You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

User profile for user: mjsjay
mjsjay Author
User level: Level 1
10 points

Cellular Data boosted to Wifi connection - iPad (& other devices) - Data overage!

Hi,

I have a router with a sim card providing LTE/Cellular Data then producing a wifi signal for use on my boat. Another example would be when your cell phone is used as a hotspot over wifi. When the devices (iPad or other) are connected to that wifi signal they think they are on "free wifi" but in fact, they are using cellular data.


I want to be able to control the data usage the same way we can in the "cellular settings" - eg: SD vs HD, etc.


It seems that there is no such ability in the wifi settings on the apple devices. This is very frustrating! Please tell me someone out there has figured this out and we can fix it?


Thanks.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 13

Posted on Sep 13, 2020 9:55 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
288,542 points

Posted on Sep 14, 2020 4:06 AM

You can reduce data utilisation for any individual WiFi connection by enabling Low Data Mode.

Settings > WiFi > [WiFi Network Name / SSID] - tap the “i” icon - Low Data Mode - set to ON


Low Data Mode is enabled/disabled for each of your configured WiFi networks. As such, when joining your iPhone hotspot or boat network, your iPad can automatically reduce its data utilisation over that network connection.


Use Low Data Mode on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch – Apple Support


You can also reduce data utilisation by selectively changing your Background App Refresh settings - but note, these settings are globally applied to the iPad:

Settings > General > Background App Refresh >

  • Background App Refresh - set to OFF to stop all background App activity, or
  • Per App - set to OFF to selectively inhibit an App from automatic refresh


More information about this feature can be found here:

Switch apps on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


I hope this information and guidance proves to be helpful in resolving any issues with high data utilisation over LTE/Cellular connections.



View in context

Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
288,542 points

Sep 14, 2020 4:06 AM in response to mjsjay

You can reduce data utilisation for any individual WiFi connection by enabling Low Data Mode.

Settings > WiFi > [WiFi Network Name / SSID] - tap the “i” icon - Low Data Mode - set to ON


Low Data Mode is enabled/disabled for each of your configured WiFi networks. As such, when joining your iPhone hotspot or boat network, your iPad can automatically reduce its data utilisation over that network connection.


Use Low Data Mode on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch – Apple Support


You can also reduce data utilisation by selectively changing your Background App Refresh settings - but note, these settings are globally applied to the iPad:

Settings > General > Background App Refresh >

  • Background App Refresh - set to OFF to stop all background App activity, or
  • Per App - set to OFF to selectively inhibit an App from automatic refresh


More information about this feature can be found here:

Switch apps on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


I hope this information and guidance proves to be helpful in resolving any issues with high data utilisation over LTE/Cellular connections.



Reply

Cellular Data boosted to Wifi connection - iPad (& other devices) - Data overage!

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up