Do you have unlimited data on your iPhone?
If you don’t then you really need to read this post as I’ve just been told about a cheeky new feature that’s used more of my data in a couple of days than I usually use in a week!
I only found out about it because I mentioned to someone at work that my phone seemed to be using much more data than normal since I updated it and they told me that Apple added a new feature called WiFi assist in the last update.
Basically, WiFi assist means that if your WiFi strength isn’t great then your phone will switch seamlessly from WiFi to using your data which is brilliant for those people with unlimited data plans but not so great for those of us with with data caps or who pay extra for going over their data allowance.
I was a bit skeptical when she was telling me (although I nodded politely and thanked her for her help ;-)) but a quick Google confirms that she was exactly right – the WiFi assist feature has not only been added but it seems to be turned on automatically so unless you go in manually and turn it off then you’re running the risk of using your data unnecessarily.
The feature itself sounds brilliant in theory and I can imagine how it will be a great add on for people who have unlimited data as they won’t be inconvenienced by slower load speeds when they’re WiFi isn’t all that great. I can even see how it will be beneficial for those with limited data plans as long as it doesn’t happen too often and that they keep an eye on their data usage.
For me though, it isn’t a good thing as I often sit out in the garden while the kids are on the trampoline and although the signal isn’t brilliant, there is a signal which means I can play on my phone and check my emails while I’m out there without using data. I also pop in to my neighbours house regularly and my phone stays connected to our WiFi on a weaker signal but again, I’m happy to use that rather than my data.
I could get unlimited data but I have a great deal on my monthly contract and I don’t want to pay the extra when I’ve never had a problem in the past so I’m just going to turn WiFi assist off and deal with the (slightly) slower loading of pages and emails when I’m using my phone!
What about you?
(You can turn off WiFi assist in >>Settings >> Mobile Data >>WiFi Assist (you’ll find it waaaay down the page at the bottom).
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That's awesome.
Nice post
Awesome post.
Brilliant.
Great efforts share on this page. i really appreciate and want to share with others. Thanks
Got it!
NO WONDER!!! i hardly use my data unless GPS and check on my bank account and then I be receiving text saying I used 100% of my data plan???? I WAS LIKE WTH??? Thank youooooo
Yes this is the real posting,Thanks admin for sharing this cool post,,,
amazing information really am face same problem with my phone thank you.
Wow i just solved my major data drain problem from your awesome tips. Thank you very much. You just saved me 🙂
These are great tips for saving connection data and specially for those with limited plans.Thank you for sharing
nice sharing thanks
GREAT CONTENT
That sounds very cheeky! I am going to check if android do anything similar
I do not have Mobile Data in my settings.
Anywhere else it could be hiding.
My iPad or iPhone is fully updated.
I don't have it either
It was under Settings —> Cellular. At the bottom of the page. Scroll down.
thanks for that is brilliant!
This is so cheeky, thank you so much for sharing Cass. I've just re-negotiated my contract as I was going over my data allowance. I must have a look at this on my current phone and the new one I'm still yet to use!
oh this was really handy to know and something I am now going to check!
great tip, glad I have unlimited data
ooh I always run out of data! thanks for the tips! x
I've got a samsung phone and it's a nightmare learning what all the bits do! Great tip
I hate the data drain of apps and phones I'm constantly switching things on and off to save battery life. I switched from Apple to Samsung a year ago and had to re- learn it all
That is very naughty of Apple! There’s going to some people with very high phone bills coming their way!
There are some fab new updates in the new iphone update – I like the battery saving option
This is really useful to know, off to check my iPhone now.
Mine too!
That sounds very cheeky! I am going to check if android do anything similar
Thanks for the iPhone hack! I'm updating my phone as I type so I will make sure I sort my settings as soon as it's done! Thanks Cass.
I changed all our ours the other day. I can not believe that they would be so sneakily! Well I can!
I saw this the other day and thought I must have a look at turning that off. I have unlimited data, but don't want to fall foul of charges when I'm abroad.
At the moment that could be an issue, but the time when carriers can no longer charge for data abroad is coming 🙂
My old Samsung would do this, but thankfully they seem to have changed it in the new one! 🙂
I haven't updated mine to OS8 yet but this will be a lifesaver as I am on it ALL the time! Thanks for this totally bookmarking it now! x
WiFi assist is something I learnt about at the Apple Store, so handy to know about x
I saw about this on Facebook I'm looking to upgrade to one of the newer iPhones (I still have a 4) so really need to try and remember to change this. x
oh good call. I had noticed my data allowance getting used up more quickly, but I thought it was because I was using Periscope too much. Going to turn that feature off right now!
Thanks for this tip – I had seen mentions of it on Facebook, but hadn't clicked through to check >_< That is a sneaky one from Apple, going to go and sort my phone out right now! x