Wi-Fi Assistance You can get help with poor Wi-Fi coverage for your iPhone or cellular-equipped iPad by switching to cellular data when the current Wi-Fi network isn’t performing consistently. What about the opposite? Can you increase your internet speed if you live in an area without cellular coverage? Not precisely–and it depends on your model of iPhone or iPad.
An iPhone running iOS 14 and earlier or an iPad running iPadOS 14 and earlier will prefer Wi-Fi to cellular for your internet connection. Your iPhone or iPad continuously scans for Wi-Fi networks while you’re using cell data. If your device finds a suitable Wi-Fi network, iOS and iPadOS rely on your Settings > Wi-Fi choices as to what to do next.
Ask to Join Networks should be turned on Ask, and you’ll always be prompted when a nearby network is discovered. If you’ve previously connected to it, your device automatically joins; otherwise, the Ask option means you’re prompted.
With Auto-Join Hotspot, Apple can detect nearby personal hotspots that you’re eligible to join: your own on an iPhone that’s not your current device, one available on an iPhone owned by someone in your Family Sharing group if you’re in one, or one that has been set to Allow Others to Join, though you will need to know the password.
iOS 15/iPadOS 15 is an exception. It introduces a new option for iPhone 12 models, as well as several iPad models: the 5th generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch and 3rd-generation iPad Pro 11.-inch, 5th generation iPad Air and 6th-generation iPad mini. iOS 15/iPadOS 15, or any other version, allows you to use 5G data in most cases instead of Wi-Fi.
iOS 15: Data mode
Foundry
This option is called Allow More Data for 5G. You will find it in Settings > Cellular/Cellular Data > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode. If Data Mode is set for Allowing More Data on 5G your iPhone or iPad might tap the 5G network if it can provide a better or more consistent performance than the Wi-Fi connected Wi-Fi. This could include streaming video or performing iCloud backups. You can set this to Standard which uses the 5G network only for updates and some background tasks. Or you can set Low Data Mode which does not use the cellular network at all for automatic updates. However, Wi-Fi Assist still controls other network behavior.
If your iPhone or iPad loses Wi-Fi, you can force it to join a cellular network. For most people, some internet service is better than none, but if cell data is so erratic in your current location that it’s frustrating to use, you might prefer to be cut off. If that is the case, you can go to Settings > CellularSwitch Cellular Data off. (You can also open the Control Center by tapping the Cellular icon. This will also block incoming calls to the cellular network.
Tip: Make sure you use Wi-Fi for voice calls if you prefer to make them using your wireless provider. Wi-Fi calling must be enabled—or that your provider offers it.
Also, read: How to fix iPhone internet problems: Wi-Fi and 4G not working.
This Mac 911 article responds to Terry’s question.
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