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10 Tech How-To

Set Wi-Fi as Metered Connection on Android & iPhone

Guide 10-20680 · Updated · Step by step

Setting a Wi-Fi network as metered tells your phone to treat it like a cellular data connection, so it stops automatic downloads, background app refreshes, and system updates that can eat through a limited data cap. This guide walks you through the exact steps for both Android and iPhone, plus what to do when the option isn’t where you expect it.

What You’ll Need

  • An Android phone (Android 10 or newer recommended) or an iPhone (iOS 13 or newer).
  • The Wi-Fi network you want to mark as metered must already be saved on your device.
  • Access to the network’s password if you need to reconnect after changing settings.

Step-by-Step

On Android (Stock Android / Pixel)

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet (or Connections on Samsung devices).
  3. Tap Wi-Fi.
  4. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on, then tap the gear icon next to the network you want to change.
  5. Tap Metered (or Network usage on some phones).
  6. Select Treat as metered. You can also choose Auto to let the system decide based on the network.

On Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Connections.
  3. Tap Wi-Fi.
  4. Tap the gear icon next to the connected network.
  5. Tap Metered network.
  6. Choose Treat as metered.

On iPhone (iOS)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi.
  3. Make sure you’re connected to the network you want to change.
  4. Tap the info (i) icon next to the network name.
  5. Tap the Metered Network toggle to turn it on (green).
  6. Exit Settings. The change takes effect immediately.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to reconnect: If you change the metered setting while connected, some phones may disconnect and reconnect. Make sure you rejoin the network afterward.
  • Setting the wrong network: Double-check the network name (SSID) before changing it. If you have multiple saved networks, you might accidentally mark the wrong one.
  • Assuming it blocks all data: Metered doesn’t block data; it just tells apps to limit background usage. Some apps may still download if you open them.
  • Not checking for system updates: On Android, system updates may still download over metered Wi-Fi unless you also restrict them in Developer Options (not recommended for most users).

Tips

  • Use “Auto” mode on Android: This lets the system automatically mark networks as metered if they appear to be mobile hotspots.
  • Set metered for all public Wi-Fi: If you often use hotel or airport Wi-Fi with data caps, marking them as metered can prevent surprise overage charges.
  • Check app settings: Some apps have their own “download over Wi-Fi only” options. Metered is a system-level backup, not a replacement.
  • Turn off metered when you have unlimited data: If you switch to an unlimited plan, remember to set the network back to “Unmetered” to allow automatic updates again.

Troubleshooting

  • Can’t find the “Metered” option: On some Android phones, the option is labeled “Network usage” or “Data usage.” Look for a similar term. If you still can’t find it, your phone’s manufacturer may have moved it under “Advanced” settings.
  • iPhone toggle is grayed out: This can happen if you’re not connected to the network. Connect first, then tap the info icon.
  • Phone still downloads large files: Some apps ignore the metered setting. Check the app’s own download settings and set them to “never auto-download” or “only on unmetered Wi-Fi.”
  • Metered setting resets after reconnect: On some Android versions, the setting may not stick if you forget the network and re-add it. Reapply the setting after reconnecting.
  • System updates still download: On Android, go to Settings > System > Software update and check if there’s an option to pause downloads. On iPhone, this is not possible; you’ll need to disable auto-updates in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does metered Wi-Fi stop all data usage?

No. It only stops background data and automatic downloads. If you open an app or browse the web, data will still be used.

Will metered Wi-Fi affect video streaming quality?

Yes, in some cases. Apps like YouTube and Netflix may stream at lower quality to reduce data usage when they detect a metered connection.

Can I set a metered connection for a specific time period?

No, the metered setting is on/off. You’ll need to manually toggle it off when you want to allow unlimited data.

Does metered Wi-Fi work on iPhone for all apps?

Most apps respect the setting, but some may not. Apple’s own services like iCloud backups and app updates will pause, but third-party apps may behave differently.

Will metered Wi-Fi affect my phone’s hotspot?

No, the metered setting applies only to the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to, not to your phone’s hotspot feature.

How do I know if a network is metered?

On Android, look for a small icon or the word “Metered” next to the network name. On iPhone, go to the network’s info page and see if the toggle is on.

Related

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

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