To stop the iPhone Mail app from using cellular data, open Settings > Cellular (called Mobile Data in some regions), scroll down to the list of apps, and turn off the switch next to Mail. Mail will then only check for and download messages on Wi-Fi. You can also reduce Mail’s data use without turning it off completely by changing Fetch New Data to manual and turning off remote images.
This guide covers turning off cellular data for Mail, the settings that control how often Mail checks for messages, ways to use less data while still getting email on the go, and what to expect after you make the change.
Turn off cellular data for Mail
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Scroll down to the app list under Cellular Data. Apps are sorted by how much data they’ve used.
- Find Mail and turn off its switch.
When you open Mail without Wi-Fi, you may see a message that cellular data is turned off for Mail, with a shortcut to Settings.
What changes after you turn it off
- Mail won’t download new messages or attachments over cellular.
- Messages already downloaded stay readable offline.
- Emails you send without Wi-Fi wait in the Outbox and send when you connect to Wi-Fi.
- Other email apps, like Gmail or Outlook, have their own switches in the same list.
Use less data without turning Mail off
Change how often Mail checks for new messages
- Go to Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts > Fetch New Data (in iOS 17 and earlier, Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data).
- Turn off Push.
- Under Fetch, choose Manually or a longer interval like Hourly. With Manually, Mail only checks when you open it and pull down to refresh.
Stop loading remote images
Many emails load pictures from the internet. Go to Settings > Apps > Mail (or Settings > Mail) and turn off Load Remote Images. Tap Load all images in a message when you want to see them. Turning on Protect Mail Activity under Privacy Protection also routes remote content privately.
Turn on Low Data Mode
In Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options, turn on Low Data Mode. iOS pauses automatic updates and background tasks, including some Mail fetching, across all apps.
Avoid large attachments on cellular
Attachments download when you tap them, so wait until you’re on Wi-Fi before opening big files.
Check how much data Mail uses
The number under Mail in the Cellular list shows its data use since you last reset statistics. To start fresh, scroll to the bottom of the Cellular page and tap Reset Statistics.
You can also control whether to load remote images in Mail.
Troubleshooting
- Mail isn’t in the list – it appears after Mail has used cellular data. If you deleted the Mail app, reinstall it from the App Store.
- Mail still downloads on cellular – make sure Wi-Fi Assist isn’t masking the connection (it’s at the bottom of the Cellular page), and that you turned off the right email app.
- Emails stuck in the Outbox – connect to Wi-Fi, or turn Mail’s cellular data back on to send urgent messages.
Frequently asked questions
Does this affect iCloud Mail on my other devices?
No. The switch only affects your iPhone’s Mail app over cellular.
Will I still get email notifications?
Not while you’re off Wi-Fi, because Mail can’t check for new messages.
Can I do the same on an iPad?
Yes, on iPads with cellular service. Go to Settings > Cellular Data and turn off Mail.
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.