micklepdx
Level 1 (4 points)
Apple Music

Q: Apple Music uses cellular data when my settings say not to

iTunes Music on iPhone still uses cellular data to stream music, even when settings say to use WiFi only.  If I'm not paying attention, I could blow through my data limit. Potentially an expensive problem.

 

- Under Settings/Music, "Use Cellular Data" is turned OFF (don't use cellular)

 

- Under Settings/Cellular, "Music" is turned OFF (don't use cellular)

 

- I am not using iTunes Match.  I do have iCloud Music library on.

 

So - with WiFi turned off (or unavailable):  If I try to play a song in My Music that's not downloaded, it's greyed out, and it won't work, which is the way it should be.

 

But if the same song is in a playlist, along with songs that I DID download (or purchase), it will use cellular data to stream the music - even though the title is still greyed out.

 

If I tap the song directly within the playlist, it won't play, which I'd expect. Problem is only if it plays in sequence with other songs which I do have downloaded.

 

Very unpleasant surprise to see my data usage!  Am I missing another setting someplace?

iPhone 6, iOS 9.3.1, Apple Music

Posted on Apr 18, 2016 12:42 PM

Close
micklepdx

Q: Apple Music uses cellular data when my settings say not to

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Phil Kim,

    Phil Kim Phil Kim Sep 6, 2016 3:54 PM in response to micklepdx
    Level 1 (19 points)
    Sep 6, 2016 3:54 PM in response to micklepdx

    There's a long standing bug that Apple hasn't fixed (even on iOS 10) where (1) you have at least once streamed music via WiFi and (2) you try to stream music using Bluetooth, Lightning audio connection, headphones playback button, or Control Center -- iOS will ignore Cellular off setting and stream music over cellular via "iTunes Accounts" System Services. And as far as I can see, there's no way to block cellular for System Services.