Prioritize Wi-Fi over Cellular

Is it possible to prioritize using Wi-Fi over Cellular when connected to a home network without having to turn off the Cellular data?

I am not talking about using Wi-Fi assist as I know that’s quite the opposite. In my case my building has a great network and signal strength, my Cellular is weak around 1 bar or so and my phone reverts to using Cellular over Wi-Fi repeatedly. Having to constantly turn off Cellular Data is counter productive should I be leaving the building in a rush only to realize my Cellular data is still off.

I have not found a solution and have looked into the Apple Short Cut App but nothing is obvious.

can someone please help me with my dilemma?

Thank you

Posted on Oct 7, 2024 9:01 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 7, 2024 9:21 AM

You can set an automation on shortcuts to automatically turn on and off cellular data. (but in case you want to make phone calls on internet, turn on Wi-Fi calling under Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling) As a shortcut geek myself, you can add an automation that will turn on and off cellular data when connecting to your Wi-Fi.


Steps:

  1. Open Shortcuts and go to Automations
  2. Tap the plus in the top left corner, scroll down to Wi-Fi, then tap "When Joined" and in the top box, select your Wi-Fi (make sure on the bottom you turn on "Run Immediately")
  3. Press "Set Cellular Data"
    1. If that doesn't pop up, press "New Blank Automation" and then in the search bar at the bottom, search cellular data, then press the one that says "Toggle Cellular Data Plan" and make sure it is set to "Turn Off", then select your data plan
  4. If it isn't set to turn off, set it to turn off
  5. Press done
  6. Repeat steps 1-5, but change everything to turn on, and when you disconnect from the internet.


This should work, and if it doesn't, let me know!

Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 7, 2024 9:21 AM in response to iDJCaptPaul

You can set an automation on shortcuts to automatically turn on and off cellular data. (but in case you want to make phone calls on internet, turn on Wi-Fi calling under Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling) As a shortcut geek myself, you can add an automation that will turn on and off cellular data when connecting to your Wi-Fi.


Steps:

  1. Open Shortcuts and go to Automations
  2. Tap the plus in the top left corner, scroll down to Wi-Fi, then tap "When Joined" and in the top box, select your Wi-Fi (make sure on the bottom you turn on "Run Immediately")
  3. Press "Set Cellular Data"
    1. If that doesn't pop up, press "New Blank Automation" and then in the search bar at the bottom, search cellular data, then press the one that says "Toggle Cellular Data Plan" and make sure it is set to "Turn Off", then select your data plan
  4. If it isn't set to turn off, set it to turn off
  5. Press done
  6. Repeat steps 1-5, but change everything to turn on, and when you disconnect from the internet.


This should work, and if it doesn't, let me know!

Oct 7, 2024 9:28 AM in response to iDJCaptPaul

“my building has a great network and signal strength, my Cellular is weak around 1 bar or so and my phone reverts to using Cellular over Wi-Fi repeatedly”


Unless you meant to say the opposite… you have poor WiFi but good cellular, that doesn’t make sense.

What makes you think this is happening?


Note that when your phone goes into standby, the WiFi radio will be powered off until you wake the device, at which point it will reconnect. That is normal if the phone is not actively connected to a power source.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Prioritize Wi-Fi over Cellular

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.