Hansel Arief

What is Low Data Mode on iPhone?

Low Data Mode is an iPhone setting that reduces how much data your device uses by limiting background activity. It is available for both mobile data and Wi-Fi networks, giving users more control over their data usage.

Introduced in iOS 13, Low Data Mode is ideal for anyone on a limited data plan and wants to reduce their mobile data usage. The feature works silently in the background to pause unnecessary syncing and lower content quality in apps that support it.

Rather than disabling data altogether, it lets you stay connected while using less. It is especially useful when you're trying to avoid overages or make the most of a capped data package.

What Changes When You Enable Low Data Mode?

When Low Data Mode is turned on, your iPhone changes how apps and services behave. It does not block your internet completely. It simply tells your iPhone system and apps to reduce background usage.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Background App Refresh is paused: Apps won’t update content in the background. You’ll only get fresh content when you open them.
• Automatic downloads are stopped: This includes App Store updates, podcast episodes, and other files your iPhone would normally fetch.
• iCloud syncing slows down: Features like iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive, and Mail sync may pause until you disable Low Data Mode.
• Streaming quality is reduced: Apps like YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix may lower resolution and bitrate to save data.
• FaceTime and VoIP call quality may drop: Calls still work but may downgrade to preserve data.
• Apps adjust automatically: Apps that detect the setting may reduce preloading, auto-play, and other bandwidth-heavy features.

These changes happen silently in the background. You do not need to tweak individual app settings unless you want more control.

When Should You Use Low Data Mode?

Low Data Mode is helpful anytime you want to reduce unnecessary data use, but it's especially useful in these scenarios:

• You are traveling abroad and using a prepaid or international eSIM.
• Your plan has limited mobile data or is expensive to top up.
• You are hotspotting your iPhone and need to preserve bandwidth.
• The Wi-Fi network is slow or metered, such as on a cruise, plane, or in a hotel.
• You want to extend your battery life by limiting background processes.
• You are approaching your monthly data cap and want to avoid throttling.

Turning it on in these situations can help prevent sudden data drains from cloud backups or silent background activity.

How to Turn On Low Data Mode on iPhone

Low Data Mode can be enabled for both cellular and Wi-Fi connections.

Turn On Low Data Mode for Mobile Data

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Select Cellular Data Options.
4. Toggle on Low Data Mode.

If you're using Dual SIM or eSIM, you’ll need to enable it for each line separately.

Turn On Low Data Mode for Wi-Fi

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Wi-Fi.
3. Tap the i icon next to your connected network.
4. Toggle on Low Data Mode.

This setting is saved per network. If you enable it for a hotel Wi-Fi, it won't apply to other Wi-Fi networks unless you manually set it again.

How to Turn Off Low Data Mode on iPhone

You can disable Low Data Mode just as easily.

Disable for Mobile Data

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Cellular > Cellular Data Options.
3. Toggle Low Data Mode off.

Disable for Wi-Fi

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the i icon next to the network you're using.
3. Switch off Low Data Mode.

Once disabled, background syncing, high-quality streaming, and app refreshes resume as normal.

Related Settings That Help Manage Data

Low Data Mode is a good starting point, but you can go deeper by adjusting other settings:

• Background App Refresh: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Turn it off or set to Wi-Fi only.
• App Data Usage: Under Settings > Cellular, scroll down to see data usage by app and disable mobile access for any you don’t need.
• Wi-Fi Assist: This feature switches to mobile data when Wi-Fi is weak. Disable it at the bottom of the Cellular menu to avoid unwanted usage.
• Auto-play Settings: Apps like Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube allow you to limit streaming quality or disable auto-play within their settings menus.

Troubleshooting: Low Data Mode Not Working?

If you still notice high data usage, double-check the following:

• Confirm that Low Data Mode is turned on for the correct network or SIM.
• Check if any apps are overriding the setting within their own preferences.
• Ensure that iCloud settings are not syncing over cellular data.
• Restart your phone or reset network settings to refresh behavior.

Does Low Data Mode Affect Specific Apps?

Yes, and it varies by app:

• WhatsApp: Messages come through, but media downloads and backups may be delayed
• Instagram and TikTok: Videos may load slower or in lower resolution.
• YouTube: Quality defaults to Standard Definition when on mobile data.
• Google Maps: Still works, but downloading offline maps may be slower.
• FaceTime: Calls function normally, but video quality may drop in poor networks.
• iCloud Photos: Uploads pause until you're on regular data or Wi-Fi.

Does Low Data Mode Save Battery?

Yes, indirectly. Since apps are restricted from running in the background and syncing data, your iPhone uses less power. While it’s not a full replacement for Low Power Mode, enabling Low Data Mode does help conserve battery if you're traveling or can't charge often.

Can You Use Low Data Mode With a Hotspot?

Yes. Low Data Mode will help your iPhone minimize background usage while sharing its connection. However, it does not control the data usage of the device that’s connected to your hotspot. You will need to adjust settings manually on the connected device to conserve bandwidth.

Can You Automate Low Data Mode?

Apple does not offer built-in scheduling, but you can use the Shortcuts app to create automations based on location, time, or network. For example, you can set Low Data Mode to enable automatically when you connect to public Wi-Fi or leave your home.

Pairing Low Data Mode With Eskimo eSIM

If you're using a travel eSIM, Low Data Mode helps stretch your plan even further. Many travelers waste data without realizing it through iCloud syncs, app updates, and video playback. Low Data Mode solves that.

When paired with an Eskimo eSIM, it gets even better:

• Start when you’re ready: Your data plan only activates when you use it.
• Keep unused data for 2 years with rollover.
• Share data instantly across accounts without any SIM swapping.
• Avoid roaming fees and get fast, reliable coverage in 130+ countries.

New users can sign up for free 500MB of global data. With Low Data Mode turned on, that 500MB can go a surprisingly long way.

FAQs

Does Low Data Mode affect notifications?

Yes. Some notifications may arrive more slowly if the app is not allowed to refresh in the background. Messaging apps still deliver texts, but social or news alerts might be delayed.

Is Low Data Mode available on all iPhones?

Yes, any iPhone running iOS 13 or later supports Low Data Mode.

Can I use Low Data Mode on 5G?

Yes. Low Data Mode works on both 4G and 5G. However, if “Allow More Data on 5G” is turned on under Cellular > Data Mode, some high-bandwidth activities may bypass Low Data Mode.

Is Low Data Mode the same as turning off mobile data?

No. Low Data Mode allows internet access but limits how it's used. Turning off mobile data disconnects your device entirely from cellular networks.

Can I tell when Low Data Mode is on?

There’s no icon in the status bar, but you can confirm it in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options or Wi-Fi > i icon next to the network.

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.