How to turn off cellular data for specific apps on iPhone

If you're on a relatively limited data plan, then you're going to want to keep a close watch on your monthly data usage – overages suck!

If you're really worried about cellular data overages or have a plan with a very low cap, your best bet is to turn your cellular data off.

How to check cellular data usage on iPhone

  1. Launch the Settings app from your Home screen.

  2. Tap Cellular.

    Launch Settings, tap Cellular

At the bottom of the screen, under Cellular Data Usage you'll see the amount of data you've used for the current period. It will also tell you how much data you've used while roaming.

How to turn off cellular data on iPhone

  1. Launch the Settings app from your Home screen.
  2. Tap Cellular.

  3. Tap the switch next to Cellular Data.

    Launch Settings, tap Cellular, tap the switch next to Cellular Data

Your cellular data is now off and you will only be connected to the internet when connected to Wi-Fi.

How to turn off cellular data for specific apps on iPhone

If you don't want to turn off cellular data outright, you can pick and choose which apps get to use it.

  1. Launch the Settings app from your Home screen.
  2. Tap Cellular.

  3. Tap the switch next to each app for which you'd like to turn off cellular data usage. Just scroll down to view them.

    Launch Settings, tap Cellular, tap the switch next to each app for which you want to turn off cellular data

How to turn on cellular data on iPhone

You're out and about, waiting on a Facebook message of the utmost importance and nothing's coming through. You launch the app and it's telling you you're not connected. What?! Oh, right; you forgot to turn your cellular data back on!

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(It's OK. We've all done it.)

  1. Launch the Settings app from your Home screen.
  2. Tap Cellular.

  3. Tap the switch next to Cellular Data to turn it on.

    Launch Settings, tap Cellular, tap the switch next to Cellular Data

How to allow calls on other devices

iOS 11 has brought some carrier-specific features, such as calls on other devices. With this feature, you can use your cellular signal to make calls on devices signed into your iCloud account (i.e. your new Apple Watch Series 3).

  1. Launch Settings from your Home screen.
  2. Tap Cellular.
  3. Tap Calls on Other Devices under your carrier's name.

  4. Tap the switch to enable the feature.

    Tap Cellular, tap Call on Other Devices, tap the switch

How to view carrier resources and talk to customer service

iOS 11's carrier-specific features also have a "Carrier Services" option, which may let you instantly call customer service or view device-specific help on your carrier's website.

  1. Launch Settings from your Home screen.
  2. Tap Cellular.
  3. Tap Carrier Services.

  4. Tap an option.

    Tap Cellular, tap Carrier Services, tap an option

How to enable Wi-Fi calling

This one might not be on your iPhone, since you may not have it as a feature from your carrier. If you do have Wi-Fi calling, here's how to turn it on and favor it over cellular when roaming.

  1. Launch Settings from your Home screen.
  2. Tap Cellular.
  3. Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
  4. Tap the switch next to Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone to enable it.

  5. Tap the switch next to Prefer While Roaming.

    Tap Cellular, tap Wi-Fi Calling, tap the switches

Question?

Let us know in the comments below.

Updated October 2017: Added new carrier-specific features in iOS 11.

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