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Wi-Fi Assist was added to iOS 9 and can tell when you’re connected to a network but have a weak or inconsistent signal. When this happens, Wi-Fi Assist automatically switches foreground apps to use cellular to keep the data flowing. By default, this feature is how to Turn on Wi-Fi Assist on iPhone or iPad.
Wi-Fi Assist automatically blocks audio and video streaming from third parties and doesn’t send data from apps that are running in the background. Still, some users got surprised cell phone bills when they thought they were on Wi-Fi networks. It turned out that used cellular data because the connections were weak. (Most U.S. carriers now have a fixed or flexible monthly maximum, after which your cellular data rate is slowed down to a very slow speed.) This makes it less likely that you’ll get a bill you didn’t expect.
How to enable or disable Wi-Fi Assist on iPhone and iPad
Wi-Fi Assist is enabled by default, so you don’t have to do anything to take advantage of it. However, if you’re not able to use this feature, then follow the steps outlined below to enable it:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to Mobile Data or Cellular Data.
- Scroll down and toggle on Wi-Fi Assist.
Important factors to consider while using Wi-Fi Assist
- Make sure you have an appropriate data plan for your carrier and that you monitor your data usage closely when you have Wi-Fi Assist activated.
- Wi-Fi Assist will not work if you’re on a roaming network.
- Wi-Fi Assist does not support background downloading of content; it’s only feasible for foreground apps.
- To avoid large consumption of data, does not work for third-party apps that stream audio or video content.
If you know more details about this, than you can check on official website.
FAQs
Yes, Wi-Fi Assist will use cellular data when the Wi-Fi connectivity is poor. However, it will only use a minimal amount of cellular data, which should not significantly affect your data plan.
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure that Wi-Fi is on. Tap the name of your Wi-Fi network to join. A blue checkmark beside a network name means that you’re connected. If you see Auto Join disabled under Settings > Wi-Fi > [Your Network], tap the More Info button and then tap Auto-Join.
Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If the feature is still greyed out, I’d suggest resetting your network settings. To do so, navigate to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings and tap Reset Network Settings.
If you want to stay connected to mobile phone service even if you travel away from your cell carrier’s network, data roaming should be switched “on.” But if you want to avoid fees and you’re aware of the risks of losing connectivity, then you can turn data roaming to “off.”
With Wi-Fi Assist, you can stay connected to the Internet even if you have a poor Wi-Fi connection. For example, if you’re using Safari with a poor Wi-Fi connection and a webpage doesn’t load, Wi-Fi Assist will activate and automatically switch to cellular so that the webpage continues to load.