How to view and limit your data usage on an iPhone

Why it’s important to track your data usage

If you know which features and apps use the most data and how to track it, you can stay in control and avoid going over your plan limits. 

For example, many essential features, such as emails, navigation apps, and cloud backups, rely on mobile data to keep your phone running smoothly. A quick text message uses almost no data, but an hour of high-definition video streaming can burn through gigabytes. If you’re on a limited plan or traveling, knowing where your data goes can help you make smarter choices.

Before you start managing your cellular data, consider these things:

• How much data do you actually need? If you rarely hit your limit, small tweaks might be enough. But if you constantly run out, upgrading to a larger plan could save you money in the long run.

• Do you share data with others? If you’re on a shared plan, one person’s heavy streaming or app usage could affect everyone else.

• Which apps do you use the most? Some apps, like messaging or navigation, are essential on the go, while others (like Netflix or TikTok) can wait for Wi-Fi.

• Are you traveling? Roaming fees can add up quickly, so you should start tracking — and limiting — your usage before you take off.

Now that you know what you need, you can check how much data you actually use to see where adjustments might help.

How to view your data usage on an iPhone

If you want to manage your data, you need to know how much data you’re using. Instead of guessing, check your iPhone’s built-in tracker:

1. Click on Settings.

2. Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile data” (depending on your region).

   • If you’re checking on an iPad, you’ll have to tap “Cellular data.”

You’ll see your total cellular data usage for the current period. If it’s higher than you expected, don’t worry because you can dig deeper to see exactly where your data is going.

How to view your data usage by app

Some apps use more data than others. Follow these easy steps to see which apps are the most data-hungry:

1. Open Settings and tap “Cellular” or “Mobile data.”

2. Scroll down to find a list of apps and how much data they’ve used.

3. Toggle cellular data on or off for any chosen app.

A good rule of thumb: Leave essential apps like maps, email, and messaging on, but consider disabling data for apps that can wait until you’re on Wi-Fi, like app stores, downloads, and video streaming.

How to reset your data usage statistics

If you want to track your usage even more accurately, simply reset your statistics at the start of your billing cycle. This way, you’ll only see data from your current month. You can reset your usage statistics in three easy steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile data.”

3. Scroll down and tap “Reset statistics” to start fresh.

How to limit your cellular data usage on an iPhone

Even if you’re not constantly streaming videos, data can disappear quickly if you’re not careful. Luckily, you can limit your data usage in four simple ways without affecting your daily experience.

Limit background data usage

Many apps continue to eat up your data even when you're not actively using them. This happens when they refresh in the background, check for updates, or sync information.

To limit background data usage, open the Settings app, select “General,” then tap “Background app refresh,” and toggle it off. This step will stop apps from consuming data unless you’re actively using them.

Enable “Low data mode”

Want to really cut down on your cellular data usage? Turn on “Low data mode” to reduce how much data apps use in the background and prioritize only essential tasks.

To enable the low data mode, open your Settings app, tap “Cellular,” then “Cellular data options,” and toggle “Low data mode” on.

Download app updates over Wi-Fi

If you want to save on mobile data, stop apps from updating automatically when you're not connected to Wi-Fi. This step will help you stay within your data usage limits. Go to your Settings app, then tap “App store,” and toggle off “App downloads.”

Reduce media quality

To save on data, you can also adjust the settings in your messaging apps to lower the quality of images and videos you send. This simple tweak allows you to share photos and videos without using too much data — you stay within your limits while staying in touch.

How to monitor your data usage with carrier tools

Your carrier may offer tools and apps to help you monitor your mobile data usage. They give you real-time information so you can keep your data in check. In this section, we'll go over how to use your carrier's app, set up data alerts, and check your usage over the phone.

Use the carrier app

Most mobile carriers offer apps that let you monitor your data usage from your phone. By downloading and using your carrier’s app, you can quickly check how much data you’ve used and how much is still left in your plan. Some apps even let you set custom data limits for each month.

Set data alerts

Another great feature your carrier may offer is data alerts. Many carriers allow you to set up notifications that alert you when you’re getting close to hitting your data limit.

For example, you could set up an alert for when you’ve used 80% of your monthly data. This would give you enough time to reduce data usage or adjust your plan before you get hit with overage charges.

Check data usage with a carrier support line

If you need more detailed information about your data usage or if something doesn’t seem right, go ahead and reach out to your carrier’s customer support. Whether you call them up, chat with them online, or visit a retail store, they can explain your usage statistics and help you troubleshoot any issues. 

How to fix data usage problems

If you're running into issues with high cellular data usage or data roaming, you’ll need to troubleshoot to get things back on track. In this section, we cover common data usage problems and how to fix them — by addressing excessive data usage, managing data roaming, or contacting Apple Support.

Fix excessive data usage

If your data is disappearing faster than you expected, a few things might be causing it. One common culprit is outdated carrier settings, which can cause issues with how your phone uses data.

To check for updates, open Settings, tap “General,” and then “Software update.” Keeping your software updated can help you manage and cut down on heavy data usage.

Disable data roaming

Are you planning a trip abroad? Don’t forget to turn off data roaming to avoid excessive international data charges. While roaming can be convenient, it can also rack up extra costs when you’re outside your home country.

To save yourself from sky-high charges, go to Settings, tap “Cellular,” and toggle off the “Data roaming” option. You can contact your carrier for more details about their data roaming policies. 

Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the tips to cut down on data usage but are still facing issues, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support. Be sure to have a list of what’s been happening, what you’ve tried already, and the details of your device (like the model and software version). You can contact Apple Support representatives through their website, chat, or by calling their support line. 

Stay on top of your cellular data

Mobile data can disappear fast, often without you noticing. When it runs out, you might face slow internet or surprise charges. That’s why you should understand how your device uses data and how to cut back. Track which apps use the most data, tweak your settings, and choose a plan that matches your needs to avoid running out.

If you travel internationally a lot, opt for an eSIM service. Apps like Saily offer affordable and flexible data plans for over 190 destinations. With an eSIM app like Saily, you can stay connected wherever you go and forget the steep roaming charges.