What Is Wi-Fi Assist and Should You Keep It On?

It might be the sneaky culprit behind your data usage woes, even when you're blissfully connected to Wi-Fi.

Have you ever scratched your head, wondering why your mobile data is dwindling despite being connected to Wi-Fi? A little feature called Wi-Fi Assist lurks in your device's settings and could crack the mysterious case wide open. Not sure what Wi-Fi Assist is or what mischief it's up to? Let's unravel this digital enigma together.

What Exactly Is Wi-Fi Assist on iPhone?

Introduced by Apple in the days of iOS 9, Wi-Fi Assist is a helpful (or not-so-helpful) feature designed to keep your internet connection as smooth as a freshly ironed shirt. When your Wi-Fi signal starts to resemble a dodgy old radio—weak and unreliable—Wi-Fi Assist swoops in, automatically switching to your cellular data to keep your browsing or app usage sailing along nicely. It's convenient when you're in places with patchy Wi-Fi signals—think bustling cafés, public spaces, or a room at home where the Wi-Fi never quite reaches.

While Wi-Fi Assist works behind the scenes like a stealthy ninja, you have the power to take control and toggle it on or off in your device settings. If you're on the fence about keeping it activated, let's explore the pros and cons to help you make an informed choice.

Reasons to Keep Wi-Fi Assist On

Uninterrupted Connectivity: If you need your internet to run like clockwork, Wi-Fi Assist ensures you don't experience frustrating slowdowns or abrupt disconnections when your Wi-Fi decides to take a tea break. It seamlessly switches to cellular data when Wi-Fi can't keep up, so you can enjoy fast browsing speeds, uninterrupted streaming, and smooth downloads.

Sheer Convenience: Let's face it—manually switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data can be a bit of a faff. Wi-Fi Assist does the legwork for you, detecting poor Wi-Fi performance and making the switch without you lifting a finger. It's the hassle-free experience we all secretly crave.

Perfect for Streaming and Cloud-Based Apps: Apps that demand a stable connection—like Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or iCloud—benefit greatly from Wi-Fi Assist. You'll continue listening, watching, or syncing without those pesky buffering wheels or interruptions.

Only Kicks In When Necessary: Rest assured, Wi-Fi Assist doesn't have a voracious appetite for your data. It only steps in when your Wi-Fi throws a tantrum, meaning it won't unnecessarily constantly nibble away at your data allowance.

Reasons You Might Want to Turn Wi-Fi Assist Off

Potential Data Usage Increase: Many people are concerned that Wi-Fi Assist could be a stealthy data gobbler. Since it switches to cellular data when Wi-Fi weakens, you might use more of your precious mobile data than anticipated. For instance, a 30-minute video call on a weak Wi-Fi connection could consume up to 300 MB of your data plan. If you're on a limited data plan, this could lead to exceeding your limit and facing those dreaded additional charges.

Background Data Consumption: Even though Wi-Fi Assist doesn't activate for all apps, certain background processes could still munch through cellular data without you realizing it. Features like automatic app updates, email syncing, or background streaming might quietly add to your data usage tally. To manage this, you can turn off automatic app updates and limit background app refresh in your device settings.

Not Ideal for Limited Data Plans: If you need help with a limited data plan or live in an area with spotty cellular signals, Wi-Fi Assist might be more trouble than it's worth. You could unknowingly switch to cellular data, leading to increased data consumption when you thought you were safely connected to Wi-Fi.

International Roaming Charges: For the globetrotters among us, keeping Wi-Fi Assist on could lead to a nasty surprise on your bill. It might switch to your cellular network without much as a by-your-leave, resulting in hefty fees if you don't have an international data plan. For instance, a 10-minute video call without Wi-Fi in a foreign country could cost you up to $ 20 in roaming charges. Therefore, turning off Wi-Fi Assist while travelling is advisable to avoid any unexpected data usage.

How to Turn Wi-Fi Assist On or Off

Feeling empowered to take control? Here's how to toggle Wi-Fi Assist:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.

2. Tap on Cellular or Mobile Data.

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the list of apps, and you'll find Wi-Fi Assist.

4. Toggle the switch to turn it on or off.

FAQs About Wi-Fi Assist

Does Wi-Fi Assist use a lot of data?

Wi-Fi Assist only switches to cellular data when your Wi-Fi signal plays hide and seek, so its impact on data usage depends on how often you encounter poor Wi-Fi connections.

Can I track how much data Wi-Fi Assist uses?

Unfortunately, Apple doesn't provide a specific breakdown of how much data Wi-Fi Assist consumes. However, you can monitor your overall data usage in the Settings app.

Is Wi-Fi Assist available on all iPhones?

30 September 2024 / 4.5 Minute Read

Wi-Fi Assist was introduced with iOS 9 and is available on iPhone 5 and later models.

Stay Connected with eDataSIM as You Explore the World

Staying connected should be something other than a game of chance as you embark on your adventures. That's where eDataSIM comes into play. Ditch the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards—an eSIM-like eDataSIM is the smarter, sleeker option. eDataSIM offers affordable data plans across many countries, ensuring you're never out of touch, whether snapping photos of the Eiffel Tower or navigating the bustling streets of Tokyo.

And speaking of countries, we've got you covered in all the hotspots: from the romantic lanes of Paris, the vibrant markets of Marrakech, and the ancient wonders of Athens to the stunning beaches of Sydney. Not to mention the cultural delights of Tokyo, the historic charm of Edinburgh, the bustling energy of New York City, the breathtaking fjords of Oslo, and the tropical paradise of Bali.

If you're hopping between multiple countries, eDataSIM provides regional plans to stay seamlessly connected without missing a beat. With data plans starting from as low as $4.50/GB, you'll have plenty of data to share your journey with friends and family.

And since we recommend turning off Wi-Fi Assist while travelling to avoid any unexpected data usage, having a reliable eSIM like eDataSIM becomes even more essential.

But if you run out of data, there's no need to fret! You can easily top up your eDataSIM through our web store. The additional data pack will automatically activate when your base plan runs out, so you won't have to fuss over installing a new eSIM.

Ready to make your travels smoother and stay connected wherever you go? Discover our eSIM options at eDataSIM and embark on your next adventure with confidence.