iPhone data saver: reduce mobile data usage now

If you're on a limited data plan or traveling abroad, your iPhone's data usage can add up fast. Engadget's recent guide explains several built-in iOS settings to help trim consumption.

Low Data Mode

The quickest change is the Data Mode toggle. Go to Settings > Cellular, select your SIM, then tap Data Mode and choose Low Data Mode. The iPhone then lowers video stream quality, stops automatic updates and backups, and reduces feed refresh frequency. It's ideal for international roaming or hotspot use.

Background App Refresh

Apps can eat data while updating in the background. Head to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. You can switch the master option to Wi-Fi so nothing refreshes on cellular. Or leave it on and disable the slider for specific apps that don't need updating over mobile data. Engadget notes Low Data Mode disables this automatically.

Block apps from using mobile data

In Settings > Cellular, tap Show All under Cellular Data. A list shows data usage per app. Turn off an app's slider, and it will stop using mobile data entirely.

Connectivity Assist

A lesser-known setting can waste data: Settings > Wi-Fi > Connectivity Assist. When enabled, the iPhone uses cellular data alongside a weak Wi-Fi network to speed up switching. Engadget recommends toggling it off to avoid hidden usage. You can also turn it off per Wi-Fi network by tapping the i icon next to the network name.

App Store and iCloud settings

Prevent large downloads over cellular. In Settings > Apps > App Store, turn off Automatic Downloads under Cellular Data and set App Downloads to Always Ask or Ask If Over 200 MB. Also check Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup and disable Back Up Over Cellular so backups only happen on Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi and app tweaks

Make use of public Wi‑Fi hotspots: if you're an Xfinity subscriber, look for xfinitywifi networks. For a family, a dedicated hotspot or an unlimited plan on one phone can be simpler than constant data management. Within apps like YouTube or Spotify, disable autoplay, lower streaming quality, and turn on Data Saver modes. Download maps, movies, and playlists for offline use when storage allows. On cellular, avoid bandwidth-heavy tasks like video streaming or switch to lower resolutions and audio-only calls.

• how-to
• iOS
• iPhone
• mobile data
• settings