For people on limited mobile data plans, or those traveling with a secondary eSIM, every megabyte can matter. An Engadget guide walks through several iPhone settings that cut data consumption without requiring a new plan. The broadest option is Low Data Mode, found under Settings > Cellular > Data Mode, which automatically lowers streaming quality, pauses automatic updates, and limits background refresh.
More granular controls are also available. Users can disable Background App Refresh for specific apps or set it to Wi-Fi only, and they can block individual apps from using cellular data altogether from the Cellular menu. The guide also recommends checking in-app settings, such as turning off autoplay and lowering streaming quality, plus downloading media for offline use when storage allows.
Several automatic iPhone behaviors can quietly waste data. The guide points to Wi-Fi Assist, which uses cellular data when Wi-Fi is weak, and suggests turning it off. It also advises disabling automatic App Store downloads and iCloud backups over cellular. For those near public hotspots, connecting to ISP-run networks like Xfinity WiFi can further reduce reliance on mobile data. The source is a single how-to article, so there are no conflicting perspectives to compare.