How to Disable 2G on Android

How to Disable 2G on Android Phones and Devices.

Learn how to disable 2G on Android phones and tablet devices with this simple step-by-step guide. If you want to turn off 2G network on Android to prevent 2G connection on Android phones, this tutorial shows you exactly where to find the setting and what to expect. It’s written for non-technical people, including seniors, so you can follow along even if you’re not a tech expert.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off 2G

2G is an older type of network connection for your mobile phone. It’s less secure than 3G, 4G, and even 5G. So if you’ve been wondering how to disable 2G on Android for security reasons, that’s a common and sensible reason. Because 2G is an old type of connection, there are often more towers for it, and it has a longer range than newer networks. That sounds good, but the trade-off is weaker security.

On the other hand, 2G can still be useful in some situations. In rural areas where the signal is very weak in general, and especially where the 4G signal is weak and even 3G might be weak, 2G can still let you make a call. It’s also worth knowing that for emergency calls, 2G is always allowed, even if you turn it off for normal use.

So this guide is here to help you decide and show you the steps. If you prefer to be able to make a call in a spot with very weak signal, you might choose to keep 2G on. If security matters more to you, turning it off is easy.

Step-by-Step: How to Disable 2G on Android

The steps below are shown on a Sony Xperia 1V running Android 14. The menu names can differ a little depending on your specific Android model and the version of Android you’re using, but the general path is very similar. Here’s the step-by-step tutorial.

Step 1: Open the Settings App

First, open the “Settings” app on your Android device. You’ll find it on your home screen or in your app list, usually with a gear icon.

Step 2: Go to Network & Internet

Scroll down and tap on “Network & Internet” or “Connections,” depending on your device. Both names lead to the same kind of menu.

Step 3: Tap on Mobile Network or Cellular Networks

Next, tap on “Mobile network” or “Cellular networks.” This is where your SIM and network options live.

Step 4: Choose Your SIM Card

If your phone has more than one SIM, like one physical SIM and one eSIM, you’ll see a list of SIMs here. Tap the SIM you want to change. On the Sony Xperia 1V used in this guide, there is one physical SIM and one eSIM, and the main SIM card is the physical one. Learn how to pick the right SIM so you don’t change the wrong one.

Step 5: Scroll Down to the 2G Setting

Scroll down all the way to the bottom of the SIM settings. Look for an option called “Allow 2G calls.” That’s the switch that controls 2G on this phone.

Step 6: Turn Off Allow 2G Calls

Tap the “Allow 2G calls” option to turn it off. That’s really all you have to do to disable 2G on this device. The setting takes effect right away.

A Note on “Preferred Network Type” Options

On some Android phones, you’ll also find an option called “Preferred network type” or “Network mode” in the mobile network menu. If you see it, tap on it and select a network preference that does not include 2G, such as “LTE/3G” or a similar option that lists only the newer networks. The exact wording depends on your phone model and Android version, so don’t worry if the names look a little different from what’s described here.

Things to Keep in Mind

These steps might differ depending on your specific Android model and the version of Android you’re using, so if you don’t see “Allow 2G calls,” look around the same mobile network menu for a similar 2G option. The exact menu names can vary, but the idea is the same: find the 2G switch and turn it off.

Also, remember that 2G is less secure but may improve your connection in some locations. For emergency calls, 2G is always allowed, so turning it off won’t stop you from reaching emergency services. If you’re often in rural areas with very weak signal, you might prefer to keep 2G on just in case you need to make a call.

Wrapping Up

Learn how to disable 2G on Android phones and devices by following the steps in this guide: open Settings, go to Network & Internet or Connections, tap Mobile network or Cellular networks, pick your SIM, scroll to the bottom, and turn off “Allow 2G calls.” It’s a quick and simple change, and now you know exactly where to find it on your device. If your menus look slightly different, use the same path as a guide and look for the 2G option in your mobile network settings.