How to view or change cellular data settings on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)

You can turn on cellular data service, turn cellular service on or off, manage roaming and network options, and control which apps and services use cellular data. With some carriers, you can also change your data plan.

With cellular data off, email, web browsing, notifications, and other data services use Wi-Fi only. You can see how much data each app has used, too, and your wireless service provider can help with cellular network services and billing.

Note: Wi-Fi + Cellular models only support cellular data, not cellular phone service. For making and receiving phone calls on iPad, you can use Wi-Fi Calling and an iPhone.

Add an additional cellular plan to your iPad

If you already have a cellular plan set up and want to add another:

1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap Cellular Data, tap Add a New Plan, and follow the onscreen instructions.

Haven’t set up a plan yet? Read our guide, Set up cellular service on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).

Turn cellular data on or off

When you turn off cellular data, all data services, email, web browsing, and notifications included, run over Wi-Fi only. With cellular data on, carrier charges may apply.

1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap Cellular Data and turn Cellular Data on or off.

Manage roaming and network options

When you’re traveling internationally, or want to manage how iPad uses your carrier’s network, you’re able to adjust roaming and network settings.

1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options.
3. Do any of the following:
   • Reduce cellular usage: Turn on Low Data Mode, or tap Data Mode and choose Low Data Mode (depending on your iPad model). This mode pauses automatic updates and background tasks when iPad isn’t connected to Wi-Fi.
   • Avoid roaming charges: Turn off Data Roaming. When you’re in a region not covered by your carrier’s network, Data Roaming permits internet access over a cellular data network. When you’re traveling, turn off Data Roaming to avoid roaming charges.

Depending on your iPad model, carrier, and region, the following option may be available:

• Turn LTE on or off: Turning on LTE loads data faster.

You can do the following on models that support 5G:

• Enable Smart Data mode to optimize battery life: Tap Voice & Data, then choose 5G Auto. In this mode, your iPad automatically switches to LTE when 5G speeds don’t provide noticeably better performance.
• Use higher-quality video and FaceTime HD on 5G networks: Tap Data Mode, then choose Allow More Data on 5G.

View or change your cellular data

Along with seeing how much data each app has used, you can turn off cellular data for individual apps and manage your account.

1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap Cellular Data, then do any of the following:
   • Turn cellular data on or off for an app or service: Scroll down to the list of apps and services. Turn an app or service on or off. When cellular data is off for an app, iPad uses only Wi-Fi for that service.
   • See how much data each app is using: Scroll down to your list of apps. The amount of cellular data used appears below each app.
   • Reset usage statistics: Scroll to the bottom, then tap Reset Statistics.
   • Manage your cellular account: Tap Manage [account name] or Carrier Services.

For the most accurate cellular data usage in a current period, contact your carrier.

See also

• Set up cellular service on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)
• Share your internet connection from your iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) with Personal Hotspot