iPhone 12 is the first Apple-branded smartphone to be released with 5G technology. However, 5G not only uses more data but also drains your battery faster regardless of its remarkable speed. So, here is our guide on how to save data and battery on your iPhone 12 5G.
Change Your 5G Setting
Here is how to change 5G setting on the newest iPhone models:

- On your iPhone, go to Settings.
- Tap on Cellular.
- Choose Cellular plan or Cellular Data Options.
- Tap on Voice & Data.
- Here, you can choose between these 3 options: 5G On, 5G Auto, and LTE.
Note:Â “5G Auto” is enabled by default and it won’t significantly reduce your battery life. Meanwhile, “5G On” ensures that 5G is activated all the time when a 5G network is available. On the other hand, choosing “LTE” switches you back to an LTE connection instead of 5G.
Data Mode Settings

There are several modes that you can adjust in order to save more mobile data while using 5G. So, follow these steps to get to your data settings:
- Open the Settings.
- Tap on Cellular.
- Tap on your cellular plan or Cellular Data Options.
- Choose Data Mode.
- Then, you will see 3 date mode options here. Choose the mode you wish to use.
By default, ‌iPhone 12‌ and iPhone 12 Pro models are set on “Allow More Data on 5G,” which offers higher-quality video and FaceTime while connecting to 5G. Most people with unlimited data will want to leave this enabled all the time.
But, if you want to preserve data, then we suggest changing it to “Standard”. Even though this mode allows automatic updates and background tasks on cellular, it limits your video and ‌FaceTime‌ quality.
On top of that, there’s also a “Low Data Mode” that helps reduce cellular data usage by pausing automatic updates and background tasks while on mobile data.

Additionally, you’ll also see a few different symbols that represent a 5G network.
- “5G+” is AT&T’s symbol when connected to a faster mmWave.
- “5G” and “5G UW” symbols show up when you have a higher-speed mmWave connection on a Verizon device.
Other Tips to Save Battery While Using 5G on iPhone
- Use Original or MFi Certified Chargers
- Enable Optimized Battery Charging
- Using Dark Mode
- Force Quitting Apps Does Not Save you Battery
Here are our tips and tricks to save iPhone battery health, if you want to know more.
The Bottom line
After all, 5G is still in early stages. So, many people may not have access to this new technology. Our advice, for now, is to hold on to the 5G and until this technology is widely supported unless you’re in the USA where most carriers have widespread Sub-6GHz 5G networks. This should make 5G connectivity slightly faster than LTE in most areas.
If you have any questions, let us know in the comments!