Wi-Fi Assist automatically switches your iPhone to cellular data when the Wi-Fi connection you’re using is poor. This can quietly eat through your mobile data allowance without you noticing. Here’s how to turn it off.
How to Turn Off Wi-Fi Assist
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Service on some carriers).
- Scroll down to the bottom of the screen.
- Find Wi-Fi Assist and toggle it off.
When the switch is gray, Wi-Fi Assist is disabled and your iPhone will stay on Wi-Fi even if the signal is weak, instead of switching to mobile data.
Why Turn It Off?
- Control data usage: Prevents unexpected cellular consumption and overage charges.
- Avoid slowdowns: Sticking to a weak Wi-Fi network is sometimes preferable to burning through a limited data plan.
- Peace of mind: You decide when to use mobile data rather than your iPhone deciding for you.
How to Check If Wi-Fi Assist Used Data
You can see how much cellular data each app has used:
- Open Settings > Cellular.
- Scroll down to see the Cellular Data usage list per app.
- Watch for unexpectedly high usage from apps you mostly use on Wi-Fi.
Checklist
- Open Settings > Cellular.
- Scroll to the bottom and turn Wi-Fi Assist off.
- Review per-app cellular usage periodically.
How to Get More Help
- Want to know which iOS version you’re running? See How to Check iOS Version on Your iPhone.
- On a Mac? Learn how to manage Wi-Fi in How to Turn Off Wi-Fi When My Mac Display Sleeps.