How do I change from 5G down to 4G

[RoseTT]

I am not very savvy with the phone but trying to learn ! Currently where I live, there is no 5 G coverage inside my house and limited coverage in the garden. My "plan" says I am on a  5G  10GB monthly contract.. When I check the coverage map, it shows me that a 4 G service is excellent both inside and outside the house. How do change and  get this 4G  service. I have tried in vain to talk to a human being toady at EE but apparently they don't talk to customers any more 😞

[bristolian]

All 5G phones should auto-drop to 4G if 5G-NSA isn't available - by design. Are you saying this isn't happening?

If not, are you using Apple or Android?

[RoseTT]

Thanks for replying, I'm not sure tbh, whereabouts would I check to see if this is happening, is there somewhere in settings that would tell me ? I am using an Apple 6 SE

[bristolian]

5G support was introduced with the iPhone 12, earlier models don't have 5G.

Which begs the question - putting any preconceptions aside, what is the actual problem you're having with using your phone?

[RoseTT]

On a fairly frequent basis it drops calls  whether  I am dialling out or accepting incoming calls.  In the top left of the phone, I just get one flickering bar ? ( I am probably using all the wrong terminology )
I was wondering whether any other network provider would have a better service . Coverage is spasmodic in so many parts of Cornwall, where I lived previously for 35 years, we had no signal at all so I didn't bother with a mobile. Even now after two years I feel hopelessly confused by the terminology, its a whole new language.
Because we don't have a landline, I would just like to be more sure of the mobile service ?

[bristolian]

The iPhone 6 was first launched in 2014, 10years old is positively elderly by current phone standards. I suspect your issues are not network, but a dying phone.

I'd try using a newer phone as a first step. It needn't be 5G unless you specifically want to use 5G's additional data capabilities.

[RoseTT]

OK thanks, I'll investigate a new phone .... I'm not sure I know what data capabilities are, I only really use the phone as a phone to make and receive calls. And according to the coverage map, 4G is excellent and 5G is non existent  so I suppose I need a phone that will allow me access 4 G and wont try to move me into 5 G  !!

Good advice, thanks for your time.   

[XRaySpeX]

All you need is a 4G phone but if a 5G phone is much the same price and better spec it'll make no difference. 

[Peter_W]

Hey @RoseTT, thanks for stopping by the EE Community 😊

I can imagine it must be really tough if you've been noticing calls dropping in this area, and there are a few things we can look at here to see if we can help improve things. 

As @bristolian mentioned, you are using quite an old phone now, so this could definitely be contributing to these issues. Do you know if other people in the same area also struggle.?

If you're seeing generally weak coverage though and have WiFi at home, it could be worth giving our WiFi calling service a try.

This uses your home internet in place of the mobile signal to carry your calls and texts, so you can call any number you normally would using your regular allowances and stay connected.

Peter