Network and connectivity

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

The Bluetooth screen pairs and manages accessories, and switching it off here is different from switching it off in Control Centre.

Settings > Bluetooth

AirDrop sends photos and files directly to nearby Apple devices, and the discovery setting decides who can see you.

Settings > General > AirDrop

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

Your iPhone presents a different, randomly generated hardware address to each Wi-Fi network, so networks cannot recognise you across locations.

Settings > Wi-Fi > Network name > Private Wi-Fi Address

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

CarPlay shows a simplified version of your iPhone on the car's display, and the Settings screen controls which apps appear and how they are arranged.

Settings > General > CarPlay

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

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

AirPlay streams what is on your iPhone to a compatible television, speaker or Mac on the same network.

Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity

On supported iPhones, and in supported countries, you can reach emergency services, roadside assistance or messaging over satellite when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

Settings > Apps > Messages > Satellite

A VPN sends all your traffic through a server you choose, hiding it from the local network and presenting that server's address to the internet.

Settings > General > VPN & Device Management

Known trackers are shown a relayed IP address instead of yours, so they cannot use it to work out your location or link your sessions.

Settings > Wi-Fi > Network name > Limit IP Address Tracking

Start something on your iPhone and finish it on a Mac or iPad signed into the same Apple Account.

Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity > Handoff

Holding two unlocked iPhones near each other offers to exchange contact cards, and both people must accept before anything is shared.

Settings > General > AirDrop > Bringing Devices Together

This decides whether your iPhone prompts you about nearby networks when no known network is available.

Settings > Wi-Fi > Ask to Join Networks

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