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How to restrict which apps use data when roaming on iOS
In This Article
Have you ever found yourself unexpectedly out of mobile data or, even worse, received a massive phone bill but you’re not sure why?
Even when not in use, apps may use data in the background which can result in wasted data and unexpected costs. Fortunately, it’s easy to change your settings and prevent apps from using data when you’re roaming on iOS. Doing this means any restricted apps will only go online again when your device is connected to Wi-Fi.
Keep reading to follow our guide on how to restrict which apps use data when roaming on iOS.
What you’ll need:
The short version:
Step1
Enter Settings
If the Settings app isn’t on your home screen then you can search for it on your app library instead.We’ll be demonstrating using iOS 17, but the steps are the same on older iOS versions.
Step2
Tap Mobile Service
This will bring up the Mobile Service page, which not only lists all of your apps, but also has information about your mobile network and SIMs.
Step3
Scroll to Mobile Data
You will need to scroll down in order to find this header.
Step4
Toggle off the apps you don’t want to use mobile data
Tap each desired toggle to turn off the app’s ability to use mobile data. Don’t worry if you turn an app off incorrectly, simply tap the toggle again to turn it back on.Once you’re done, this will save automatically.
Troubleshooting
Yes, you can. When following the above steps, you will notice underneath each app the amount of data used will be listed, as shown below.
Another way you can reduce mobile data usage is to turn off Wi-Fi Assist, which uses mobile data when Wi-Fi is poor.To find this, scroll to the bottom of the Mobile Service page and toggle Wi-Fi Assist off.
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Jess joined the Trusted Reviews team early in 2024, after working for almost three years in lifestyle and technology PR. Using the skills gained from her previous role, Jess has taken on a new challen…
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Why trust our journalism?
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
