Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for dynamic UE-Category switching for enhanced idle mode power savings. A method for wireless communications by a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method generally includes, determining that a cell supports a second UE category, lower than a first UE category; and while in an idle mode: operating in the cell according to the first UE category; and taking action to operate in the cell according to the second UE category based on the determination.