Common causes of fast data consumption include:
Cloud backups and photo syncing: uploading photos, videos, and other files to iCloud, Google Photos, or OneDrive.
Automatic downloads: downloading app updates, videos, or other content.
Video and social media: streaming, video calls, and videos that play automatically.
Hotspot sharing: other devices using your phone’s internet connection.
iCloud Photos and backups can use mobile data if allowed, especially when syncing a large photo library after setting up a phone or enabling iCloud Photos. Allow More Data on 5G can also enable larger downloads and automatic iCloud backups.
Check what is using data and stop Photos from using mobile data
Open Settings and go to Mobile Service or Cellular.
Scroll down to see data usage by app. Tap Show All if needed.
Check Photos.
To keep Photos on Wi-Fi only, turn off the mobile data switch next to Photos in the app list.
Turn off iCloud backups over mobile data
Open Settings and tap your name.
Tap iCloud > iCloud Backup.
Turn off Back Up Over Cellular, if available. This lets automatic backups continue over Wi-Fi.
Turn on Low Data Mode
Open Settings and go to Mobile Service or Cellular.
Select your WonderConnect eSIM.
Tap Data Mode and select Low Data Mode. On some phones, the switch appears directly in the line’s settings.
Low Data Mode reduces background activity and pauses automatic downloads, backups, and iCloud Photos updates.
Check which apps use data
Open Settings and go to Network & internet.
Tap SIMs and select your WonderConnect eSIM.
Tap App data usage and check the apps using the most data.
Reduce background data
Open Settings and go to Network & internet.
Tap Data Saver.
Turn on Use Data Saver.
Apps you are actively using can still use mobile data. Some background updates and notifications may be delayed.
Check usage and restrict background activity on Samsung
Open Settings and go to Connections.
Tap Data usage > Mobile data usage to check which apps use the most data.
Tap an app you want to restrict and turn off Allow background data usage.
To reduce background usage more broadly, return to Data usage, tap Data saver, and turn on Turn on now.
Restricting background data may delay notifications. On other Android phones, look under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > your eSIM > App data usage, and search Settings for Data Saver.
These steps apply to Google Pixel, Samsung, and other Android phones using Google Photos and Google Play.
Stop Google Photos backups over mobile data
Open Google Photos and tap your profile picture.
Tap Photos settings > Backup > Mobile data usage.
Select No data, if available, and turn off Back up videos over data and Back up while roaming.
If these options are unavailable, temporarily turn off Backup and turn it back on when connected to Wi-Fi. If you use another backup app, such as OneDrive, check its upload settings too.
Keep automatic app updates on Wi-Fi
Open Google Play Store and tap your profile picture.
Tap Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps.
Select Update over Wi-Fi only.
When you share your connection through a hotspot, everything the connected phone, tablet, or computer uploads and downloads uses your WonderConnect data.
Data-saving settings on your phone do not automatically apply to devices connected to your hotspot. Someone using your connection may use a large amount of your data without either of you noticing.
To reduce usage:
Ask anyone connected to pause automatic updates, cloud backups, and large downloads.
On the connected device, enable Low Data Mode for the hotspot’s Wi-Fi network if available.
Turn off your hotspot when you finish sharing.
