Low Data Mode on iPhone: What it does and should you enable it?

In an era where data consumption is ever-increasing, managing mobile data usage has become crucial for many users. Most modern phones today - whether it is an iPhone or an Android device - have a Low Data Mode feature that helps users manage their data consumption more efficiently. Let's explore how Low Data Mode works on iPhones, and whether you should enable it on your device.

What is Low Data Mode?

Low Data Mode is a feature introduced by Apple with iOS 13, designed to help users reduce their data usage. When enabled, it limits the amount of data apps and services can use in the background, thus extending the life of your data plan. This can be particularly beneficial for those with limited data plans, especially if you are traveling abroad without constant Wi-Fi connection.

How Does Low Data Mode Work?

Low Data Mode modifies several system behaviors on your iPhone to reduce data consumption:

1. Background App Refresh: It pauses background app refresh, meaning apps won’t update their content until you open them.
2. Automatic Downloads and Updates: It disables automatic downloads and updates for apps and system services.
3. Streaming Quality: It reduces the quality of streaming content, such as videos and music, to use less data.
4. iCloud: It limits iCloud backups and other iCloud-related activities.
5. Push Notifications: It can reduce the frequency of push notifications that require data.
6. Other System Services: Certain system services might behave differently to conserve data.

How to Enable Low Data Mode

Enabling Low Data Mode on your iPhone is straightforward:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Cellular.
3. Select Cellular Data Options.
4. Toggle on Low Data Mode.

Should You Enable Low Data Mode?

Enabling Low Data Mode will help to reduce your data usage, but it can also impact your device performance. Ultimately, whether you should enable Low Data Mode depends on your specific circumstances and whether or not you need to conserve your data pack.

Here are some reasons why you might need to turn on Low Data Mode on your iPhone:

1. Limited Data Plan: If you have a limited data plan and often find yourself running out of data before the end of the month, enabling Low Data Mode can help you stretch your data further.
2. Traveling Abroad: When traveling internationally, data can be expensive and Wi-Fi might not always be available. Low Data Mode can help you manage your data usage more effectively.
3. Battery Conservation: Although not its primary purpose, Low Data Mode can also help conserve battery life by reducing background activities.

However, there are scenarios where Low Data Mode might not be ideal:

1. Frequent Background App Use: If you rely heavily on apps that need to refresh content in the background, such as email or messaging apps, you might find Low Data Mode restrictive.
2. High-Quality Streaming: If you prefer streaming content in high quality, the reduced streaming quality might be noticeable and less enjoyable.
3. Automatic Updates: Disabling automatic updates means you’ll need to manually update apps and system software, which can be inconvenient if this was your default setting.

Get a Nomad eSIM to stay connected without exorbitant data costs when traveling

Perhaps a reason why you are turning on Low Data Mode on your device is so that you do not incur excessive data roaming costs while traveling. A good alternative to avoiding expensive data roaming costs is to get a Nomad travel eSIM.

Nomad offers data plans in over 170 countries, and you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your travel needs. And if you will be traveling across multiple countries, there are also regional plans available so you can stay seamlessly connected as you hop between countries. Data plans are available from as low as $1.10/GB.

Add-ons are also available for Nomad’s eSIMs, so you do not need to worry about running out of data. If you notice that you are running low on data, simply purchase an add-on before your data pack runs out. The add-on data pack will be automatically activated when the base plan runs out, so you do not have to worry about having to install a new eSIM.

If you share your Nomad referral code with your friends, your friend will be able to enjoy $7 off their first purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more). You will also be able to enjoy $7 off your next purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more).