Only text, calls, and map work on data when not on WiFi (iPhone 16, iOS 18.1.1)

Question

Level 1

0 points

Only text, calls, and map work on data when not on WiFi (iPhone 16, iOS 18.1.1)

I recently moved from an iPhone 8 to an iPhone 16 so I am new to 5G. I did not realize that it defaulted to using 5G over WiFi so it ate up the allowed 5G usage on my limited data plan very quickly. After 5G was no longer available for me, my phone stopped being able to utilize data on most applications, even after switching my data settings from 5G to LTE. Now, only text, calls and my map works when I'm not on WiFi. Most significantly, this means I cannot use a web browser, such as Safari, when not connected to WiFi. Please help.

iPhone 16, iOS 18

Posted on Nov 26, 2024 1:48 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Nov 26, 2024 9:42 PM in response to Bob224567

Bob224567 wrote:

I did not realize that it defaulted to using 5G over WiFi

No, it does not. Unless you have enabled WiFi Assist and the WiFI signal is weak.

Wi-Fi Assist is on by default. If you don't want your iOS device to stay connected to the Internet when you have a poor Wi-Fi connection, you can disable Wi-Fi Assist. Go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data. Then scroll down and tap the slider for Wi-Fi Assist.

About Wi-Fi Assist - Apple Support

Reply