How to Check Data Usage on an iPhone

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This wikiHow teaches you how to view your iPhone's data usage since the last time you reset the data statistics.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Built-in Features

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    It's a grey app with gears that you'll likely find on the Home Screen.
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    This option is near the top of the "Settings" page.
    • On phones that use a U.K. English keyboard, tap Mobile Data .
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    You'll see two options listed below this heading: "Current Period," which reflects all data usage since you last cleared your data usage statistics, and "Current Period Roaming," which shows data usage for areas in which your phone wasn't covered by the carrier (e.g., international travel).
    • "Current Period" data does not automatically reset for your billing cycle. You can reset your data usage statistics by tapping Reset Statistics at the bottom of the page.
    • Data may be listed differently on different cellular carriers and data plans. If you do not see "Current Period", tap Usage below the header with your carrier's name to view your data usage.
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    These will be listed beneath the "CELLULAR DATA" heading; any app with a green switch to its right is able to use data.
    • The number below an app's name reflects how many kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), or gigabytes (GB) that app has used since the "Current Period" was last reset.
    • If "System Services" appears below "Cellular data", this displays how much data your phone's features have used. Tap System Services to see a list of features and how much data they each use.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Requesting Information from Carrier

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    While checking the data usage in your Settings will show you how much you've used, it won't show you what your limit is, and sometimes the date and measurement is off compared to your carrier. You can quickly check how close you are to your monthly limit by entering the code for your carrier into the Phone app:
    • Verizon - Dial #DATA and press the "Call" button. You will receive a text message showing all your usage details for that billing cycle.
    • AT&T - Dial *DATA# and press the "Call" button. You will receive a text message showing how much data you've used versus your monthly limit.
    • T-Mobile - Dial #WEB# and press the "Call" button. You will receive a text message showing how much data you've used versus your monthly limit.
    • Sprint - Dial *4 and press the "Call" button. Follow the voice prompts to check your usage for the billing period.
    • Idea (IN) - Dial *121# and press the "Call" button. You will receive a reply with your usage.
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    Consider downloading your carrier's app from the App Store . Most cellular carriers have an app you can download to your iPhone; once you do so, you'll be able to monitor your data usage and plan information from within the app.
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    If all else fails, calling your carrier's support line or going to your local carrier's store directly will allow them to tell you how much data you've used and how much remains in your current cycle, as well as upgrade your plan if you feel it would be beneficial.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I stop apps from using data on my iPhone?
    Community Answer
    Go to Settings, then click on Cellular. Scroll down and you will see toggle switches. To disable certain apps from using data, toggle the switch next to the app you want disable. If the toggle switch is green (or dark gray depending on phone contrast settings) that app is using data.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 46
  • Question
    How do I dial #DATA and press send? I have no "send" button on my phone when making a call.
    Community Answer
    Dial #3282 on your phone keypad and press call to get a text message showing your data usage.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 45 Helpful 48
  • Question
    What does 1.111 GB mean?
    Nathaniel
    Community Answer
    1.111 GB (or gigabytes) means 1,111 MB (or megabytes). To provide references, one picture is usually 8 MB, and a full-size movie is around 1 - 2 GB.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • Cellular Usage is wireless data you’ve used for web browsing, email, and more that was provided by your carrier and not a Wi-Fi network.
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      • To calculate how much data you use over a period of time, tap the Reset Statistics button and then check the data you have used from that point onward at a specified time.
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      • Tether Data is data used while your iPhone has been connected to another device using the Personal Hotspot feature.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Settings .
      2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data .
      3. Scroll down to view data usage.

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