Use Low Data Mode on your iPhone and iPad

With iOS 13 and later, you can turn on Low Data Mode to restrict background network use and save network usage.

If your mobile or internet plan limits your data usage, or if you’re in an area with slow data speeds, you may want to use Low Data Mode.

Turn on Low Data Mode

You can turn on Low Data mode separately for mobile and Wi-Fi. Your Low Data Mode settings might vary depending on your network provider. Select the type of plan you have below and follow the steps.

Use LTE/4G Mobile

1. Go to Settings and tap Mobile Data.

2. Tap Mobile Data Options, then turn on Low Data Mode.

Use 5G Mobile

1. Go to Settings and tap Mobile Data.

2. Tap Mobile Data Options, select Data Mode, then turn on Low Data Mode.

Use Dual SIM

1. Go to Settings and tap Cellular or Mobile Data.

2. Tap one of your numbers.

3. Turn on Low Data Mode.

Use Wi-Fi

1. Go to Settings and tap Wi-Fi.

2. Tap the Info button next to the Wi-Fi network you're connected to.

3. Turn on Low Data Mode.

iCloud keeps your Low Data Mode preferences for each Wi-Fi network up to date across all of your devices.

What to expect in Low Data Mode

Different apps use different ways of reducing data usage in Low Data Mode. In general, here's what you can expect:

• Stops using network data when you’re not actively using those apps

• Turns off Background App Refresh

• Reduces the quality of streaming content

• Turns off automatic downloads and backups

• Pauses updates for services such as iCloud Photos

Built-in iOS apps and services adapt to Low Data Mode in the following ways:

• App Store: turns off video autoplay, automatic updates and automatic downloads.

• Music: turns off automatic downloads and high-quality streaming.

• Podcasts: limits how often feeds update, and the device only downloads episodes when it is connected to Wi-Fi.

• News: turns off article prefetching.

• iCloud: pauses updates and automatic backups, turns off iCloud Photos updates.

• FaceTime: optimises Video bitrate for lower bandwidth.

Find out more

• Save battery life with Power Modes on iPhone.

• Find out how much mobile data you're using.

• View or change mobile data settings on iPhone.

• Use Wi-Fi Assist to switch to mobile when you have a poor Wi-Fi connection.