Cellular data usage

The last few months I’ve had sys. services use ~300 mb pkts. of cellular data for “software updates”.

This happens, ironically, just after ios updates are installed, and sporadically thereafter.

I’ve toggled off cellular data for app refresh, etc. I’ve toggled off icloud drive. Everything is off of cell. data and on wifi. Cellular low data mode is enabled. Network settings reset.

Apple chat and apple store were not helpful. Why should I switch off Cell. Data when I leave the house? Why should I have to upgrade to unlimited data plan? BTW, I have 4 Gb monthly, which was always plenty; I used 100-200mb monthly. Now this.

can anyone help me?

iPhone SE, iOS 16

Posted on Jan 25, 2023 06:33 AM

Reply

Top-ranking reply

Community+ 2025

Level 10

226,636 points

Posted on Jan 25, 2023 06:54 AM

Go to Settings/App Store and turn off Cellular Data.

Go to Settings/Cellular and turn off all apps that you don’t want using cellular data. Also turn off Wi-Fi Assist.

With iOS 16 Apple added the ability to patch vulnerabilities that have been discovered between official updates, and it install those immediately. That might be what you are seeing. Also, carriers can update their settings over the air, and those always use cellular data, because your carrier does not know about your Wi-Fi network.

For other cellular data use, there are other functions that can only use cellular data and not Wi-Fi. Specifically MMS (“picture” messages to non-iPhones) and visual voicemail, for the same reason; they are carrier functions, and your carrier doesn’t know about your Wi-Fi network.

Where are you located? In the US all the major carriers have dropped limited data plans and all gone to unlimited as the only real option.

View in context

Similar questions

3 replies

Top-ranking reply

Community+ 2025

Level 10

226,636 points

Jan 25, 2023 06:54 AM in response to appleguybutforhowlong

Go to Settings/App Store and turn off Cellular Data.

Go to Settings/Cellular and turn off all apps that you don’t want using cellular data. Also turn off Wi-Fi Assist.

With iOS 16 Apple added the ability to patch vulnerabilities that have been discovered between official updates, and it install those immediately. That might be what you are seeing. Also, carriers can update their settings over the air, and those always use cellular data, because your carrier does not know about your Wi-Fi network.

For other cellular data use, there are other functions that can only use cellular data and not Wi-Fi. Specifically MMS (“picture” messages to non-iPhones) and visual voicemail, for the same reason; they are carrier functions, and your carrier doesn’t know about your Wi-Fi network.

Where are you located? In the US all the major carriers have dropped limited data plans and all gone to unlimited as the only real option.

Reply

Jan 25, 2023 07:04 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

I’ve done all the above, short of turning off Cellular data.

My reasoning for that is “why have a data plan if I can’t use it?” I shouldn’t have to go on a strictly talk and text plan.

BTW, I’m in central Canada.

4 GB per month has always been much more than adequate, therefore there must be some underlying reason for this sudden drain on my monthly data allotment.

Reply

Jan 25, 2023 07:14 AM in response to appleguybutforhowlong

Further to your answer Lawrence, perhaps it’s the vulnerability patching that’s going on behind the scenes, only noticeable by me when I leave my wifi network.

If so, I’ll monitor my data usage, and if it gets close to my monthly limit, I’ll just have to toggle off cell. data till my next billing period commences. Thanks for your insights.

Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Cellular data usage

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