Your iPhone will always use Wi-Fi when it's available, but when there's no Wi-Fi network to connect to, your phone can use up your mobile data fast. Show
Fortunately, Apple gives you a handful of tools to manage your data usage, to avoid hitting monthly data caps, or incurring overage fees. You can use the iPhone's Settings app to turn off data entirely, or you can choose specific apps to disable data service. And for times when you want to quickly toggle data off for a brief time, you can turn on Airplane Mode. Check out the products mentioned in this article:iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)How to turn off data on an iPhone1. Start the Settings app. 2. Tap "Cellular." 3. Turn off Cellular Data by swiping the switch with that label to the left. The Cellular Data button is a master switch that controls whether your phone can send and receive data using your cellular service. Dave Johnson/Business InsiderRemember to turn this back on when you want to be able to send and receive data using your cellular connection. How to turn off data on an iPhone for specific apps1. Start the Settings app. 2. Tap "Cellular." 3. In the Cellular Data section, which may take a few moments to load, choose which apps you want to turn off cellular data for, by swiping the appropriate switch to the left. Any app with a gray switch won't be allowed to access mobile data. Every app on your phone should be listed here, and you can decide which ones you want to enable cellular data for. If you disable data for an app, it will still work properly when it has access to Wi-Fi. How to turn off data on an iPhone using Airplane Mode1. Tap the bottom of the screen and slide it up to bring up the Control Center (or swipe down from the upper-right corner of your screen on an iPhone X or later). 2. Tap the Airplane Mode icon, which is shaped like an airplane. It will turn orange once it's been activated. The Airplane Mode switch can rapidly disable cellular service when needed. Dave Johnson/Business InsiderYou will not be able to use cellular services for voice calls or data as long as you remain in Airplane Mode. Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:
Dave Johnson Freelance Writer Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider. Read more Read less Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links. What happens if I turn off cellular data on my iPhone?When cellular data is off, apps will use only Wi-Fi for data. To see the cellular data usage for individual System Services, go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data. Then tap System Services, in the list under Cellular Data. Cellular data can't be turned on or off for individual System Services.
Does turning off cellular data do anything?After turning off mobile data, you'll still be able to make and receive phone calls and get text messages. But you won't be able to access the internet until you reconnect to a Wi-Fi network.
Is it better to leave cellular data on or off?Keeping your mobile data on will drain your battery quicker than if it was off. There's a few reasons why this happens. Firstly, your phone will be constantly searching for signal. If you're in an area with particularly poor signal, things only get worse, as your phone consumes more power whilst searching.
Is cellular data supposed to be on or off on iPhone?As long as you don't need to use the internet, you'll be fine to disable it. When cellular data is disabled and you're not connected to Wi-Fi, you can only use your phone to make calls and text (but not iMessages, because that uses data).
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