If you’re using an iPhone over cellular data, it’s important to keep an eye on your data usage. This will not only help you avoid overage charges but also ensure that you’re using your data plan efficiently. In this article, we’ll show you how to check your cellular data usage on your iPhone.
iOS and iPadOS have built-in features to track your cellular data usage. You can easily learn the following:
- How much data each of your apps are using. For example, if you are using apps like Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, FaceTime, TikTok, Instagram, etc., you will know how much data each of them is using. If you need to limit your usage, you can also disable an app’s cellular data usage.
- You can see how much data each System Service is using. For example, you will be able to figure out how much Siri, Find My, Software Updates, iCloud Backup, AirDrop, etc., are consuming cellular data.
- If you are using Hotspot feature, you can view how much Hotspot data was used on your iPhone.
- If you have multiple SIMs, you can see cellular data usage for each line.
How to check your data usage on iPhone
Step 1: Open the Settings app
The first step to check your cellular data usage is to open the Settings app on your iPhone. You can find the Settings app on your home screen or by swiping down on the screen and typing ”Settings” in the search bar.
Step 2: Tap on "Cellular"
Once you’re in the Settings app, tap on Cellular to access your cellular settings.
Step 3: Check your current data usage
Under the Cellular Data section, you’ll see a list of apps that use cellular data on your iPhone. You can see how much data each app has used since you last reset your statistics. Their order is based on the amount of data used, high to low. System Services or Personal Hotspot, if used, are in the list. To check your current data usage, look at the "Current Period" section. You’ll see how much data you’ve used and how much is remaining in your current billing cycle. If you tap System Services, you will see more details about which System Services are using how much data.
Step 4: Reset your data usage statistics
If you want to track your data usage for a specific period, you can reset your statistics. To do this, scroll down to the bottom of the Cellular Data section and tap on ”Reset Statistics.” This will clear your data usage for the current period and start tracking from zero.
Step 5: Manage your cellular data usage
If you’re concerned about using too much cellular data on your iPhone, there are a few things you can do to manage your usage. One option is to turn off cellular data for specific apps. You can re-enable it later if you prefer. If you disable cellular data for an app, it will access data over Wi-Fi only. To do this, go back to the Cellular Data section and scroll down to the list of apps that use cellular data. You can turn off cellular data for individual apps by toggling the switch next to their name. You cannot turn off Cellular Data for System Services.
You can also enable "Low Data Mode," which reduces the amount of data your iPhone uses when you’re on a cellular network. To enable this feature, go to Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode and toggle on ”Low Data Mode.”
Conclusion
Checking your cellular data usage on your iPhone is essential to avoid overage charges and ensure that you’re using your data plan efficiently. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily check your data usage, reset your statistics, and manage your usage to stay within your plan’s limits.