The WaveWall Blog
How to Turn Off 5G on Your Phone: A Comprehensive Guide
In today’s digitally-driven age, high-speed data connections like 5G are taking the world by storm.
However, concerns about the potential effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation exposure have prompted some to turn off 5G on their phones.
The WHO officially labelled EMF radiation as a “possible carcinogen”, which, combined with a raft of studies investigating the effects of phone radiation and other sources of EMF, offers plenty of food for thought.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on turning 5G off for Android and Apple devices, including some useful notes on airplane mode.
Table of Contents
Understanding EMF Radiation and 5G
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, it’s essential to understand EMF radiation and why 5G might be a concern.
Mobile phones have been associated with various mental and physical health issues. The mental impact of phone overuse is well documented, with studies uncovering the horrific impact of social media on young people’s minds. However, while you might choose to turn off 5G to self-limit your access to social media, etc, that’s hardly a solution – and you’d be better off turning off all internet connection anyway.
Phones produce radiation, which, due to the frequent use and close proximity of these devices to our bodies, can be easily absorbed.
This radiation is non-ionising, and, therefore, not the type of brutal radiation often portrayed in media like movies or video games. Non-ionising radiation has often been overlooked by scientists focusing on the more harmful ionising radiation.
Historically, the detrimental impact of radiation, in general, wasn’t fully understood until around 100 years ago. For instance, in the 18th and 19th centuries, radioactive materials were marketed as novelty items.
Products like the Doramad Radioactive Toothpaste and radioactive cards for cigarette packets, which had serious health consequences for users, were popular. This is called “radiation quackery“.
You could even get X-rayed for fun at amusement parks.
We now know that X-rays do essentially cause cancer, albeit the vast majority of people aren’t X-rayed enough throughout their lives to be exposed to much risk.
Phones Emit Non-Ionising Radiation
Phones primarily produce radiation in the radiofrequency (RF) and lower microwave part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Emerging research suggests that non-ionising radiation could indeed be harmful to humans.
A recent review from Trent University in Canada concluded that non-ionising radiation causes cellular damage below thermal guidelines and increases free radicals known to cause cancer.
Additionally, they emphasised that applying the ionisation model to non-ionising radiation is inappropriate due to differences in biological interactions.
Numerous peer-reviewed studies have supported these findings, prompting respected scientists to endorse the EMF Scientist Appeal, which aims to urge governments to address EMF radiation risks and educate the public on safe mobile phone usage. The EMF appeal consists of over 250 scientists and researchers who have collectively published thousands of papers on EMF and related topics.
The EMF Scientist Appeal has collected evidence from thousands of studies and firmly believes that mobile phones pose health risks.
The Industry’s Response to Keeping Phones in Your Pocket
Some observers compare the industry’s response to health risks linked to phone radiation with that of tobacco companies when the harmful effects of smoking were first scientifically established.
In essence, they claim the industry has largely been silent on this issue and accuse some companies of suppressing the evidence.
EMF has become a contentious issue, particularly with the advent of 5G and related conspiracies. However, there are legitimate concerns about increased exposure to 5G.
EMF exposure is measured via the specific absorption rate (SAR), which measures how much radiation is absorbed by human tissue. These measurements are regulated to ensure phones and other devices don’t emit harmful levels of radiation.
However, SAR has been criticised, as the limits are likely set too low. Numerous researchers, including those from the EMF Appeal, state that SAR limits are not fit for use.
In response to these concerns, some manufacturers, like Apple, advise users against overexposure to EMF. Apple recommends keeping their devices 10mm away from the body to minimise radiation exposure. This ensures SAR levels remain compliant – but, of course, this is completely ridiculous, as who keeps their phone 10mm (1cm) away from their body?
If you don’t believe it, you can read it for yourself on Apple’s various spec sheets:
What’s more, manufacturers’ recommendations about phone usage have raised eyebrows. For instance, for newer models like the iPhone 11, Apple advises using a hands-free option like the built-in speakerphone, supplied headphones, or similar accessories to reduce exposure to RF energy. These guidelines imply that users should minimise physical contact with their phones, avoiding actions like keeping them in their pockets.
Summary of The Evidence
Numerous respected, peer-reviewed studies have highlighted the possible harm caused by mobile phones. WaveWall has compiled some notable papers on this subject, which you can find in the blog.
Here’s a summary of the key potential health implications of mobile phone radiation:
- Increased incidence of rare brain, inner-ear, throat, and thyroid cancers. Glioblastoma rates have doubled in 20 years.
- Rise in breast cancer rates
- Increase in certain types of testicular cancer
- Decreased fertility, especially in men
- Potential DNA damage that might cause or intensify auto-immune diseases
- Heart conditions and a rise in rare heart cancers
- Mobile phone usage is also associated with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and insomnia.
One of the simplest ways to clamp down on phone radiation is to turn 5G off. 5G uses more power than 4G, emitting more radiation in the process. Plus, it’ll save battery and help you keep off social media or other apps!
Below are the steps to do so.
Turning off 5G on Android
- Accessing the Network Settings: Open the Settings app on your Android device. From there, scroll down and tap on ‘Network & Internet’, followed by ‘Mobile Network’.
- Changing the Preferred Network Type: You should see an option named ‘Preferred network type’. Click on it.
- Disabling 5G: In the ‘Preferred network type’, you will see several options, including 5G. Select ‘LTE/WCDMA/GSM’ or a similar option that excludes 5G. This will restrict your phone to using only 4G or 3G networks.
Remember, the exact process may vary slightly depending on your device model and Android version.
Turning off 5G on Apple Devices
Apple made it possible to disable 5G starting with iOS 14.5. Here’s how you do it:
- Opening Cellular Settings: Go to the Settings app, then tap on ‘Cellular’.
- Accessing Cellular Data Options: Tap ‘Cellular Data Options’.
- Switching Off 5G: You’ll find a ‘Voice & Data’ section. Tap on it, and then select ‘LTE’ from the options. This disables 5G and keeps your iPhone running on 4G/LTE.
Using Airplane Mode
Airplane mode is a handy tool for controlling EMF exposure because it disables all wireless communication features of your device, including cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
To enable airplane mode on Android and Apple devices, go to the Settings app and toggle on ‘Airplane Mode’.
Do note that enabling this will interrupt your internet connection, so remember to enable it again when you need to use data or make a call.
Alternatives to Turning 5G Off
WaveWall phone cases are a practical and user-friendly alternative to completely turning off 5G or reducing phone usage. Our cases block over 85% of the mobile phone’s radiation without any modifications to the phone or the way you use it.
With many studies suggesting a link between mobile phone radiation and health issues such as cancer, tumours, and male infertility, using WaveWall cases is a proactive step towards mitigating these risks.
Plus, it allows you to use your phone, offering a balance between connectivity and health without compromising on either. Even so, we recommend that WaveWall products should be used as part of a broader approach to minimising potential risks associated with mobile phone use.
Summary: How to Turn Off 5G on Your Phone
While the consensus of scientific evidence suggests that 5G poses no significant risk to human health, it’s completely reasonable to limit your exposure if you have concerns.
By switching to 4G or using airplane mode, you can easily control the level of EMF radiation you’re exposed to from your smartphone.
As technology evolves, it’s crucial that we stay informed and make choices that are best suited to our personal comfort and health.