Low Data Mode on iPhone cuts back on background data use: it pauses automatic app updates, iCloud Photos syncing, and background app refresh, and it can lower streaming quality. That’s great on a limited data plan, but it can also make notifications late, photos stop syncing, and video look blurry. On an iPhone 11, you can turn it off separately for cellular data and for each Wi-Fi network. Here’s how.
Quick Answer
For cellular: open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and turn off Low Data Mode. For Wi-Fi: open Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) next to your network, and turn off Low Data Mode.
Turn Off Low Data Mode for Cellular Data
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Cellular (called Mobile Data in some regions).
- Tap Cellular Data Options.
- Turn off the Low Data Mode switch.
Using two lines (dual SIM or eSIM)? On the Cellular screen, tap the line you want under SIMs, then turn off Low Data Mode there. Each line has its own setting.
Why doesn’t my iPhone 11 show “Data Mode”?
Instructions for newer iPhones mention a Data Mode menu with options like Allow More Data on 5G, Standard, and Low Data Mode. That menu appears only on 5G models (iPhone 12 and later). The iPhone 11 is a 4G LTE phone, so it shows a simple on/off switch instead.
Turn Off Low Data Mode for Wi-Fi
Low Data Mode is saved per Wi-Fi network, so turning it off for one network doesn’t affect others.
- Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the blue (i) next to the network you’re connected to.
- Turn off Low Data Mode.
Your iPhone may turn Low Data Mode on automatically for a Wi-Fi network if it looks like a personal hotspot, such as a phone’s hotspot or a travel router. Check these networks if things still seem slow.
How to Tell If Low Data Mode Is On
- Check the switches in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and in each Wi-Fi network's (i) page.
- Apps may show messages like “Low Data Mode is on” when trying to sync or stream.
- iCloud Photos shows “Syncing paused” or a Low Data Mode note at the bottom of the Library.
Low Data Mode vs. Low Power Mode
They’re different settings. Low Power Mode (Settings > Battery, or the battery icon in Control Center) saves battery by reducing background activity and screen brightness. The battery icon turns yellow when it’s on. It also pauses some background tasks, so if downloads or syncing seem stuck, check that Low Power Mode is off too.
What Changes When You Turn Low Data Mode Off
- Automatic app updates and downloads resume.
- iCloud Photos, iCloud Backup (on Wi-Fi), and other syncing resume.
- Background App Refresh works again.
- Streaming apps like Music, Podcasts, and FaceTime can use higher quality.
You’ll use more data, so keep an eye on usage on the Cellular screen under Cellular Data. Tap Reset Statistics at the bottom at the start of each billing cycle to track it accurately.
Save Data Without Low Data Mode
- Turn off cellular data for specific apps in Settings > Cellular (scroll to the app list).
- Turn off Wi-Fi Assist at the bottom of the Cellular screen so your phone doesn’t switch to cellular when Wi-Fi is weak.
- Turn off Settings > App Store > Automatic Downloads over cellular.
- Choose lower streaming quality inside video and music apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Low Data Mode turn on by itself?
Your iPhone can enable it automatically for hotspots, and some carrier plans or configuration profiles may enable it. It can also turn on for a new Wi-Fi network the phone thinks is metered.
Can’t find the Low Data Mode switch?
Make sure your iPhone runs iOS 13 or later (Settings > General > Software Update). Some carriers don’t show Cellular Data Options until a SIM or eSIM is active.
Does Low Data Mode make the internet slower?
It doesn’t lower your connection speed, but it reduces quality and pauses background tasks, which can make some things feel slower.
Summary
- Cellular: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options, turn off Low Data Mode.
- Wi-Fi: Settings > Wi-Fi > (i), turn off Low Data Mode.
- Repeat for each SIM line or Wi-Fi network.
- Check that Low Power Mode is off if syncing still seems paused.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.