How Low Data Mode works on an iPhone, and how you can use it to save cellular data or Wi-Fi bandwidth

• Low Data Mode on an iPhone reduces how much internet data your phone uses, whether you're on Wi-Fi or cellular data.
• While Low Data Mode is on, automatic downloads and background app refreshes will be turned off, and videos and music will stream in lower quality.
• You can turn on Low Data Mode in the Settings app through separate controls for Wi-Fi and cellular data.

If you need to reduce the amount of internet data you're using on your iPhone, check out Low Data Mode.

Low Data Mode was introduced in iOS 13, and can help conserve data on both Wi-Fi and cellular - convenient if you have low bandwidth, or don't have an unlimited mobile data plan.

Here's how Low Data Mode works, and how to find it on your iPhone.

What is Low Data Mode?

Low Data Mode changes how a number of apps on your iPhone behave, essentially telling them to send and receive less internet data.

The biggest changes you'll see with Low Data Mode on are a pause in automatic downloads and a reduction in video quality. You might also find that internet pages take more time to load.

Here's a quick list of changes you'll likely notice:

• FaceTime videos will be blurrier, and might freeze more often.
• Apple News won't pre-fetch articles before you attempt to read them.
• Music won't stream in high-quality, and automatic downloads will be disabled.
• In the App Store, automatic updates, app downloads, and autoplaying videos will be disabled.
• iCloud updates will pause, and backups will be disabled.

Apple lets most app developers choose how they want to implement Low Data Mode, so each app might handle the feature differently. In general, though, you can assume that when Low Data Mode is on, apps won't refresh in the background, any media you stream will be lower quality, and nothing will be downloaded before you explicitly ask for it.

Keep in mind that your iPhone isn't designed to run on Low Data Mode forever. Low Data Mode is meant to be used when you need to conserve data, not every day. Low Data Mode will stop many apps from working in the way they're meant to, and can seriously alter the experience of using your iPhone.

How to enable or disable Low Data Mode on an iPhone

You can enable and disable Low Data Mode whether you're using Wi-Fi or cellular data.

For Wi-Fi

1. Start the Settings app and tap "Wi-Fi."

2. Tap the name of the Wi-Fi network you're connected to, or join the new network that you want to be connected to.

3. About halfway down the page, you'll see the "Low Data Mode" setting. Turn Low Data Mode on or off by swiping the switch next to it to the right or left.

For cellular data

1. Start the Settings app and tap "Cellular."

2. Tap "Cellular Data Options." If you have a 5G cellular connection, tap "Data Mode."

3. Finally, turn Low Data Mode on or off by swiping the switch to the right or left.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• How to find free Wi-Fi hotspots near you while working away from home

• A guide to the words and phrases that cause special texting effects on your iPhone

• How to wipe an iPhone that you're looking to sell or give away, or wipe a lost iPhone remotely

• How to check your usage of individual apps on your iPhone in 3 simple steps

• How to access the Control Center on any iPhone and customize its device shortcuts