System Services using cellular data while iPads are connected to WiFi

Question

System Services using cellular data while iPads are connected to WiFi

We have two iPads running iPadOS version 14.5.1. Both are using cellular data for System Services while they are at home and constantly connected to WiFi. Based on data usage logs from AT&T it appears that about every 12 hours, the iPads are using roughly 150 MB of cellular data. The data usage occurs right around the 12 hour mark -- it isn't spread out through that time.

This wouldn't be a big deal, but we're on a grandfathered AT&T plan with limited data. Over a month, that will really eat into our data allotment.

I've confirmed this by checking AT&T data usage logging and the cellular data usage in iPadOS settings.

Anybody else seeing this?

iPad Pro 11-inch Wi-Fi, Cellular

Posted on May 13, 2021 10:55 AM

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Answer 1

Remi_202DC

Level 5

4,116 points

May 13, 2021 11:24 AM in response to not quite converted

Hi,

I understand, but your iPad is certainly updating carrier settings, or things like that.

You should make sure Wifi Assist isn’t enabled in cellular settings, as it may cause extra data usage.

Here an article to help you managing iPad cellular data usage.

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Answer 2

Remi_202DC

Level 5

4,116 points

May 13, 2021 11:06 AM in response to not quite converted

Hi,

You can turn off cellular data easily when you’re at home:

go to Settings > Cellular > turn off

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Answer 3

Remi_202DC

Level 5

4,116 points

May 13, 2021 11:35 AM in response to not quite converted

Hi,

Okay, so I just advice you to turn off cellular data; you can maybe contact Apple Support by phone to ask them directly, but I’m not sure they’ll be able to do more for you.

You can easily turn off/on cellular data in one click, this shouldn’t be something binding.

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Answer 4

May 13, 2021 11:15 AM in response to Remi_202DC

Of course that's true, but it is a bit of nuisance to have to turn Cellular Data on and off. I don't think the iPads should be using any cellular data when they're connected to perfectly good WiFi.

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Answer 5

May 13, 2021 11:27 AM in response to Remi_202DC

It's actually showing several items under System Services are using cellular data, including DNS and Siri. It's not just updating carrier settings.

We have strong WiFi signal throughout the house and my router constantly tests internet connectivity and alerts me if it goes down. So I'm confident this isn't an issue with loss of WiFi connection. The usage also appears to occur in a burst almost exactly every 12 hours.

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Answer 6

May 13, 2021 11:39 AM in response to Remi_202DC

Thanks, Remi. I've been a software development and server/network administrator for over 20 years. I appreciate your willingness to help.

I didn't expect to get a solution on the forums. I'd just like to know if other people can confirm this. It looks like a bug to me.

Michael

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Answer 7

Remi_202DC

Level 5

4,116 points

May 13, 2021 12:26 PM in response to not quite converted

Hi,

No problem.

Feel free to share this “issue” with Apple on this page.

Best regards

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Answer 8

May 13, 2021 12:27 PM in response to Remi_202DC

Thanks for the link -- I hadn't found that on my own. I will put in a bug report.

Michael

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System Services using cellular data while iPads are connected to WiFi

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