Key takeaways
- To check data usage on an iPhone, open Settings, tap Mobile Data (called Mobile Service or Cellular on some iPhones), then scroll to Current Period.
- An iPhone shows how much data you've used, not how much you have left. To see what's left, check your network's app or account.
- Current Period counts from the last time you reset statistics. Tap Reset Statistics at the start of each month to keep it in line.
Your iPhone quickly tells you how much data you've used. Ask how much you've got left, and it goes quiet. Here's how to check your usage in a few taps, and where to find the number that actually matters.
How to see data usage on your iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Mobile Data. On newer iPhones, this may say Mobile Service, and some phones say Cellular.
- Scroll down to Current Period. That's the mobile data your iPhone has used.
That's it. WiFi doesn't count here, only mobile data.
What the numbers on your iPhone mean
| What you see | What it means |
|---|---|
| Current Period | Current Period shows the mobile data your iPhone has used since statistics were last reset. |
| Current Period Roaming | Current Period Roaming shows the mobile data your iPhone has used while roaming since statistics were last reset. |
| Last Reset | Last Reset, at the very bottom of the screen, shows when statistics were last cleared. |
| App list | The app list shows how much mobile data each app has used, with the biggest users at the top. |
| System Services | System Services shows data used by your iPhone's built-in features, not apps you've installed. |
Heading abroad? Our data roaming guide has the details.
How to check how much data you have left
Your iPhone can't tell you this. It counts what you've used, but it has no idea what your plan includes. Your network does.
- Open your network's app and look for your data allowance.
- Log in to your account online.
- Watch for any text alerts your network sends.
If you're on SMARTY, the Dashboard in the SMARTY app shows how much data you have left. We also send a text when you've used 80% and 100% of your allowance.
How to reset your iPhone data usage each month
Your iPhone never resets itself, so Current Period keeps adding up. To track one month at a time:
- Open Settings, then tap Mobile Data.
- Scroll to the bottom.
- Tap Reset Statistics, then confirm.
Do this on the day your month starts. A calendar reminder will do the remembering for you.
One thing to know first: resetting clears the app list too. If you want to see which app used the most, check before you reset.
How to find which apps use the most data
- Open Settings and tap Mobile Data.
- Scroll down to the list of apps. The biggest users are at the top.
- Switch off the toggle next to any app you'd rather keep on WiFi only.
Not sure how much data you need?
If you keep checking because your data never quite lasts, it might be the plan rather than the phone. Our guide to how much data you need helps you work it out.
And if you'd rather stop counting altogether, SMARTY has an unlimited data plan. Our plans run month to month, so you can switch to a different data amount without a contract.
FAQs
How do I check how much data I have left on my iPhone?
An iPhone shows how much mobile data has been used, not how much is left. To see how much data remains, open your network's app or log in to your account online. SMARTY customers can see it on the Dashboard in the SMARTY app.
What does current period roaming mean on iPhone?
Current Period Roaming shows the mobile data an iPhone has used while roaming since the statistics were last reset. Roaming means using a network outside your own, such as when you're abroad.
Does resetting statistics on an iPhone affect my bill?
No. Resetting statistics only clears the phone's counters. Billing is based on the network's own records, so your allowance and charges remain unchanged.
