How to Toggle Between 3G and 4G LTE on HTC Thunderbolt

Recently launched at Verizon, the long-awaited HTC Thunderbolt seems to disappoint when it comes to battery life. Advertised as one of the first 4G LTE-enabled Android smartphones and one of the fastest phones available at Verizon, the Thunderbolt's battery depletes very fast when it is used on the carrier's LTE network.

Furthermore, the device does not feature any setting that could allow users to switch between 4G to 3G networks.

However, the guys over at AndroidCentral discovered two methods of toggling between LTE and 3G, thus improving the phone's battery life.

The first method mostly targets advanced users who are not afraid to tweak the phone's settings and enter the test menus. Basically, you will have to figure out how to disable the 4G radio and keep the 3G radio on at the same time.

Apparently, switching between the LTE to 3G will increase the phone's battery life four times (full charge with regular use).

To disable the LTE radio access the phone's dialer and enter the code Enter code "*#*#4636#*#*". Then choose the “Phone information” option and scroll down to “Set preferred network type.” The last step requires you to select “EvDo only” or “CDMA only” to disable the LTE radio.

Of course, the LTE can be reactivated by following the same steps, but instead of choosing “EvDo only” or “CDMA only” select “CDMA+LTE/EvDo auto.”

Those who are not advanced Android users and want to simplify the process can download a third-party application developed by Philipp Magelow and called simply, “Network.” The application is available as a free download from Android Market.

However, make sure you use the application for HTC Thunderbolt, as several DROID/Milestone users reported that they have no signal after using the application.

Until the Verizon or HTC come out with an “official” way of switching between the two standards these are currently the only methods that allows users to toggle between 3G and 4G on HTC Thunderbolt.