Go to Settings › Wi-Fi, scroll down and switch off Connectivity Assist. Leave it on only if your Wi-Fi is unreliable and you have plenty of mobile data.
Connectivity Assist is one of iOS 27's less-publicised features. It uses cellular data in addition to Wi-Fi to keep you connected when your Wi-Fi is weak — in the garden, at a café or in an airport.
That sounds helpful. But for many people it quietly costs mobile data and battery life.
Why we recommend turning it off
- Mobile data: Apple says you might use more cellular data with it on. On a capped UAE plan, that adds up.
- Battery: with it active, your phone keeps the cellular radio working alongside Wi-Fi. Many iOS 27 users report noticeably better battery life after turning it off.
- Ad and content blockers: reports say Connectivity Assist can send some DNS requests over cellular, which can bypass DNS-based ad blockers and filters on your home network.
How to turn off Connectivity Assist
You can also control it for a single network: tap ⓘ next to the network name in Settings › Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Wi-Fi (make sure Wi-Fi is on).
- Scroll down and switch off Connectivity Assist.
When to leave it on
- Your home or office Wi-Fi drops out regularly.
- You have an unlimited or generous data plan.
- You make important video calls over Wi-Fi that can't afford to drop.
Good to know
- It doesn't work while roaming internationally.
- It's paused when Low Data Mode is on for cellular.
- You can check usage in Settings › Cellular and reset the statistics to monitor it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Connectivity Assist the same as Wi-Fi Assist?
They solve a similar problem. Wi-Fi Assist switched to cellular when Wi-Fi was poor; Connectivity Assist in iOS 27 can use cellular in addition to Wi-Fi.
Will turning off Connectivity Assist break anything?
No. Your phone will simply stay on Wi-Fi when you're connected, as it did before.
Sources
- Apple Support: About Connectivity Assist
- iDropNews: The iOS 27 setting that can drain battery and data
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