How To Take Control Of Your Cellular Data
by Dom Esposito
November 25, 2012
Whether you’re new to iOS, or just want to pick up some useful tips and tricks, we're here to help. This is iOS Advice.
Cellular data is somewhat of a concern these days. With carriers moving towards limited and shared data plans, it’s important to know how to keep your data usage under control.
There are a few different apps and services that are automatically enabled to use cellular data for their day-to-day processes. These services have the ability to transfer information using cellular data without your permission unless you manually disable them.
If you’d like to learn how to manage these apps and services, watch the video or follow the steps below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LioPQgbBVV8
Step 1: Go into the Settings app on your device and tap on General.
Step 2: Next, tap on the row labeled “Cellular.” In here you’ll find various options to configure.
Step 3: The first option is the ability to disable LTE. If you don’t use data that much to begin with, there’s no point in having LTE enabled. If you ever need a faster connection, you can always enable this option again. For those who aren't concerned with transfer speeds, disabling LTE can be very useful. We've already proved that LTE uses more data than 3G in certain situations and disabling LTE will also help save your batter life. If you'd like to disable LTE and switch to a 3G connection, use the toggle switch next the “Enable LTE” option on the screen.
Step 4: Under the “Use Cellular Data for” section, you can control which apps and services are able to use your data. Native features such as iCloud Documents, iTunes, FaceTime, Passbook Updates, and Safari’s Reading List feature are all allowed to use your data plan for uploading and downloading information. Use the toggle switches to prevent these apps from transferring data while connected to 3G or LTE.
For a detailed explanation of what these apps and services transfer over cellular data, check out our video overview. Using these tips will definitely help control your data usage.
Now that you’ve learned how to take control of your cellular data, if there’s something else you’d like to see on iOS Advice, please let us know. Send us an email with your question or comment and we might feature your suggestion in a future article. If you need a little more advice, check out our other helpful tutorials.
