How to reduce data usage on iPhone

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To reduce data usage on your iPhone, you can adjust settings for cellular data, limit background app refresh, and utilize Wi-Fi whenever possible. Additionally, monitoring your data usage through the built-in settings can help you identify data-hungry apps.

Beginner/Intermediate⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you start reducing data usage on your iPhone, ensure you have the following:
  • •An iPhone running iOS 14 or later.
  • •Access to your device settings.
  • •A stable Wi-Fi connection for downloading updates or apps.
  • •Knowledge of your data plan limits.

Method 1: Adjust Cellular Data Settings

This method is essential for users who frequently exceed their data limits. By managing cellular data settings, you can control which apps use data and how much.
  • •Step 1: Open the 'Settings' app on your iPhone.
  • •Step 2: Tap on 'Cellular' or 'Mobile Data'.
  • •Step 3: Scroll down to see a list of apps and their data usage. Toggle off any apps that you do not want to use cellular data.
  • •Step 4: To verify, check the data usage statistics at the bottom of the page to see the impact of your changes.
  • •Step 5: If you encounter issues, ensure that your iPhone is not in Low Data Mode (Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Low Data Mode).

For iOS 15 and later

iOS 15 introduced additional features for managing data usage.
  • •Step 1: Go to 'Settings'.
  • •Step 2: Tap on 'Cellular'.
  • •Step 3: Under 'Cellular Data Options', enable 'Low Data Mode' to reduce background activity.

For iOS 14

iOS 14 users can still manage their cellular data effectively.
  • •Step 1: Open 'Settings'.
  • •Step 2: Tap 'Cellular'.
  • •Step 3: Disable 'Allow Cellular Data Switching' to prevent apps from switching to cellular data when Wi-Fi is weak.

Method 2: Limit Background App Refresh

Background App Refresh allows apps to update content in the background, which can consume significant data. Limiting this feature can help reduce data usage.
  • •Step 1: Open the 'Settings' app.
  • •Step 2: Tap on 'General'.
  • •Step 3: Select 'Background App Refresh'.
  • •Step 4: Choose 'Off' to disable it entirely or select 'Wi-Fi' to allow updates only when connected to Wi-Fi.
  • •Step 5: Verify by checking the list of apps that are allowed to refresh in the background.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to reduce data usage, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Cellular Data is not working' - Solution: Ensure that 'Cellular Data' is enabled in Settings > Cellular.
  • •Issue: Apps still using data despite being turned off - Fix: Restart your iPhone to refresh settings.
  • •Problem: Background App Refresh not saving data - Workaround: Manually close apps that you do not use frequently.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some additional tips to further reduce data usage:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Use 'Settings > Cellular' to quickly access data usage settings.
  • •Command line: Use 'Settings > App Store' to disable automatic downloads over cellular.
  • •Hidden feature: Enable 'Low Data Mode' in 'Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options' for a more aggressive data-saving approach.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regularly monitor your data usage and adjust settings as needed to stay within your limits.