How to Check Data Usage on iPhone and iPad

This guide shows you how to manually check your cellular data usage on an iPhone or iPad. You’ll see exactly which apps have used data, how much in the current period, and how to reset the counter to match your billing cycle. No extra apps or tools are needed—everything is built into iOS and iPadOS.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone or iPad running iOS 13 or later (the steps are the same on all recent versions).
Your device’s passcode or Face ID/Touch ID, if you want to change settings (not needed just to view usage).
Optional: Your carrier’s billing cycle start date, so you can reset the counter at the right time.

Step-by-Step

Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. It’s the gray gear icon.
Tap Cellular (on an iPhone) or Mobile Data (on an iPad, depending on your region). On some iPads it’s labeled Cellular Data.
You’ll see a section labeled Current Period (or Current Period Roaming). The number next to it is the total cellular data used since the last time the counter was reset.
Scroll down to see the list of apps. Each app shows the amount of data it has used in the current period. If you tap Current Period, you can switch to Current Period Roaming to see data used while traveling on other carrier networks.
To see data usage per app in more detail, tap an app name. This shows you how much data the app used in the foreground (while you were using it) and in the background (while it was refreshing in the background).
To reset the counter at the start of your billing cycle, scroll to the bottom of the Cellular/Mobile Data screen and tap Reset Statistics. Confirm by tapping Reset on the popup. This clears the current period totals for all apps.
To stop an app from using cellular data entirely, toggle off the switch next to that app. It will then only use Wi-Fi.
If you want to see data usage for a specific period (like last month), you can’t do that directly in Settings. Instead, use the Screen Time feature: go to Settings > Screen Time > See All Activity > scroll to Mobile Data. This shows data usage per app for the last 7 days or the last 30 days, but it’s an estimate and may not match your carrier’s exact counts.

Common Mistakes

Not resetting the counter: The Current Period counter only resets when you manually tap Reset Statistics. If you never reset it, it will show data used since you first set up the phone, not since your last billing cycle.
Confusing Wi-Fi and cellular data: The numbers in Cellular/Mobile Data only count data used over the cellular network. Data used over Wi-Fi is not included here (you can see Wi-Fi usage in Screen Time, but it’s not broken down by app in the same way).
Assuming the counter resets automatically: It does not. You must reset it manually, and it’s easy to forget. Set a reminder on your calendar for your billing cycle start date.
Looking at the wrong section: If you have multiple SIMs or an eSIM, make sure you’re looking at the correct line. The Cellular screen shows a section for each active line. Tap the line name at the top to switch.
Thinking the numbers are 100% accurate: iOS counts data usage based on the system’s own tracking, which can occasionally differ slightly from your carrier’s count. For billing disputes, always rely on your carrier’s official usage meter.

Tips

Set a monthly reminder: On the first day of your billing cycle, open Settings > Cellular > Reset Statistics. This keeps the counter aligned with your plan.
Use Low Data Mode: If you’re close to your limit, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > enable Low Data Mode. This pauses automatic updates and background tasks, saving data.
Limit background data: For apps that you don’t need to refresh in the background, toggle off Background App Refresh for that app (Settings > General > Background App Refresh). This can significantly reduce data usage.
Check per-app usage regularly: If you notice a particular app using a lot of data, you can restrict it to Wi-Fi only by toggling it off in the Cellular list.
Use Wi-Fi Assist wisely: Wi-Fi Assist automatically uses cellular data when Wi-Fi is weak. To turn it off, go to Settings > Cellular > scroll down and toggle off Wi-Fi Assist. This prevents unexpected cellular usage.
Monitor roaming separately: The Current Period Roaming section shows data used while roaming. If you travel, reset it before your trip to track roaming usage accurately.

Troubleshooting

Data usage numbers are missing or zero for some apps: This can happen if the device hasn’t updated the statistics yet. Try restarting your iPhone or iPad (press and hold the power button and volume button, then slide to power off; turn it back on). If that doesn’t work, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings (this won’t delete your data, but it will reset Wi-Fi passwords and cellular settings).
The Current Period counter doesn’t match your carrier’s bill: This is common because iOS counts data slightly differently (e.g., it may not count certain system services). First, reset the counter at the start of your billing cycle and compare at the end. If there’s a big discrepancy, contact your carrier to confirm your usage. Also, make sure you’re looking at the correct line if you have multiple SIMs.
You can’t find the Cellular/Mobile Data section: On iPadOS, the section is called Mobile Data in some regions. If you don’t see it at all, your iPad might be a Wi-Fi-only model, which doesn’t have cellular capabilities. Check if your iPad has a SIM slot or an eSIM setting.
Reset Statistics is grayed out: This happens if you have a device with a SIM card that is not active, or if you’re using an enterprise configuration profile that restricts changes. Try restarting the device. If it’s still grayed out, check with your IT administrator or carrier.
App data usage shows “—“ or “0 B” for all apps: This can occur after a system update or restore. Try toggling one app’s cellular access off and on again (Settings > Cellular > toggle off an app, wait a few seconds, toggle it back on). This sometimes refreshes the statistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the iPhone automatically reset data usage every month?
A: No, it does not. You must manually tap “Reset Statistics” at the start of your billing cycle. There is no automatic schedule.

Q: Can I see data usage for a previous month?
A: Not directly in Settings. The Screen Time feature shows data usage for the last 7 or 30 days, but it’s an estimate and doesn’t align with calendar months. Your carrier’s app or website will have the official monthly breakdown.

Q: Why does my iPhone show more data usage than my carrier does?
A: iOS may count data used by system services (like iCloud backups, app updates, and Siri) that your carrier might not bill for, or there may be a delay in carrier reporting. Always use your carrier’s official usage for billing disputes.

Q: How do I check data usage on an iPad with a Wi-Fi + Cellular model?
A: Go to Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular Data). The steps are identical to the iPhone. If you don’t see that section, your iPad may be Wi-Fi only.

Q: Will turning off cellular data for an app stop it from using data in the background?
A: Yes, toggling off an app in the Cellular list prevents it from using cellular data both in the foreground and background. It can still use Wi-Fi.

Q: Does the data usage counter include data used by Personal Hotspot?
A: Yes, data used by devices connected to your Personal Hotspot is included in the total. You can see a separate breakdown under “Personal Hotspot” in the Cellular settings.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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