How to Restrict Background Data on iPhone or iPad

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

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This wikiHow teaches you how to prevent your iPhone or iPad apps from using mobile background data.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

It’s the gray gear icon typically found on your home screen.
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Slide the “Background App Refresh” switch to the Off position. When the switch turns gray, apps will no longer use your data plan in the background.
- If you don’t want to restrict all apps, you can leave the switch On (green) and disable specific apps using their corresponding switches.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

1
Open your iPhone/iPad’s Settings. It’s the gray gear icon typically found on your home screen.
- This method will walk you through restricting access to certain apps on your iPhone. As long the apps are restricted, they’ll be unable to use background data. You won’t be able to use restricted apps until you remove their restrictions.^{[1]
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4
Tap Enable Restrictions.
- If Restrictions are already enabled, you won’t see this option. You can skip this step.
5
Set up your restrictions passcode. If it’s your first time using restrictions, choose a 4-digit PIN to get started. You’ll need to use this PIN to add or remove restrictions in the future.
- Again, if restrictions are already enabled, you can skip this step.
6
Select apps to restrict. To restrict an app, slide its corresponding switch to the Off (gray) position. As long as the switch is gray, the app will be unusable.
- To remove restrictions from an app, return to this screen, then slide the app’s switch to the On (green) position. You’ll have to enter your 4-digit PIN to reinstate access to the app.