Improve cellular data use

Background App Refresh lets apps fetch new content while they are closed, which keeps them current at the cost of battery and data.

Settings > General > Background App Refresh

Low Power Mode cuts background activity and visual effects to stretch the charge you have left, and turns the battery icon yellow while it is on.

Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode

The Wi-Fi screen joins networks, forgets them, and holds the per network privacy and data settings that matter most.

Settings > Wi-Fi

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.

Settings > Cellular

Personal Hotspot turns your iPhone into a Wi-Fi access point so a laptop, tablet or someone else's phone can use its connection.

Settings > Personal Hotspot

An eSIM is a cellular plan stored in the phone itself, added by scanning a code or through a carrier app, with no tray to open.

Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM

Data Roaming allows cellular data when you are connected to a network other than your own carrier's, which is usually what generates unexpected bills abroad.

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming

Low Data Mode pauses automatic updates and background tasks and asks apps to use less data, and it can be set separately for cellular and for individual Wi-Fi networks.

Settings > Wi-Fi > Network name > Low Data Mode

This forgets every Wi-Fi network and password, resets cellular preferences and VPN settings, and leaves the rest of your phone untouched.

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings

Each app has its own switch deciding whether it may use cellular data, so you can restrict a heavy app to Wi-Fi only.

Settings > Cellular > App name

Calls and texts travel over Wi-Fi instead of the cellular network, which fixes poor indoor reception.

Settings > Apps > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling

You can let the phone decide when 5G is worth the battery, force it on whenever available, or fall back to LTE only.

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data

This switch decides whether apps update themselves in the background or wait for you to update them in the App Store.

Settings > App Store > App Updates

Apps, books and music bought on one device can download automatically to your other devices, and a separate switch controls whether that happens over cellular.

Settings > App Store > Automatic Downloads

When no Wi-Fi is available, your iPhone can join a Personal Hotspot from another device signed into the same Apple Account.

Settings > Wi-Fi > Auto-Join Hotspot