How to Check Data Usage on an iPhone or iPad

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Monitoring your data usage on your iPhone or iPad is crucial, especially if you have a limited data plan or want to keep an eye on your usage to avoid overage charges. Fortunately, iOS provides built-in tools that allow you to track and manage your data consumption. 

Checking Data Usage on an iPhone or iPad

Method 1: Check Data Usage in Cellular Settings

You can easily check your cellular data usage directly within your device's settings:

Open the "Settings" App: Locate and tap the "Settings" app on your iPhone or iPad's home screen. It's represented by a gear-shaped icon.

Tap "Cellular" or "Mobile Data": Scroll down in the "Settings" menu and tap on "Cellular" or "Mobile Data," depending on your iOS version.

View Cellular Data Usage: Under the "Cellular Data Usage" section, you'll see your total data usage for the current period. It displays the amount of data sent and received. You can also reset your data usage statistics by tapping "Reset Statistics" at the bottom of the page, which is useful if you want to start tracking data usage from a specific date.

Scroll Down for App Data Usage: Below the total data usage, you'll see a list of apps and their respective data usage. This provides insights into which apps are consuming the most data.

Method 2: Check Data Usage in Settings App (iOS 15 and later)

If you're running iOS 15 or a later version, there's an additional method to check data usage:

Open the "Settings" App: Access the "Settings" app on your device.

Scroll Down and Tap "Cellular Data": In the "Settings" menu, scroll down and tap "Cellular Data."

Tap "Cellular Data Usage": You'll see "Cellular Data Usage" below the "Cellular Data" section. Tap on it.

View Data Usage Graph: Here, you'll see a graphical representation of your data usage over time. You can toggle between daily and monthly views. It provides a visual summary of when you've used the most data.

App Data Usage: Scroll down to see the data usage for individual apps. This helps you identify which apps are consuming the most data.

Method 3: Check Data Usage in Carrier App (Carrier-Specific)

Some mobile carriers provide dedicated apps that allow you to check your data usage, manage your account, and more. Check if your carrier offers such an app and download it from the App Store.

Download and Open Carrier App: Download and install your carrier's app from the App Store, if available. Open the app.

Log In: Log in or create an account using your carrier credentials.

Check Data Usage: Inside the carrier's app, you'll usually find a section that displays your data usage, including how much data you've used and how much is remaining. It might also include a breakdown by app or service.

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1. Introduction

With today's modern smartphones, it's quite easy to go way beyond the data allotment you're paying for with your cellular provider, and end up with additional charges and an unexpectedly huge bill.

This guide will take you through how to check your data usage on any iOS device.

2. Check Data Usage

Always be aware that your device's data tracking (shown here) may differ from your cellular carrier's data tracking. Device tracking such as this should only be used as a ballpark figure. Be sure to check with your cellular carrier for exact usage statistics and tracking.

1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
   

1. Select Cellular.
   

1. Scroll down. Under Cellular Data where it says Current Period, that shows how much data you have used.
   

iOS does not track usage statistics while your device is connected to Wi-Fi networks.