iphone 12 mini: How to disable LTE and 5G and just use 3G and 4G

My understanding is that the iPhone 12 supports 3G/"4G" (HSPA) in addition to LTE and 5G. However in the cellular network settings the only options are (5G On, 5G Auto, and LTE Only). I would like to force the iPhone 12 to use the older HSPA network instead of trying to LTE or 5G. Is this a limitation of my T-Mobile SIM, or of the iOS? Is there any workaround?


Believe it or not, there are times where being on the old tried-and-trusty HSPA (3G) has functional benefits over the newer LTE and 5G stuff. Sometimes the newest is not always the best.

iPhone 12 mini

Posted on Nov 19, 2022 9:12 AM

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Posted on Nov 19, 2022 9:17 AM

However in the cellular network settings the only options are (5G On, 5G Auto, and LTE Only).


These settings are based on what the iPhone "sees" from your carrier. You can't select an option that does not appear.


Most carriers have shut down 3G networks, or are in the process of doing so. 4G is now really LTE for most carriers. If you can somehow switch to a "4G" only setting, post back to tell us your secret.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 19, 2022 9:17 AM in response to doug526

However in the cellular network settings the only options are (5G On, 5G Auto, and LTE Only).


These settings are based on what the iPhone "sees" from your carrier. You can't select an option that does not appear.


Most carriers have shut down 3G networks, or are in the process of doing so. 4G is now really LTE for most carriers. If you can somehow switch to a "4G" only setting, post back to tell us your secret.

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iphone 12 mini: How to disable LTE and 5G and just use 3G and 4G

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