Skip to the main content
Settingly

Network and connectivity

Cellular Data

Most people call this mobile data and which apps may use it.

The Cellular screen turns mobile data on or off, shows how much each app has used, and lets you block individual apps from using it.

Available

This setting is present on your iPhone.

  • We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.

Where to find it - iOS 12 and later

  1. Settings
  2. Cellular

What it does

Below the master switch is a list of every app with a switch of its own. Turning one off means that app works only on Wi-Fi. The usage figures do not reset by themselves, so they only mean something if you reset them at the start of each billing period.

What changes

When it is on

Apps can use the cellular network.

When it is off

Only Wi-Fi works. Calls and texts continue.

Should you turn it on?

Good reasons to turn it on

  • The phone works away from Wi-Fi.

Good reasons to turn it off

  • Hard stop on data charges while travelling.
  • Per app switches are usually better than the master switch.

Battery

Depends how you use it

Privacy

No real change

Performance

No real change

Cellular data

Depends how you use it

Storage

No real change

Out of the box: On, with all apps allowed.

Questions people actually ask

Which app is using all my data?
Settings, then Cellular, and read the per app list. Reset the statistics monthly so the numbers mean something.

If it is not working

  • Reset Statistics at the bottom of the screen on your billing date, or the numbers are meaningless.
  • System Services at the bottom shows what iOS itself used.
  • Low Data Mode is a gentler alternative to switching apps off entirely.

Related settings