If you have an iPhone and are concerned that some of your apps may consume too much data, you can block their mobile internet access (4G or 5G) to avoid paying additional fees on your mobile subscription or experiencing reduced data speeds.

Table of Content Hide
1 Save on Your Mobile Plan by Blocking Internet Access to Your Apps
2 Keep Control of Your Mobile Plan
3 Monitor Your Data Consumption
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Save on Your Mobile Plan by Blocking Internet Access to Your Apps

If you find yourself exceeding your mobile plan’s data limit each month, it’s worth considering that the apps installed on your phone are the primary cause of this overconsumption. Many apps consume data in the background, even when you’re not using them. This hidden data consumption can lead to higher mobile phone bills, especially if you frequently travel abroad.

To address this issue, you’ll need to regain control of your Apple smartphone and limit its mobile data consumption. Here’s how to block cellular network access for certain non-essential iPhone apps:

  1. Open your iPhone’s Settings by tapping on the gear-shaped icon.
  2. Click on the “Cellular Data” section.
  3. At the bottom of the window, you’ll see a complete list of apps that have access to your 4G or 5G network.
  4. Tap the green switch next to the app you want to use exclusively on Wi-Fi.

The selected apps will no longer have access to your mobile carrier’s cellular network. You won’t be able to use these apps on the go without a Wi-Fi connection. This should help you save data on your mobile plan while improving your iPhone’s performance.

However, it’s essential to note that apps that require constant internet access, such as messaging services or mapping tools (GPS apps like Waze), will no longer function properly: no more notifications for incoming messages or traffic information.

Blocking mobile access to an app may also disrupt data synchronization systems. Be sure to consider this aspect before blocking an app’s mobile access. Don’t hesitate to check the data consumption of each app installed on your iPhone beforehand.

Keep Control of Your Mobile Plan

With the arrival of streaming apps (like Netflix) offering Ultra HD content, iPhones have never consumed more data. If you’re not careful, you can quickly exceed your mobile plan’s limits.

The good news is that the iPhone’s operating system (iOS) offers various tools to control data consumption. In the previous section, we saw how to block mobile network access for specific apps.

In addition to that measure, we recommend using iOS’s data saver feature called “Low Data Mode.” As the name suggests, this feature will significantly reduce the amount of data used by your apps. Here’s how to enable it on your iPhone:

  1. Open your iPhone’s settings.
  2. Select the “Cellular Data” section.
  3. Tap on “Options.”
  4. Enable “Low Data Mode.”

It’s important to note that the activation process for iOS’s Low Data Mode differs depending on whether your phone is compatible with the 5G mobile network. If you have a latest-generation iPhone compatible with 5G, follow these instructions:

  1. Open the “Cellular Data” section.
  2. Go to “Options.”
  3. Click on “Data Mode.”
  4. Enable the “Low Data Mode” option.

Low Data Mode will help you more accurately control the data consumed by each of your apps. Here are the primary effects of this feature on your apps’ functionality:

  • Apps will stop using your mobile connection in the background when you’re not using them.
  • Update downloads and automatic backups are temporarily halted.
  • The iPhone will automatically reduce the quality of displayed content.
  • Data synchronization systems are paused, including iCloud Photos.

Of course, whenever your iPhone detects an available Wi-Fi network, it will automatically disable these restrictions. Suspended backups and updates will then resume.

Low Data Mode shouldn’t be enabled permanently. Use it wisely based on your needs, preferences, and usage habits. However, the benefits obtained from this feature are quite significant. Remember to disable it occasionally.

Monitor Your Data Consumption

All measures taken to reduce your data consumption will only have a significant impact if you can quantify their actual effectiveness. To do this, you’ll need to regularly monitor your data usage:

  1. Go to “Settings” and then “Cellular Data.”
  2. Tap “Reset Statistics” on your plan’s renewal date.

This date corresponds to the creation date of your contract. It’s on this date that your carrier updates the benefits included in your plan (number of text messages, talk time, and data allowance).