This article explains what Low Data Mode means on an iPhone and iPad. Low Data Mode is a feature that is designed to reduce and limit cellular and Wi-Fi usage on an iPhone and iPad. You may want to use this feature if you have a limited cellular or internet plan. This feature lets you control how much data your device uses.
Your data usage consists of how much data your iPhone or iPad uploads or downloads. Although this feature will help you restrict the data usage in the background, your iPhone or iPad will stop performing some tasks such as installing automatic updates, Background App Fresh, or iCloud photo sync.
Please note that Low Data Mode is automatically enabled on your iPhone or iPad when you are connected to a Personal Hotspot.
You can easily turn on and start using low data mode on your iPhone or iPad. You may want to turn this feature on especially when you face a monthly data cap or throttling.
How to use cellular Low Data Mode on an iPhone or iPad
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Low Data Mode. Here is you can turn on or off Low Data Mode for your mobile network.
How to use Wi-Fi Low Data Mode on an iPhone or iPad
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap Wi-Fi.
- Tap the (i) info button, next to the Wi-Fi connection you want to limit.
- Here is you can turn off or on Low Data Mode for Wi-Fi.
When you turn on Wi-Fi Low Data Mode on your iPhone or iPad, it will be also enabled on all your supported Apple devices through iCloud.
Other notes
Please note that this mode can only work if a given third party app supports this feature.
It is probably that you will not want to be using Low Data Mode on your iPhone or iPad all the time. Because the quality of your experience will lesser when you enable this.
On your iPhone, you can check how much data you’re using by going to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data. If this is an iPad, Settings > Cellular Data instead.
According to Apple, when you turn on Low Data Mode on your iPhone or iPad, you can expect the following:
- Your streaming video or music quality will be reduced.
- Automatic updates, app updates will be paused.
- Facetime video and audio quality will be reduced.
- App Store video autoplay will be disabled.
- iCloud updates, sync, and backups will be paused.
See also: How to Enable or Disable Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26
