Robert Triggs / Android Authority
In terms of SmartphonesThe usual feeling is that the Wi-Fi network will always take precedence over your mobile connection. In other words, those with data capsules generally do not have to worry about mobile data being consumed during long Wi-Fi sessions. But is this always true? In general, yes, but the situation is a little more complicated than you might think. In fact, there are some reasons why your phone may end up using mobile data even when connected to Wi-Fi.
Were you aware that your phone can switch to mobile data while on Wi-Fi?
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It is probably not a mistake but a feature
Recently, in noticed my free helium line Used data faster than expected, considering that I rarely used them and consistently got my Wi-Fi turned on. After examination, I realized that my error was twofold. First, I happened to be helium as my primary mobile data line instead of my Verizon account. This explained part of the problem, but not the sudden spike in using mobile data when connected to my home network.
Fortunately I stumbled over a well-timed Reddit thread from the user Unacky_ad_4873. The thread was not related to my exact problem, involving a Pixel 7 using excessive data despite a Wi-Fi connection. A coin mobil representative claimed incorrectly that this happens unless mobile data is explicitly turned off. Interestingly enough, a US mobile rep Previously, a similar wrong claim for an iPhone suggests that this misconception is somewhat widespread.
Features such as 5G prioritization or Wi-Fi Assist can lead to the use of mobile data, even if you are technically linked to Wi-Fi.
From personal experience (and confirmed by a variety of answers), your phone will usually not use mobile data just because it is turned on. Usually, your device prioritizes Wi-Fi connections. However, exceptions exist – and they are usually intentional.
The original thread I stumbled upon eventually revealed a useful tip: Check your Wi-Fi assistance settings. Many modern phones automatically switch to mobile data if they detect your Wi-Fi connection is slow or unstable. This feature has different names, such as intelligent Wi-Fi on the Galaxy S24. When I checked this setting, it turned out to be just the cause of my computer girl.
Further excavation revealed periodic problems with my spectrum Wi-Fi network while increased data usage. Consequently, my helium line quickly consumed all available data.
My problem was pretty good, but in addition to a Wi-Fi Assist/Intelligent WiFi feature, iPhone and Select Android devices also have a few other data settings that can cause similar problems. For example, the iPhone allows you to give preference to 5G data over other connections, including Wi-Fi.
How to turn off Wi-Fi Assist, Intelligence and other similar features
Usually, these features are favorable, especially since most US consumers have unlimited data plans. However, some plans have use apps that lead to reduced performance after reaching limits, and budget plans often have strict data limits. In these scenarios, disabling such features may be wise.
Settings vary slightly depending on your device, but here are important adjustments you may want to consider:
iPhone users will turn off Wi-Fi assistance and ensure that 5G does not prioritize
Wi-Fi Assist is on by default, but to turn it off, simply:
- Go Settings> Mobile or Settings> Mobile Data
- Next, scroll until you find Wi-Fi Assist And press the slider to disable it.
To turn off the 5G priority feature on the iPhone:
- Go Settings> CellularThen tap Cellular data.
- Next, go to Data mode And so Allow more data on 5G. Turn the slider off.
Pixel users: Turn off automatic Wi-Fi swap
The pixel does not give an official name to this feature, but it will automatically switch to Wi-Fi, usually as standard. To change this:
- Go WiFi> WiFi Preferences> Advanced.
- Next, scroll until you see Switch to mobile data automatically and hit the slider.
Galaxy users: Turn off intelligent Wi-Fi and consider adjusting a few other settings
For the Galaxy S25, perform a fairly similar process:
- Go Settings> Connections> Wi-Fi.
- Then go to the three-point menu and select Intelligent Wi-Fi.
- Here you will turn off switch to mobile data.
While in the intelligent Wi-Fi menu, you will also notice a few other settings like Turn Wi-Fi on/off Automatic than you might consider disabling as well.