Hansel Arief

Keeping an eye on your data usage is essential, especially when traveling, switching plans, or trying to cut back on unexpected charges. iPhones have a built-in way to track your data usage without downloading any third-party apps, but the interface can be a bit confusing. Here's how to find your daily, monthly, roaming, and Wi-Fi data usage on iOS.

How to Check Data Usage on iPhone (Step-by-Step)

Monitoring your data usage is essential, especially if you’re traveling, on a limited plan, or switching to an eSIM. iPhones let you track mobile data usage, roaming, and app-level consumption, but there are limitations like no automatic monthly resets or daily breakdowns. Here's how to find and interpret all the relevant data usage stats on your iPhone.

Open Mobile Service or Cellular Settings

• Go to Settings > Mobile Service or Cellular (or Mobile Data, depending on your iPhone’s region settings).
• This is where you’ll find your data usage dashboard.

Check With Your Carrier

Some carriers integrate usage tracking:

• In Settings > Cellular, tap your Carrier Services (if available).
• This may redirect you to their app or a website where you can see detailed usage per day or billing period.

How to See Monthly Data Usage on iPhone

As mentioned above, iPhones don't automatically reset data at the start of each billing cycle. Instead, Apple provides a cumulative total that you’ll need to reset manually to track it monthly.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
2. Scroll to Cellular Data Usage.
3. Check the Current Period. This is your total data usage since the last reset.
4. Scroll down and tap Reset Statistics. Do this at the start of your billing cycle each month, so you can better track your actual monthly usage.

💡 Tip: Set a recurring calendar reminder to reset statistics monthly so your “Current Period” data stays accurate.

How to See Daily Data Usage on iPhone

Apple doesn’t offer a native daily data log. However, you can estimate your daily usage using Screen Time and app-level insights.

How to do it:

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > See All Activity.
2. Switch to Day view to see your top-used apps.
3. Go back to Settings > Cellular, and match these apps to their data usage.

While not precise, this gives you a general idea of which days had higher usage based on app activity.

For more accurate daily tracking, your carrier’s app or website may offer detailed logs.

How to Check Roaming Data Usage on iPhone

If you're traveling and using your primary carrier abroad, keep an eye on your roaming usage to avoid surprise bills.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Usage.
2. Look for Current Period Roaming as this shows data used while roaming.

Note: If you’re using a travel eSIM like Eskimo, roaming charges don’t apply. You’ll use local data directly. Installation on iPhones is quick with our Direct Installation method.

How to Check WiFi Data Usage on iPhone

Apple doesn’t show Wi-Fi usage in system settings. Here are some alternative ways to track it:

• Screen Time: Use it to identify which apps consumed the most screen time while on Wi-Fi.
• Smart Routers: Check if your home or hotel router (e.g., Eero, Google Nest Wi-Fi) offers per-device tracking.
• Third-Party Apps: Apps like My Data Manager can track Wi-Fi and cellular data separately.
• ISP Apps: Some internet providers let you monitor Wi-Fi data through their official apps.

How to Check Which Apps Use the Most Data

This data is visible in the Cellular settings and helps you understand what’s consuming the most data.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Scroll down to the list of apps under Cellular Data.
3. Each app shows how much data it has used since the last reset.
4. You can toggle off mobile data for specific apps to prevent usage entirely.

This is helpful for limiting background data usage or disabling heavy apps like YouTube or TikTok on cellular connections.

How to Reduce Data Usage on iPhone

Want to lower your data consumption without disabling essential features? Learn how to activate Low Data Mode, manage background app activity, restrict video autoplay, and more.

👉 Read: How to reduce data usage on iPhone

Final Tip: Simplify Travel Data with Eskimo eSIM

Checking usage is important, but avoiding overages is even better. Eskimo eSIM offers a flexible, borderless solution that makes staying connected simple:

• One eSIM works across multiple countries, no SIM swaps needed.
• Try it free: 500MB global data for new users
• Data plans last 2 years with rollover and instant top-ups.
• Share data easily with others, or use it as a personal hotspot.
• Enjoy unlimited speeds with no daily throttles.

It's the easiest way to take control of your data, whether you're traveling or saving on your home plan.

FAQs

How can I reset data usage statistics on iPhone?

Go to Settings > Cellular > Reset Statistics. Do this at the start of your billing cycle to track usage month by month.

Can I check which app used the most data?

Yes. Open Settings > Cellular, then scroll to view each app’s data usage.

Does Low Data Mode affect Wi-Fi?

Yes. When enabled under Wi-Fi settings, Low Data Mode reduces background data usage on wireless networks as well.

Hansel Arief

I've been the Digital Lead for Eskimo eSIM since 2021. My favorite thing to do while travelling is to find lessser-known hidden gems and try authentic, local cuisines.