Apps (i.e. Instagram) using Cell Data with Cellular Data Turned Off

Question

Apps (i.e. Instagram) using Cell Data with Cellular Data Turned Off

I have a new iPhone 7 that I was setting up today for a user. The user has Instagram (among other apps) on their phone. However we have attempted to make Instagram only work when on Wifi. However we noticed today that Instagram still launches and uses cellular data (even when not on Wifi).

I have done the following troubleshooting:

turned off "Background App Refresh"
turned off "Cellular Data Usage" for the Instagram App
turned off "Wifi Assist" (setting that lets you use data to augment wifi)
restarted the phone & checked for Apple IOs Update & Instagram app updates
reset statistics on cellular data usage to ensure that its not a fluke
in Instagram app settings -> turned on "Use Less Data"

And this is occurring for other apps. Its very frustrating because we have turned off all the data usage but yet Instagram still uses Cellular Data.

iPhone 7

Posted on Jul 31, 2019 9:45 AM

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Answer 1

Leanne_68

Community Specialist

Aug 1, 2019 7:26 AM in response to Tony_Deskside

Hi Tony_Deskside,

Thank you for using the Apple Support Communities. I understand you're having an issue with cellular data and a third-party app.

To clarify, you mentioned Instagram and also that this may be happening with other apps. Which other apps is this happening with?

Also, it sounds like if you disconnect from Wi-Fi and open Instagram while on cellular data, it seems to load still; is that correct?

How much data usage are you seeing under Settings > Cellular for this app?

You mentioned checking for updates; is the iPhone running iOS 12.4?

Have you tried deleting and reinstalling Instagram? How to delete apps on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

You might also try a reset of network settings, which removes any saved Wi-Fi networks/passwords and VPN/APN configurations, and also can help with cellular data issues. To do the reset, tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

I hope this helps get you started. Take care.

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Answer 2

Aug 1, 2019 7:33 AM in response to Leanne_68

Other apps that do this: Spotify & Reddit are two big offender
In the realm of 20-50 MB per app - however that number increases if I open the app (when not on Wifi). For example if I open Instagram and click on a story it takes about 5-10 MB or if I scroll the NewsFeed its another 5-10 MB. So not a lot initially but it continues adds up if you have it open.
Installing iOS 12.4 and will see if that makes a difference
Yes I have tried deleting and re-installing Instagram (and other apps). I've also been able to duplicate the issue on another iPhone 8 Plus

I'm not going to do a network reset as it still happens on a phone new out of box with no Wifi passwords. So it shouldn't be related to that.

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Apps (i.e. Instagram) using Cell Data with Cellular Data Turned Off

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