I was in a couple areas recently where my Pixel 6 indicated I was in 5GUW mode, including Lowell MA, which isn't even indicated on the 5G map as having UW.
When I was in 5GUW mode, I couldn't use the internet AT ALL. I couldn't get directions, check emails, or any function that needed data. I had to drive in a random direction to get out of 5GUW coverage in order to get directions to my next stop. It was very frustrating.
Verizon appears to have disabled every mechanism by which you could at least temporarily disable 5GUW, or even 5G. How can I disable UW?
@docstorm wrote:
by which you could at least temporarily disable 5GUW, or even 5G. How can I disable UW?
You cannot do that from within the phone's Settings. Verizon does not allow that option in Settings; we used to be able to do that but not anymore. You can switch to LTE within the dialer menu diagnostics if you know which option to select. See this thread for the details:
I understand about them not wanting us to change bands, etc. - but when their "premiere" service doesn't work, we should be able to disable it at least temporarily. Right now, it seems like I'd have to also carry an LTE mifi and turn off mobile internet, which is stupid and expensive.
I tried the dialing code, but nothing in there led me to believe I could change anything relevant.
I just dialed that number. Its in the Set Preferred Network Type drop down menu. If you do a Google search you can find which one is 4G LTE.
With Android 13 the Preferred Network Type option is up to the network carriers to decide if the option appears or not within the Settings menu. Google gave the control of that option to carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. On Verizon phones we no longer have an option to select Preferred Network Type. The same phone on other carriers DOES have that option. So it's clear that Verizon removed the option from phones operating on the Verizon network. We used to be able to change from 4G LTE to 5G or 5G to 4G LTE from within Settings, but Verizon took it away with Android 13.
I understand your frustration with Verizon 5G. 5G was down in my area most of the day yesterday. It's usually pretty good here, but when it does go down like yesterday it's frustrating that we can't easily switch over to LTE temporarily with a simple toggle in Settings.
From Google support:
Note the line under Set Preferred Network Type, 5G is enabled if it starts with NR. Tap the down arrow and select the same settings without the NR, e.g. if it reads NR/LTE/CDMA/EvDo/GSM/WCDMA find and select LTE/CDMA/EvDo/GSM/WCDMA to turn 5G off.
Ah, thanks...I missed that it was a pulldown. So, the solution is to dial "*#*#3646#*#*" and select a non-"NR" network ("LTE..."), and when ready set it back to one of the NR networks...
I guess it is possible that UW was down, but this was twice in about three days I ran into it, and I've had similar issues in the past in the limited areas I was in before, but the coverage was spotty enough that I didn't have to go far to get regular 5G.
I still thing Verizon may need to check this out.
Gotcha, no worries. When you're running into that issue again would you be able to let us know so we can have a closer look in real time? That will help us get a better understanding of what's going on so we can get a better solution for you.
-Lauren
It is unlikely I would be able to do anything in real time. Especially since the issue affects my ability to use the Internet.
Thanks for those details. I'm glad to hear you're not experiencing any issues where you live. Are you currently in the area of either of those zip codes or another Ultra Wideband area so we can help with additional troubleshooting?
-Lauren
No, I don't anticipate being in that area again any time soon. I may be in Boston again in areas that I can test again this weekend, but in general it has been pretty consistent - if I have 5GUW service and no Wi-Fi option, internet does not work, regardless of signal strength.
Hello, docstorm, we know it's important to have service you can rely on. Are you still running into an issue with your 5G service? Can you let us know your zip code where you're experiencing this issue?
-Lauren
I only have the problem when I am in an area that has 5G UltraWideband service. 5GUW is not available where I live, but regular 5G is and works fine.
My most recent issue was in Lowell on Western Ave, which is around the border of 01851 and 01854.
Thank you very much for the information. We want to make sure you don't have any issues no matter where you are. We're going to send you a Private Note so we can help.
~Jesse
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