Background data on iPhone: what it is and how to turn it off

Updated July 2026 · 4 min read · By the Databit team

What's happening behind your back

Even in your pocket, many apps keep working: refreshing feeds, preloading videos, uploading photos, syncing “so it's ready when you open”. All of it rides your cellular plan when you're not on Wi-Fi — and it can be a serious share of your monthly total.

Turning it off, step by step

1. Open Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
2. Choose Wi-Fi so apps refresh only on Wi-Fi (the best balance), or Off to cut it entirely.
3. Surgical alternative: leave it on and disable it per app — start with social, streaming and photo apps.

Worthwhile reinforcements

• Low Data Mode: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. Pauses automatic tasks and backups over cellular.
• Wi-Fi Assist off: bottom of Settings > Cellular; stops the silent switch to cellular when Wi-Fi is weak.
• App Store downloads: Settings > App Store → disable automatic downloads over cellular.

Verify it worked (don't assume)

1. Note your daily average for the past week in Databit's chart (say, 350 MB/day).
2. Apply the settings above.
3. Compare the following days: if background refresh was your leak, the bars drop immediately — heavy social-app users often save 15–30%.

And with 20%/10% alerts on, if an app ever goes rogue again, you'll know before it touches your bill.