Wi-Fi Assist is now Connectivity Assist: What changed?
Wi-Fi Assist was initially introduced back in iOS 9 to work with the iPhone 5 and newer models. With iOS 27, Apple renamed Wi-Fi Assist to Connectivity Assist. Previously, you’d open “Settings” and tap “Cellular” to find Wi-Fi Assist. Now, you need to tap “Wi-Fi” to access Connectivity Assist. The new setting replaces Wi-Fi Assist entirely, so you won’t find both options on your iPhone. The good news is that Connectivity Assist works the same way to reduce connection interruptions, and your settings carry over automatically when you update.
If Wi-Fi Assist was on, Connectivity Assist automatically switched on after the update.
If Wi-Fi Assist was off, Connectivity Assist stayed off. You can turn it on manually under “Settings” > “Wi-Fi.”
If you previously disabled Wi-Fi Assist to save cellular data, your iPhone will keep that preference. However, if you had it enabled, it’s worth checking the new setting to make sure you’re comfortable with the extra data it might use.
Another change is that you can now turn off Connectivity Assist for individual Wi-Fi networks. This gives you more control over when your iPhone uses cellular data to improve your internet connection.
Remember that Connectivity Assist doesn’t strengthen your Wi-Fi signal. Instead, it uses cellular data to help keep your internet connection stable when Wi-Fi is weak.
The main differences between Wi-Fi Assist and Connectivity Assist at a glance:
| Wi-Fi Assist | Connectivity Assist |
|---|
iOS version | iOS 9-26
| iOS 27 and later
|
|---|
Where to find it | “Settings” > “Cellular” | “Settings” > “Wi-Fi”
|
|---|
Turn off for one network | No — on/off globally only
| Yes — via “Use Connectivity Assist” toggle in the network’s information (ⓘ) menu
|
|---|
Cellular data used by the feature | Counted toward overall cellular data usage | Counted toward overall cellular data usage
|
|---|
Settings after updating to iOS 27 | Replaced entirely — no longer appears on the iPhone | Carries over automatically (on stays on, off stays off) |
|---|
How to turn off Connectivity Assist (Wi-Fi Assist) on an iPhone
Connectivity Assist, formerly Wi-Fi Assist, is now in “Settings” > “Wi-Fi” instead of “Settings” > “Cellular”. You can switch it off in just a few steps:
Open “Settings” and tap “Wi-Fi.” Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
Scroll to the bottom of the screen. Look for the “Connectivity Assist” option.
Turn off “Connectivity Assist.” The change takes effect immediately. You can turn it back on anytime from the same screen.
Apple also gives you the option to disable Connectivity Assist for just one Wi-Fi network without turning it off everywhere. Open the Settings app, tap “Wi-Fi,” then tap the information icon (ⓘ) next to the network, and switch off “Use Connectivity Assist.” This setting can be useful if you want to remain connected to your home Wi-Fi without your iPhone using cellular data to improve the connection. You might also want to disable it for network lockers or custom network settings.
💡 Good to know: If you can’t find Connectivity Assist, check for an update to iOS 27 under “Settings” > “General” > “Software update.”
Should Connectivity Assist be on or off?
Keep Connectivity Assist on if you have mobile data to spare and often use unreliable public Wi-Fi. Switch it off if you’re on a limited data plan and want to avoid using more cellular data than necessary. If you’re unsure whether mobile data should be on or off in general, consider your data allowance and how often you need internet access away from Wi-Fi.
For example, leaving Connectivity Assist on can help you stay connected while browsing or using navigation apps when your hotel Wi-Fi drops or becomes unreliable. On the other hand, if you’re traveling with a small prepaid data bundle, turning the feature off can help you save data for when you really need it.
To see whether Connectivity Assist is using much of your data, go to “Settings” > “Wi-Fi” and check the usage displayed beneath the setting. This shows how much cellular data the feature has used. For the bigger picture, check data usage on your iPhone under “Settings” > “Cellular” to see how much mobile data you’ve been using across all apps. Together, these numbers can help you decide whether to keep the feature enabled.
💡 Good to know: Connectivity Assist won’t work if your cellular data isn’t working. It also doesn’t activate during international data roaming, when cellular low data mode is enabled, or with certain third-party apps. If you’re traveling abroad, it’s worth checking whether data roaming should be on or off to avoid unexpected charges.
How to avoid unexpected cellular data usage while traveling
A few simple habits can help you keep your mobile data usage and costs under control while traveling abroad.
Check Connectivity Assist data usage. Go to “Settings” > “Wi-Fi” and check how much data Connectivity Assist has used before and after your trip. This can help you see whether the feature is affecting your data allowance.
Download content over Wi-Fi. Save maps, playlists, podcasts, and videos while connected to your hotel Wi-Fi. That way, you can access them without using mobile data when you’re out exploring.
Turn on low data mode. This limits certain background activities and automatic updates to help you save data on your iPhone.
Disable background app refresh. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Background app refresh” and turn it off to stop apps from updating content in the background. Background activity is one of several things that use data on your phone.
Be careful with public Wi-Fi. Avoid accessing banking apps or entering sensitive information on unsecured networks. Use a trusted cellular connection when possible.
Use a travel eSIM. A travel eSIM like Saily lets you buy a prepaid data plan for your destination, so you can stay connected without relying on public Wi-Fi or paying your home carrier’s international roaming rates.
If you travel frequently or use a lot of data, the Saily Ultra plan includes unlimited data in 121+ destinations with 30 GB of high-speed data each month, followed by unlimited data at 1 Mbps. It also includes airport lounge access and fast-track benefits, plus NordVPN, NordPass, NordLocker, and Incogni. Saily also offers an optional US phone number add-on for local calls.
We do our best to keep everything accurate and up to date, but eSIM service provider prices, plans, and features can change quickly. If you spot something that seems outdated or incorrect, feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected] — we’d really appreciate the heads-up!
