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How to Enable Low Data Mode on iPhone

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Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Herby has a healthy obsession with all things technology, especially smartphones. He loves to rip things apart to see how they work. He is responsible for the editorial direction, strategy, and growth of Gotechtor.

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Enabling Low Data Mode on iPhone is a great way to avoid data caps if you’re on a limited cell phone plan.

It depends on what you’re doing, your iPhone can use a lot of data. For example, streaming, watching, and downloading videos typically use the most data.

There are other activities that can use your data in a more passive way. For example, automatic updates, background app refresh, and iCloud syncing are often among the culprits for high data usage on your iPhone.

Luckily, iOS lets you manage your cellular data usage with a simple switch. In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to enable Low Data Mode on iPhone.

How Low Data Mode Works

Before you enable Low Data Mode on your iPhone, you should know about its limitations. When you turn on Low data Mode, your iPhone will stop automatic downloads and backups, iCloud sync and reduce background tasks, and app refreshes.

Keep in mind your iPhone isn’t meant to run on Low Data mode forever. It’s just a handy iOS feature (iOS 13 and later) that helps you minimize mobile data and Wi-Fi usage.

Enable Low Data Mode for Cellular Data

1. To enable Low Data Mode on your cellular data connection, open the iPhone’s Settings app, tap Cellular, then tap Cellular Data options.

Cellular data options on iPhone
Cellular data options on iPhone. Herby Jasmin/Gotechtor

2. Next, select Low Data Mode. If you have 5G, tap first on Data Mode so you can find the Low Data Mode feature.

Enable Low Data Mode for cellular network
Enable Low Data Mode for cellular network. Herby Jasmin/Gotechtor

3. Then, turn on Low Data Mode by tapping the toggle next to it (it’s green when it’s turned on).

If you have a 5G cellular data connection, just tap on Low Data Mode to turn it on. When it’s activated, it’ll have a blue check next to it instead of a green toggle.

Enable Low Data Mode for Wi-Fi Networks

Low Data Mode also works for Wi-Fi networks. Here’s how to enable it.

Enable Low Data Mode for Wi-Fi Networks
Enable Low Data Mode for Wi-Fi Networks. Herby Jasmin/Gotechtor

1. Open the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi.

2. Tap the name of the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to, or join the new network that you want to be connected to.

3. Next, tap on the switch next to Low Data Mode to the right to enable it.

How to Turn Off Low Data Mode on iPhone

Of course, you can turn off Low Data Mode at any time as well. Follow these steps to learn how to disable Low Data Mode on your iPhone.

  1. From the Home screen, open the Settings app
  2. Select Cellular
  3. Tap Cellular Data Options
  4. Turn off Low Data Mode by tapping on the toggle next to it

Final Thoughts on Using Low Data Mode

Low Data Mode is a useful feature for iPhone users that are concerned about their data usage. Keep in mind you may not have the same experience with your iPhone when you turn on this feature as it restricts many of your iPhone’s normal activities. So only use Low Data Mode when you really need to.

If you have any feedback or questions, then please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Herby has a healthy obsession with all things technology, especially smartphones. He loves to rip things apart to see how they work. He is responsible for the editorial direction, strategy, and growth of Gotechtor.

Herby Jasmin

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