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OVER THE WEEK, much had been made of one of iOS 9′s new features, WiFi Assist. The idea is that when you’re connected to a weak WiFi signal to the point of it being ineffective, WiFi Assist would use your mobile data to make up for it.
It’s a good idea, and there are a number of Android devices like Samsung which have similar features, but stories about it increasing the amount of mobile data used has resulted in suggestions that it should be turned off entirely.
Granted, it does mean you’re using more data than usual, patching holes in weak WiFi signals will result in more data being used either way, but how much this affects you depends on the type of plan you have and the apps you’re using, the latter is the bigger factor in this issue.
Note: the same principles can be applied to any Android devices with the same feature.
Regarding data, the less data you have in your plan, the more reason you have to turn it off. Chances are you have a good idea of the amount of data you use so if you have a small amount to work it (let’s say 2GB or less), then it safer to turn it off entirely.
If you have a much larger data plan, then this becomes less of an issue, but you should consider the average amount of data you use in a month first before making a decision.
If you fall in the middle of those two groups (or have unlimited data but are still concerned), then you should look at the apps allowed to do background refreshes and the ones that use mobile data.
To start, go into Settings > General > Background App Refresh to see what apps work in the background while you go about your day-to-day life. It’s recommended you only keep apps you use regularly on like WhatsApp or Facebook. Everything else you can turn off.
And if you’re really concerned about certain apps using your mobile data, like Netflix for example, then you can switch it so that it only uses WiFi.
You will find them in Settings > Mobile Data (or Mobile if you’re not using iOS 9) where there will be a breakdown of all mobile data used in general and by each app.
Alternatively, you could just go into Settings and go through the individual settings for each app. This is a little more time consuming, but some apps like Netflix offer a WiFi-only which is worth turning on as well as a precautionary measure.
But if you absolutely want to turn off WiFi Assist, then go into Settings > Mobile Data and scroll down until you find the option.
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This wouldn’t be a problem if Vodafone did an all you can eat Data !!
Yes, what’s the story with their miserable 1 and 2 Gigabyte allowances?
I had to leave Vodafone for 3. VF were only offering two gb for 55e. Had to upgrade to 5gb for 15e I think. VF have always been greedy with data. That whole article is a absolute crap. Why have a iPhone that has all your push data turned off.
And you say turn on wifi only for Netflix. So you are saying if you are with 3 watch Netflix on the train but if your Vodafone you can’t cause we’ve given you no monthly data. 2gb is nothing!
I left Vodafone to go to 48 best decision I ever made!
Smartphones are getting to a stage where all you eat data is a minimum requirement for them.. They burn data all day long… The days of disgraceful 500mb packages should be made illegal to sell to consumers…
What’s 48s coverage like?
48 use the three network, so it’s fine!
iOS 9 is after messing up my battery its about 20% less effective. Wasn’t it supposed to improve the battery life?
I think they said it would improve the battery sales.
Mine has improved noticeably.
same issue after upgrade wiped phone and did a fresh install – perfect now
First world problems!!!
Maybe, but we live in the first world, so most of our problems are. Given the cost per mb of data when you go out of plan, it could be quite an expensive first world problem for some.
Usual anti-Apple alarmism. Cop on. Contemporary smartphones are designed with always-on mobile data and/or wifi in mind. All the settings enable users to manipulate handsets to their specifications. There are no hidden settings, just be sensible.
Explain then how do I watch two 30 min shows everyday on the train with Vodafone. Be Sensible? Ok I’m with Vodafone so I’ll watch one or two a week! That’s just completely restricting what you can do with your phone. Can’t constantly listen to Spotify and podcast out and about with Vodafone. I was with them for 4 years. It’s horrendous. You have to download everything before you leave. Nothing beats all you can’t eat. FACT.
three all u can eat is a no brainer
“There are no hidden settings”.
The setting at the centre of this story is automatically switched when the update is installed but no notification or advice is given to the user, who only finds out about it from articles like these. How is that not a hidden setting?
Also, the term ‘wifi assist’ is very misleading for non-techies. Makes it sound like the it boosts your wifi signal.
Agree with you rent he battery, it is brutal since I upgraded
I’d be happy to get coverage where I live on any network. We have worse than a 3rd world coverage once you over 20 Km’s Dublin. I was watching a documentary recently and it showed Masai tribesmen herding their cattle in the middle of Tanzania using their smart phones no problem.
The only WiFi Assist is Mrs. McTwitter
Being sensible with data usage, without inconveniencing yourself, is easy – I went through the Settings and turned off data for any app that didn’t need live-data when out and about (you’d be surprised how many this applies to, and most of them “leak” data 24/7), and I’ve optimised the Wi-Fi signal at home and work (repeaters), so data barely gets a look-in most of the time on weekdays.
As a result, my data usage per month is small (I don’t want/need to stream video or audio over data, in fairness), and it hasn’t changed since Wi-Fi Assist was introduced.
PS: I’ve no connection to them, but I must recommend the KillBiller app (Android & iOS) – I used it to assess my usage, and then changed networks, saving over 70% compared to my previous bills. I’m a light user, so most people won’t save as much as that, but you’ll likely save something.
So 99% of users in Belgium will switch it off since most plans here only offer 2gb. 3gb and the price doubles 4Gb haha forget it!!!!
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