PDF download Download Article
Disable cellular data for WhatsApp so it doesn't use mobile data
PDF download Download Article

Do you want to turn off cell data for WhatsApp? This can be particularly useful if you're on a limited data plan and plan to use WhatsApp purely on Wi-Fi. To turn off cellular data on WhatsApp, open your settings and tap Cellular. Select WhatsApp, and then toggle it off. This wikiHow article will walk you through the different ways you can turn off or limit cellular data on WhatsApp for iPhone.

Disabling Data for WhatsApp

To turn off cellular data for WhatsApp on your iPhone, open your iPhone's settings. Tap Cellular, and then find WhatsApp. Tap the switch for WhatsApp to only use the app when you're on Wi-Fi.

Section 1 of 4:

Turning Off Cellular Data for WhatsApp

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is the gray cog icon on your home screen that may be in a folder labeled "Utilities."[1]
  2. It's next to an icon of a cell tower.[2]
    Advertisement
  3. You may need to scroll through the list to find WhatsApp.
  4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Using Low Data Mode on WhatsApp

PDF download Download Article
  1. This app icon features a white telephone receiver on a green background.
    • This method does not completely turn off cellular data but lowers it instead. You can still use WhatsApp without Wi-Fi, but the quality of pictures in your messages and phone calls will be decreased.
  2. It's usually the last item on the menu.[4]
  3. This menu option is next to a broken circle icon near the middle of the menu.[5]
  4. You'll see this toggle under the "Call settings" header. A green switch means the feature is active. You'll be able to use WhatsApp without a Wi-Fi network, but the quality of your calls and the pictures in your chats may not be the quality you like. With this mode activated, you will still spend mobile data when receiving and sending messages and media.
    • To disable this mode, repeat these steps and tap the switch off. It'll be grey or white to indicate that the feature is off.
  5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Limiting Auto-Downloads

PDF download Download Article
  1. This app icon features a white telephone receiver on a green background.
    • This method will still let WhatsApp use cellular data, but your background downloads (like the pictures sent in your chat messages) will not download until your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
  2. It's usually the last item on the menu.[6]
  3. This menu option is next to a broken circle icon near the middle of the menu.[7]
  4. You can also select Never if you want to manually tap each file to download it.
    • Repeat for each option underneath the Media auto-download section.
    • You can always return to these settings to enable them again.
  5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Frequently Asked Questions

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Does WhatsApp use data? WhatsApp will use your data plan if Wi-Fi is turned off. If you don't want it to, you can disable data for WhatsApp.
  2. 2
    What happens if I turn off mobile data for WhatsApp on my iPhone? When you disable mobile data for WhatsApp, you won't be able to send messages or make calls outside of Wi-Fi. The app may still open, but you'll need Wi-Fi to reload and refresh messages.
  3. 3
    Can I use WhatsApp without the Internet? You can only use WhatsApp without Wi-Fi if you have cellular data enabled. Otherwise, the app won't reload or refresh.
  4. 4
    How do I turn cellular data back on for WhatsApp? To enable cellular data for WhatsApp, go to Settings > Cellular > WhatsApp > toggle on WhatsApp.
  5. 5
    Does WhatsApp work without Wi-Fi? You can use WhatsApp without Wi-Fi by enabling cellular/mobile data on your phone or tablet.
  6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • You can also disable notifications for WhatsApp in the WhatsApp menu by tapping "Notifications" and sliding the "Allow Notifications" button to the "off" position.[8]
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Turn Off Low Data Mode Turn Off Low Data Mode/Data Saver on iPhone & Android
Reduce Data Usage on an Android SmartphoneReduce Data Usage on an Android Smartphone
FaceTime Without Wi–Fi FaceTime on Your iPhone Without Wi-Fi: Your Ultimate Tutorial
Turn Off Data Usage Warnings on Your AndroidTurn Off Data Usage Warnings on Your Android
Block WhatsApp Calls on iPhone or iPad5 Simple Ways to Block WhatsApp Calls on iPhone or iPad
Disable MMS Messaging on an iPhoneDisable MMS Messaging on an iPhone
Use Mobile Hotspot Without Using DataUsing your Android Phone as a Mobile Hotspot via Wi-Fi Tethering
Save Photos from WhatsApp to Android Gallery Download Pictures from WhatsApp on an Android
Check Data Usage on an iPhone4 Easy Ways to See Data Usage on iPhone (All Major Carriers)
Check App Data Usage on an iPhone Monitor (and Control) App Data Usage on Your iPhone
Log Out of WhatsApp4 Easy Ways to Sign Out of WhatsApp
Download an iPhone App Without Wi‐FiDownload an iPhone App Without Wi‐Fi
Turn on Mobile Data on iPhone or iPad Enable Cellular Data on an iPhone or iPad: Easy Steps & Fast Fixes
Block Incoming SMS Temporarily Block Incoming Text Messages on an iPhone or Android Phone
Advertisement

About This Article

Rain Kengly
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain is a tech writer and editor for wikiHow with over 5 years of professional writing experience. In the past, Rain has worked with other creative writers as a Writing Tutor at San Francisco State University and has published gaming features, guides, and news articles for a variety of media outlets. Rain shares a lifelong passion for writing and gaming and is eager to grow alongside new tech inventions. This article has been viewed 111,455 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 4
Updated: August 20, 2025
Views: 111,455
Categories: WhatsApp
Article SummaryX

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Cellular.
3. Tap WhatsApp.
4. Tap the switch next to "WhatsApp" to toggle it off.

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 111,455 times.

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement