When you’re using a travel eSIM, every megabyte counts.
Some apps and services can use data in the background — refreshing content, syncing photos or messages, downloading updates, or backing up files — even when you are not actively using them. Apple’s Low Data Mode is designed to reduce exactly this kind of background network use.
What you need to know
Background activity can use mobile data even when your phone is locked. Social apps, cloud storage, messaging apps, streaming services, automatic downloads, and backups are common causes of unexpected usage. A few settings changes can help you reduce this while travelling
Using an iPhone
Turn Off Background App Refresh
- Go to phone Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Background App Refresh
- Turn it Off
Or set it to Wi-Fi.
Turn On Low Data Mode
- Go to phone Settings
- Tap Mobile Service (or Cellular)
- Tap Cellular Data Options
- Then turn on Low Data Mode
Using an Samsung
Limit Background Data for Specific Apps
- Go to phone Settings
- Tap Apps
- Choose the app
- Tap Mobile data
- Turn off Allow background data usage
Samsung says this restricts the app’s background mobile data use
Disable Auto-Update Apps
- Go to Play Store
- Tap profile icon
- Tap Settings
- Tap Network preferences
- Tap Auto-update apps
- Select Over Wi-Fi only
Using a Google Pixel
Limit Background Data for Specific Apps
- Go to phone Settings
- Tap Apps
- See all apps
- Choose the app
- Tap Mobile data & Wi-Fi
- Turn Off Background data
Disable Auto-Update Apps
- Go to Play Store
- Tap profile icon
- Tap Settings
- Tap Network preferences
- Tap Auto-update apps
- Select Over Wi-Fi only
Before you switch to mobile data
If you’re still connected to Wi-Fi, make sure large uploads — like photo backups or chat backups — are completed before switching to your eSIM.
Starting your trip with everything synced helps prevent surprise data drain.
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