How to Check Your Data Usage on iPhone

Understanding how to check data usage on iPhone and iPad is vital if you’re taking your Apple devices overseas. After all, if you have limited mobile data, you’ll want to know how much you’ve consumed so you don’t run up any extra charges!

With help from a prepaid eSIM with unlimited data, of course, that becomes less of a concern. However, it’s still worth learning how to check how much data your iPhone is using, and how to reduce your usage if you know you’re approaching your limits.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to check the data your iPhone is using, and help you keep any future usage in check.

How to quickly check your data usage

To check data usage on iPhone devices, open your Settings app, select Mobile Settings or Mobile Service, then scroll down to Mobile Data. Your phone will tell you how much data you have consumed on the SIM you are using, and break this down based on a Current Period that you can set (more on this below).

For transparency, this walkthrough works for an iPhone 12 running iOS 26, the latest release at the time of writing. Therefore, if you are running a later version of the operating system, your mobile data may be presented differently.

If you were to use an eSIM abroad, say, an eSIM for Africa if you visit Egypt, you can also see itemized usage for each physical and digital card installed on your device.

Understand what current period means in data tracking

In your iPhone settings, you’ll see the phrase Current Period used to refer to how much mobile data that’s been tracked and displayed. This essentially refers to the period of time since you last manually reset the Current Period.

If you scroll down your mobile data settings, you’ll see Mobile Data Usage Statistics towards the end of the page. Here, you can toggle the feature on and off, and choose to Reset Statistics if you want to start a new Current Period.

We recommend resetting your statistics when you install a new SIM or eSIM. For example, if you install an eSIM for North America when you travel to Canada, as soon as you arrive in the country, reset your stats, and your iPhone will accurately record how much mobile data you use while you’re away.

This is a great way to make sure that you keep within the data package you’ve purchased from SIMOVO. As you monitor your data usage, you’ll know how close you are coming to the end of your package, and can top up accordingly (or even scale back your usage).

Learn how to track your monthly data usage

Regardless of whether you’re travelling or not, it’s always a good idea to keep track of how much data you’re using from month to month. That way, you’re never caught out going over your tariff amount(s) or running up extra fees you haven’t accounted for.

So, to start, check the date that your mobile data rolls over or restarts each month. Then, head to your mobile data settings, as mentioned above, and reset your statistics. Some networks might also provide an app you can use to specifically track usage through their coverage. However, if you travel abroad and use an eSIM for Europe in the meantime, say, it’s worth checking your eSIM stats from the same screen.

One of the best features of the iPhone’s mobile data tracking screen is the fact that you can see which apps use the most data. For example, over the course of a month, or a trip away, you might find that you spend more data on TikTok or YouTube than any other. If you want to cut down on the data you use to save money, those are clearly the apps you’ll need to focus on first!

Check and manage your eSIM data usage

At SIMOVO, we always recommend you check and manage your eSIM data usage through the mobile settings screen. And, as mentioned, iPhones allow you to break down usage across different eSIMs and physical SIMs, meaning you’re always clear on what’s been used and on what service.

So, for instance, if you’re on a world tour and you still want to use your traditional SIM and an eSIM for the Middle East, your iPhone settings will let you filter down which apps are swallowing the most data. Just remember to switch between SIMs when you visit different destinations!

Simple ways to reduce mobile data consumption

Regardless of whether you’re using an unlimited eSIM for South America or are keeping your home network SIM in place while you explore your own country, it’s still good practice to cut down unnecessary mobile data usage. That way, at least, you can ensure your data goes that little bit further, and you can save serious money!

Here are a few quick tips to make into habits when using your iPhone abroad, or at home, and are connected to mobile data.

Use WiFi whenever possible

If you have home broadband available or can connect to a secure hotspot, do so - and you’ll save draining your 4G or 5G. However, notice that we mention secure hotspots. Unfortunately, public WiFi can be notoriously insecure, so only ever connect to devices where you are asked for a password, or that run on at least WPA2-Personal (AES) - not WEP or WPA. You can find these details in the WiFi network settings on your iPhone as it picks them up.

Enable low data mode on your device

Low data mode is a great little iPhone feature that pauses background tasks and limits streaming quality, helping you use less data than usual. 

On the Mobile Service or Mobile Settings screen, tap Mobile Data Options, then Data Mode, then Low Data Mode. Your phone will start using less mobile data regardless of whether you’re using an eSIM for Oceania or your standard SIM card. You can also do the same in WiFi settings.

Disable mobile data for high usage apps

If you just can’t be trusted to stay away from high usage apps, you can stop them from using mobile data completely! In the Mobile Service or Settings screen on your iPhone, scroll down and toggle the highest usage apps off. This means you’ll only be able to use them if you connect to WiFi.

Turn off WiFi assist

WiFi Assist lets your iPhone switch automatically to mobile data if WiFi becomes unavailable. To switch this feature off, again, you’ll need to be in the Mobile Service or Settings screen. Scroll down and switch the feature off. Simple!

Stop background app refresh

Background App Refresh lets apps update background content whenever you’re connected to WiFi or mobile data. Turning this off can save your battery life as well as data usage!

To toggle this off, head to General in your Settings app and tap on Background App Refresh. In the next screen, you can turn certain apps off or even toggle it so the feature only works on WiFi.

Download content instead of streaming

You don’t have to stream everything! Services like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify all offer download services that let you access entertainment when you’re offline. We recommend downloading the shows, movies, videos, and playlists you know you’ll want on the go via home WiFi before you travel.

Now you know how to manage your data usage efficiently on your iPhone, it’s time to save some serious money on travel streaming. Check out SIMOVO’s eSIM for Asia range and other global locations across our online store.