To turn off Low Data Mode on an iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode and choose Standard (or Allow More Data on 5G). On iPhones without 5G, turn off the Low Data Mode switch on the Cellular Data Options screen. Wi-Fi has its own setting: go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the i next to your network, and turn off Low Data Mode.
On Android, the same feature is called Data Saver. Turn it off in Settings > Network & internet > Data Saver on most phones, or Settings > Connections > Data usage > Data saver on Samsung Galaxy phones. Full steps for each are below.
What Low Data Mode does
Low Data Mode and Data Saver cut back on data your phone uses in the background. With it on, you may notice:
- Apps don’t refresh in the background, and automatic downloads and updates are paused.
- Photos don’t sync to iCloud or Google Photos until you’re on Wi-Fi.
- Videos stream at lower quality, and FaceTime or video calls may look softer.
- Some apps load images more slowly.
Turning it off brings these back to normal, but uses more data. If you have a limited data plan, keep an eye on your usage afterward.
How to turn off Low Data Mode on iPhone (cellular)
- Open Settings and tap Cellular (called Mobile Data in some regions).
- Tap Cellular Data Options. If you have two lines, tap the line under SIMs first.
- Tap Data Mode, then choose Standard, or Allow More Data on 5G if you have an unlimited plan. On iPhones without 5G, just turn off the Low Data Mode switch.
How to turn off Low Data Mode on iPhone (Wi-Fi)
- Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi.
- Tap the i (info) button next to the network you’re connected to.
- Turn off Low Data Mode.
This setting is saved for each Wi-Fi network, so repeat it for other networks if needed. Personal Hotspot networks from another iPhone often turn on Low Data Mode automatically.
How to turn off Data Saver on Android
Google Pixel and most Android phones
- Open Settings and tap Network & internet.
- Tap Data Saver.
- Turn off Use Data Saver.
Samsung Galaxy phones
- Open Settings and tap Connections.
- Tap Data usage, then Data saver.
- Turn off Turn on now.
Menu names vary by phone maker and Android version. If you can’t find it, type data saver in the search bar at the top of Settings. Many phones also have a Data Saver button in Quick Settings. Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to find it.
Let specific apps use data while Data Saver is on
If you want to keep Data Saver on but let one app work normally, open Data Saver settings and tap Unrestricted data (on Samsung, Allowed to use data while Data saver is on). Turn on the apps you want.
Check for metered Wi-Fi on Android
Android can treat a Wi-Fi network as metered, which also limits data use. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet, tap the gear next to your Wi-Fi network, tap Network usage (or Metered), and choose Treat as unmetered.
Low Data Mode keeps turning back on?
- Check Low Power Mode on iPhone. It’s a separate setting, but it also pauses background activity. Turn it off in Settings > Battery.
- Check the other line. With two SIMs, each line has its own Data Mode setting.
- Check your carrier. Some prepaid plans or carriers turn on data saving after you reach a limit. Look in your carrier’s app.
- Update your phone and restart it.
To control big app downloads, see stopping large app downloads over cellular.
For photo quality in Messages, see turning off Low Quality Image Mode.
You can also turn Wi-Fi off completely from Settings.
Travelling? See how to prefer Wi-Fi while roaming.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to leave Low Data Mode on all the time?
Yes, if you want to save data. Just remember that apps won’t update in the background and photos won’t back up until you’re on a network without Low Data Mode.
Does Low Data Mode save battery?
A little, since less background activity means less work for your phone. For real battery savings, use Low Power Mode on iPhone or Battery Saver on Android.
Why does my iPhone say Low Data Mode is on for my Wi-Fi?
It was turned on for that network, or your iPhone turned it on automatically for a hotspot. Tap the i next to the network and turn it off.
Does Low Data Mode slow down my internet?
It doesn’t lower your connection speed, but it limits what apps do in the background and lowers streaming quality, which can make things feel slower.
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.