What is the low data mode on an iPhone: Key features and how to enable it
The less time you spend worrying about running out of mobile data, the better, especially when you’re on holiday. With the iPhone’s low data mode, you can save your cellular data without cutting back on daily device use. In this article, we’ll explain what the low data mode is, how to enable it on your iPhone, and what alternatives might be available.
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What is the low data mode on an iPhone?
Low data mode is a setting on your iPhone that helps you conserve data when you’re using a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. It does this by restricting background activities like auto-syncing and app updates.
You’ve probably heard of Wi-Fi, but what is cellular data? Put simply, it’s the internet allowance you use on your smartphone when it’s not connected to Wi-Fi. When you’re outside of your home, you’re probably using cellular data most of the time.
The amount of cellular data you can use each month is determined by the contract you have with your mobile provider. If you use it all up, you might lose access to the internet or start running up fees. Thanks to the low data mode iPhone uses less data, so it will take longer for you to hit that limit.
What does the low data mode do to decrease data usage?
The low data mode makes a lot of small adjustments to the apps and functions on your iPhone, even if you don’t notice them right away. When you enable the low data mode, here’s what you can expect.
Background app refresh is disabled.
Updates, app downloads, and iCloud syncing are all paused.
Music and video streaming apps default to playing in lower quality.
Video call quality on FaceTime drops.
Email and messaging apps refresh their inboxes less frequently.
iMessage data usage is reduced because automatic downloads have stopped.
Apple Maps loads maps in lower resolutions, limiting Apple Maps data usage.
All of the above will help you save data, but remember that you might miss some notifications, or notice a delay on things like emails and new messages.
When is it ideal to use the low data mode with an iPhone? 4 scenarios
Using the low data mode comes in handy in a lot of situations, from foreign travel to slow network connections.
Traveling abroad
Using iPhones internationally can mean working with quite limited mobile data allowances. Turning on the low data mode will help you make the most of the data you’ve got.
Most mobile plans only cover one country, so unless you’re using an eSIM, you’re going to be relying on data roaming. Data roaming is a function on your device that connects you with local mobile providers, but it usually costs a lot and can still have cellular data usage limits. To conserve your data on the road, switch on the low data mode.
Limited data plans
Data plans vary widely, from 1 GB per billing cycle or less all the way up to an unlimited option. If you’re on the lower end of that scale, with just a few GB to ration out across the course of the month, you’ll benefit from keeping your iPhone’s low data mode switched on most of the time. This is especially true if your mobile provider charges you for overrunning your allowance, as they probably will.
Using a personal hotspot
When you connect your iPhone to the personal hotspot of another Apple device, like an iPhone or iPad, your phone will automatically switch on the low data mode. This feature prevents you from using too much of the hotspot’s data allowance, although you can turn this off in your settings. To do so, just connect to the hotspot, and then manually disable the low data mode on your device.
With slow networks
Low data mode can improve your experience when you’re using slow or overcrowded networks. The more data your device is using at once, the slower it will operate, so if you’ve noticed a drop in internet speeds, the low data mode can cut out unnecessary background activity.
Wi-Fi can often be faster than cellular data, but if you’re in a busy hotel, for example, the high volume of traffic could still slow the network down.
How to activate the low data mode on an iPhone
The steps for activating the low data mode are a little different for each device. It all depends on the kind of connection you’re using.
LTE/4G Cellular
Follow the steps below if you use LTE or 4G to get online.
Open the Settings app.
Tap “Cellular” > “Cellular data options.”
Turn on “Low data mode.”
5G Cellular
5G users can turn on the low data mode with the following steps.
Open the Settings app.
Tap “Cellular” > “Cellular data options” > “Data mode.”
Turn on “Low data mode.”
Dual SIM
If your iPhone uses a dual SIM, you’ll need to select the phone number for one specific SIM to activate the low data mode on it.
Open the Settings app.
Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile data.”
Select one of your phone numbers.
Turn on “Low data mode.”
Wi-Fi
You can use these steps to switch the low data mode on while using Wi-Fi.
Open the Settings app.
Tap “Wi-Fi.”
Next to the Wi-Fi network you’re currently using, tap “Info.”
Turn on “Low data mode.”
Pros and cons of using the low data mode on an iPhone
Low data mode can be really useful when you’re trying to protect your data allowance. It’s not without its drawbacks though — let’s break down the pros and cons.
Pros
On the upside, the low data mode is going to help you to:
Save cellular data, preventing unwanted charges and restrictions.
Extend battery life by reducing background activity.
Boost speeds on slow networks by prioritizing essential data usage.
Avoid using up too much hotspot data when tethering to other Apple devices.
Cons
There’s some bad news too. The low data mode is going to:
Stop apps from refreshing regularly, delaying notifications and messages.
Slow down iCloud syncing, as well as syncing with other cloud platforms.
Lower the quality of video and audio streams.
Prevent potentially important updates from installing on time.
How to rely less on the low data mode when traveling abroad
Low data mode can be useful when you’re traveling, but there’s an easier option. Just use an eSIM! Apps like Saily get you connected to local network providers and offer a range of affordable, flexible data plans for 190 destinations.
To stay connected abroad, just pick the plan that works for you, activate it before you travel, and get online as soon as you arrive at your next destination. Instead of toggling your iPhone’s low data mode on and off, worrying about roaming fees, and searching for Wi-Fi, you can keep things simple with Saily.
Looking to save mobile data? Try the Saily eSIM app
Saily’s security features help you get the most out of your data plan.
FAQ
Malcolm loves food almost as much as he does traveling. From haggis in the hills of Scotland to roadside Kosovan pastries, his taste for adventure keeps him moving. But finding the best dining spot in a new locale is a lot easier when you can get online anywhere, anytime — that’s where his eSIM data plan comes in handy.
