Your iPhone keeps a running total of the cellular data it has used, but it doesn’t reset that total automatically when your billing cycle starts. Resetting the statistics yourself, ideally on the first day of each billing period, gives you a count that matches your plan and makes it easier to spot apps that eat data. This guide shows how on an iPhone 7 and every newer iPhone, and explains what the reset does and doesn’t affect.
Quick Answer
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data), scroll to the very bottom, tap Reset Statistics, then tap Reset Statistics again to confirm.
How to Reset Cellular Data Statistics on an iPhone 7
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular. In the UK, Australia and some other regions it’s called Mobile Data.
- Scroll all the way down past the list of apps.
- Tap Reset Statistics.
- Tap Reset Statistics in the confirmation box.
The Current Period and Current Period Roaming totals drop to zero, the per-app numbers clear, and the Last Reset date under the button updates to today. The steps are the same on iOS 10 (the iPhone 7’s original software) through current versions of iOS.
What Resetting Does and Doesn’t Do
- It only clears the counter on your iPhone. It doesn’t change your carrier’s records, your bill, or how much data you have left on your plan.
- It doesn’t delete any data or apps. Photos, messages and settings are untouched.
- It can’t be undone. If you want a record of the old totals, take a screenshot first.
- It also clears Wi-Fi Assist and per-app figures shown on the same screen.
Why the Numbers May Not Match Your Carrier
Even after a reset, the iPhone’s count and your carrier’s count can differ because:
- Your billing cycle doesn’t start on the day you reset.
- Carriers round usage up per session or measure it at a different point.
- Personal Hotspot use may be counted differently.
- Data used on a second line or eSIM is tracked separately on dual-SIM iPhones (iPhone XS and later). Each line has its own section on the Cellular screen.
For the official number, check your carrier’s app or account website, or dial your carrier’s usage short code.
Set a Reminder to Reset Each Month
Because the iPhone won’t reset the counter on its own, create a repeating reminder:
- Open Reminders and add a new reminder, such as “Reset cellular stats.”
- Tap the i button, turn on Date, and choose the first day of your billing cycle.
- Set Repeat to Monthly.
Find Out Which Apps Use the Most Data
On the same Cellular screen, the apps list shows how much each app used since the last reset. On current iOS versions you can sort it by usage. Turn off the switch next to any app to stop it using cellular data; it will still work on Wi-Fi. Tap System Services to see usage by iOS features such as software updates and Music streaming.
Other Ways to Cut Cellular Data Use
- Low Data Mode: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode (or turn on Low Data Mode on older versions).
- Turn off Wi-Fi Assist at the bottom of the Cellular screen so the phone doesn’t switch to cellular when Wi-Fi is weak.
- Stop automatic downloads over cellular in Settings > App Store.
- Turn off Background App Refresh for apps that don’t need it, in Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
Traveling? See how to turn on data roaming on iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the iPhone reset data usage automatically each month?
No. The counter keeps growing until you reset it manually, which is why the Current Period total can be much larger than one month’s use.
Will resetting the statistics give me more data?
No. Your data allowance is controlled by your carrier. The reset only changes the counter on the phone.
Why don’t I see Reset Statistics?
Make sure you’re on the Cellular (or Mobile Data) screen and have scrolled to the very bottom. On iPads with only Wi-Fi, there’s no cellular section.
Does resetting the phone’s settings also reset data usage?
Reset All Settings and Reset Network Settings don’t reliably clear the data counter. Use Reset Statistics instead.
Can I see data usage for a specific date range?
Not in iOS. The phone only shows usage since the last reset. Your carrier’s app usually shows daily or per-cycle figures.
Summary
- Open Settings > Cellular.
- Scroll to the bottom.
- Tap Reset Statistics, then confirm.
- Repeat on the first day of each billing cycle.
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.