If your mobile data usage statistics show “Software Update” under system services or app data usage, it typically refers to one or both of the following:
• iOS Updates: The iPhone may have downloaded an iOS or security update using mobile data.
• App Updates: Apps from the App Store may have updated in the background over cellular data.
To avoid excessive data usage, especially if you’re on a limited plan, ensure the following settings are configured to restrict these updates to Wi-Fi only:
Disable iOS Updates over Cellular:
• Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates
• Turn Off “Download iOS Updates” and “Install iOS Updates”
Disable App Updates over Cellular:
- Go to Settings > App Store
- Under “Cellular Data”, turn off:
- App Downloads
- Automatic Downloads (See the Pic below)
- Or toggle off “Use Cellular Data” entirely for the App Store (See the Pic below)
Use Low Data Mode (in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options) to reduce background data use for all apps and system services when on cellular. See the Pic below
