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get it right. Don't worry if it seems like nothing's happening at first; just be patient and persistent.
  4. Tap on "Phone Information" or "Phone/Device Information". The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your phone model and Android version.
  5. Scroll down until you see "Set Preferred Network Type". This is where you can choose your preferred network type.
  6. Tap on the dropdown menu and select "LTE Only". You might see other options like "WCDMA preferred", "GSM only", or "LTE/WCDMA". Make sure you choose the one that says "LTE Only". LTE is the technical term for 4G, so that's what you're looking for.
  7. Exit the menu. The changes should take effect immediately. Your phone will now only connect to 4G networks.

If this method works, you'll notice that your phone no longer connects to 3G or 2G networks. You can verify this by looking at the network indicator in your status bar. It should only show 4G or LTE. However, if you're in an area with no 4G coverage, you won't be able to make or receive calls or use data until you switch back to a different network mode. So, be mindful of your surroundings!

Method 2: Using Network Settings (If Available)

Some Samsung phones offer a built-in option to select your preferred network type directly in the settings menu. This is usually the easiest and most straightforward method if it's available on your phone.

  1. Open your phone's Settings app. You can usually find this by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and looking for the gear icon.
  2. Tap on "Connections" or "Network & Internet". The exact wording might vary depending on your phone model and Android version.
  3. Tap on "Mobile Networks" or "SIM card & mobile network".
  4. Tap on "Network Mode" or "Preferred Network Type".
  5. Select "LTE Only" or "4G Only". If you see both options, they should both achieve the same result. Choose whichever one is clearer to you.

That's it! Your phone should now be locked to the 4G network. As with the previous method, be aware that you won't be able to connect to 3G or 2G networks if you're in an area with no 4G coverage.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps (Not Recommended)

There are several third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that claim to force 4G only mode. However, I generally don't recommend using these apps. Many of them are unreliable, contain ads, or may even be malicious. Plus, they often require unnecessary permissions that could compromise your privacy. It's always best to stick to the built-in methods whenever possible. While these apps might seem tempting, the risks often outweigh the benefits. You're better off using the secret code or checking your phone's network settings.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • 4G Coverage is Essential: Forcing 4G only mode is only beneficial if you have good 4G coverage in your area. If you're in a location with weak or non-existent 4G, you won't be able to make calls or use data.
  • Battery Drain: While it can sometimes save battery, forcing 4G can also drain your battery faster if your phone is constantly struggling to maintain a 4G signal. Monitor your battery usage and switch back to auto mode if you notice a significant decrease in battery life.
  • Emergency Calls: In some cases, forcing 4G only mode might interfere with your ability to make emergency calls. This is because emergency calls sometimes rely on older network technologies. If you're concerned about this, it's best to leave your phone in auto mode.
  • Carrier Restrictions: Some carriers may not allow you to force 4G only mode. If you're having trouble with any of the methods above, it's possible that your carrier has blocked this functionality.

How to Switch Back to Auto Network Mode

If you ever need to switch back to the default network mode (where your phone automatically selects the best available network), simply follow the same steps as above and select "LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto" or a similar option in the network settings. This will allow your phone to connect to 2G, 3G, and 4G networks as needed. It's always a good idea to switch back to auto mode when you're traveling or in an area with uncertain 4G coverage. This ensures that you'll always be able to make calls and use data, even if 4G isn't available.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Forcing 4G only mode on your Samsung phone can be a great way to improve your data speeds, call quality, and potentially even conserve battery life. Just remember to consider your 4G coverage, potential battery drain, and any carrier restrictions. And always know how to switch back to auto mode when needed. Happy surfing!