Wi-Fi Assist and Managing Cellular Data

Apple recently released iOS 9 with a new feature called Wi-Fi Assist. Wi-Fi Assist allows the device to use cellular data to keep your internet connection active in areas where the Wi-Fi signal may not be very strong.

Smart Network Switch
Andriod’s Smart Network Switch

Android has had a similar feature for some time called Smart Network Switch. To the chagrin of some users, they are finding their cellular bill higher as data overages have been incurred. With application management, you can find it possible to leave the feature on and still not rack up huge data charges.

Disabling Wi-Fi Assist

Disable iOS 9's Wi-Fi Assist
Disable iOS 9’s Wi-Fi Assist

Let’s start with how to disable the Wi-Fi assist. Some users may just want to turn the feature off and not risk those charges.

To disable Wi-Fi Assist:

  1. Launch Settings.
  2. Select Cellular.
  3. Scroll to the bottom.
  4. If the switch for Wi-Fi assist is green with an |, the feature is enabled. If it is colorless with an O, the feature is disabled. To turn the Wi-Fi Assist off, tap the green switch.
  5. To enable the feature, tap the switch again.

If you are concerned about the possibility of an extreme amount of cellular data usage and the fees that may come with it, we recommend disabling the Wi-Fi Assist, or Smart Network Switch in the case of Android users, feature off and manually controlling when your device is on Wi-Fi vs cellular network. Continue reading Wi-Fi Assist and Managing Cellular Data