How to disable automatic downloads and Wi-Fi Assist on iPhone and iPad

If you’re finding some irregular download history for your Mobile service in Toolbox, automatic downloads are common causes.

Select one of the links below to jump to a query:

Disabling Automatic Downloads on iOS Devices

Note: The automatic download of the latest iOS software updates are unavoidable. iOS software updates download automatically in the background and then prompt you to install them. We recommend turning off "Use Mobile Data" as per the instructions below.

  1. On the Home screen, tap the Settings icon. 
    iOS disable automatic downloads 1
  2. Scroll down the Settings menu and select App and iTunes Stores.
    iOS disable automatic downloads 2

     

  3. Scroll down this page until you see the AUTOMATIC DOWNLOADS heading. Here, you’ll see three options:

    Music – When turned on, any purchased iTunes music will download automatically.
    Apps – When turned on, any purchased apps will download automatically.
    Books – When turned on, any purchased Books will download automatically.
    Updates – When turned on, updates for any apps on your device will download as soon as they become available.

  4. To disable any of these options, turn off the sliders. 
    iOS disable automatic downloads 3
  5. Alternatively, you can keep automatic downloads enabled but make sure that your device never uses your mobile data for automatic downloads.

    This means that automatic downloads would only run when your device is connected to a WiFi network. It’s a good way to make sure your mobile data isn’t used up unexpectedly by automatic downloads.

  6. To do this, just turn off the Use Mobile Data option using the slider.
    iOS disable automatic downloads 4

 

Disabling Wi-Fi Assist

We recommend following the steps below to disable Wi-Fi Assist. The feature automatically defaults to using your mobile data when Wi-Fi signal is poor. This means it could use your mobile data without you realising, causing your mobile service to exceed your monthly quota and accrue excess data fees.

  1. On the Home screen, tap the Settings icon. 
    iOS disable WiFi Assist 1
  2. In the Settings menu, tap Mobile
    iOS disable WiFi Assist 2
  3. Scroll down to the bottom of this page and then turn off the Wi-Fi Assist switch. 
    iOS disable WiFi Assist 3

Was this information helpful?

Why was it not helpful?

Please select an option





Thank you for your feedback.