Turning off LTE on an iPhone 6 switches it to slower 3G data, which can save battery in weak-signal areas or help when LTE is unreliable. The setting is in Cellular Data Options, and you can choose to turn LTE off completely or use it only for data. This guide covers the iPhone 6 (which runs up to iOS 12), newer iPhones with 5G options, and an important caveat about 3G networks shutting down.
Quick Answer
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Enable LTE and choose Off. Choose Data Only to use LTE for internet but not calls, or Voice & Data for full LTE.
Turn Off LTE on an iPhone 6
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular (called Mobile Data in some regions).
- Tap Cellular Data Options.
- Tap Enable LTE.
- Choose:
- Off: no LTE; the phone uses 3G or 2G where available.
- Voice & Data: LTE for calls (VoLTE, where supported) and data.
- Data Only: LTE for data, older networks for calls.
The options shown depend on your carrier; some carriers only show an on/off switch.
Important: 3G Networks Are Shutting Down
Many carriers, including the major US carriers, have shut down their 3G networks. On those networks, turning LTE off can leave your iPhone with no data or even no calls. If you lose service after turning LTE off, turn it back on. Check with your carrier which networks are still active in your area.
Newer iPhones (4G and 5G Options)
On iPhone 12 and later, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and choose:
- 5G On, 5G Auto (uses 5G only when it won’t significantly reduce battery life), or LTE (turns 5G off).
Choosing LTE is a common way to save battery on 5G phones.
Other Ways to Save Data or Battery
- Low Data Mode: Cellular Data Options > Data Mode > Low Data Mode (iOS 13 and later) reduces background data.
- Turn off cellular data for specific apps in Settings > Cellular.
- Wi-Fi Calling can improve calls in weak-signal buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t I see Enable LTE?
Your carrier may not allow changing it, or cellular data is off. Turn on Cellular Data and update carrier settings (Settings > General > About).
Does turning off LTE save battery?
It can in areas with weak LTE coverage, where the phone works hard to hold an LTE signal. In strong-signal areas, the difference is small.
What iOS version does the iPhone 6 run?
The iPhone 6 supports up to iOS 12, so its menus match the steps above.
Summary
- Open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Enable LTE.
- Choose Off, Data Only, or Voice & Data.
- Turn LTE back on if 3G isn’t available in your area.
- On 5G iPhones, choose LTE under Voice & Data to turn off 5G.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.