Running out of mobile phone data just before the end of the month can be annoying. It’s even worse if you get hit with a bill for using more data than your monthly allowance.
You might think that managing data usage can be tricky with all the apps and services you use each day. But actually, your iPhone makes it easy - and it has plenty of ways to track how much data you’re using and where it’s all going.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to check data usage on your iPhone, so you can stay on top of your mobile plan and avoid any surprises. Whether you’re trying to cut back or just want to see where your data goes, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding your iPhone’s data usage
Understanding your iPhone’s data usage can be confusing, especially when terms like ‘current period’ and ‘billing cycle’ come into play.
On your iPhone, the ‘current period’ keeps counting data until you reset it manually. It doesn’t automatically match up with your ‘billing cycle’, which is the date your mobile network resets your data allowance each month. This could leave you thinking you have more data than you really do.
To avoid any surprises, it’s a good idea to track your usage properly. Fortunately, your iPhone has a built-in tool to help with that – so let’s check it out.
How to check data usage in your iPhone settings
Viewing data usage on your iPhone is really simple and only takes a few taps:
Open the Settings app. This is the icon that looks like a grey gear.
Scroll down and tap on Mobile Data. This is where you’ll find a breakdown of your data usage.
View your total data usage: Under ‘Mobile Data Usage’, you’ll see how much data you've used for the ‘current period’.
The total data usage displayed on the main screen is a handy overview, but it’s important to remember that it might not match your billing cycle. That’s why regularly resetting your data usage is so important!
How to reset data usage statistics on an iPhone
If you want to reset your data usage statistics to match your billing cycle (which typically starts on the 1st of every month), here’s how you can do it:
Go to Settings > Mobile Data.
Scroll down to the bottom and tap on "Reset Statistics."
Confirm the reset: This will reset your data usage stats and start fresh for the new period.
Just remember to do this at the start of your billing cycle to keep your data tracking aligned.
Network apps for checking data
In addition to your iPhone’s built-in tracking, most good mobile networks provide their own tools for tracking data usage. And if your iPhone’s tracking doesn’t align perfectly with your billing cycle, you can use these tools to sync them up:
The iD Mobile app is perfect for staying on top of your data allowance. It gives you a clear breakdown of your usage so you won't get any surprise charges.
With the My O2 app, you can easily see how much data you've used and how much you have left. It's simple to navigate and gives you a real-time update.
The My Vodafone app is great for checking your data usage on the go. You can also set notifications to alert you when you’re nearing your limit.
How to check which apps use most data
If you’re curious about which apps are eating up your data, the iPhone makes it easy to see exactly where your mobile data is going. Here’s how:
Scroll down in the Mobile Data menu. You’ll see a list of apps with their data usage right next to them.
Check which apps are using the most data. Apps like streaming services or social media platforms might be at the top of the list, because they use lots of data to play various types of media.
Tip for managing your data usage
If you’re worried about using up all your monthly data allowance, here are some good tips to help you keep things under control and save mobile data:
Restrict data-hungry apps: Apps that stream video or music can easily eat through your data plan. So you might want to restrict them to Wi-Fi only when possible. To do this, simply toggle the switch next to the app in the Mobile Data menu.
Enable Low Data Mode: This feature in your mobile setting reduces data usage by limiting certain background activities and downloads.
Use Wi-Fi when possible: Connecting to Wi-Fi whenever possible can really cut down on your mobile data usage. Try to connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or when you're out and about.
Reducing background data consumption. Lots of apps continue to data even when you're not actively using them. To turn off auto-updates, go to to Settings > App Store and tap ‘disable automatic updates for apps’.
Disable video auto-play. Many social media apps automatically play videos when you scroll through your feed. Disabling this feature can help save data. Look for the option in settings for apps like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
More features for data management
If you’re looking for even more advance data management tips, your iPhone has a few extra features that can help you fine-tune your data usage.
Wi-Fi Assist
Wi-Fi Assist is a feature that automatically switches to mobile data when your Wi-Fi connection is weak. It can be useful, but it can also use lots of data if you’re not careful. To disable it, go to Settings > Cellular and scroll down to toggle off Wi-Fi Assist.
Dual SIM and eSIM capabilities
For iPhone models that support Dual SIM or eSIM, you can manage data usage on each SIM separately. This is perfect if you’ve got more than one plan or use the same phone for work and personal use.
Need more help?
With these tools and tips, you’ll be able to keep a close eye on your data usage and avoid needless charges.
If you’re looking for more advice on getting the best out of your iPhone, check out our handy article on how to set up your new iPhone. We’ve also got some top tips on how to sync your iPhone and iPad, how to change your voicemail and how to retrieve deleted messages on iPhone
