To turn mobile data on or off, open your phone’s Settings and switch the mobile-data control. On a Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. On a Samsung Galaxy, go to Settings > Connections > Data usage. You can also use Quick Settings, though the tile may be called Internet instead. Turning mobile data off leaves Wi-Fi available.
Turn mobile data on or off in Settings
Google Pixel
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network & internet, then SIMs.
- Switch Mobile data on or off. Google documents this route in Pixel Help.
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections, then Data usage.
- Switch Mobile data on or off. Samsung notes that some options can vary by carrier; see its mobile data support guide.
Menu names differ across manufacturers and Android versions. If these paths do not match your phone, search Settings for Mobile data or consult your manufacturer’s support instructions. Google cautions that Pixel steps may not apply as written to customized Android versions.
Use Quick Settings
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings. Some phones require a second swipe to show all tiles.
- Look for Mobile data or Internet, then tap it.
- If Internet opens a panel rather than switching data directly, select the mobile network in that panel.
The tile depends on the device and Android version. The Android Open Source Project documents an Internet tile that opens a Wi-Fi and cellular connection panel; on Android 11 or lower, Wi-Fi and Mobile Data appeared as separate tiles. Motorola’s guidance for an Android 14 device family uses a Mobile data tile. See the Android Open Source Project documentation and Motorola support guide. If you cannot find a tile, use Settings search for “Mobile data.”
What changes when mobile data is off?
Your phone stops using the carrier’s cellular data connection, but Wi-Fi remains available. Apps and features that require mobile data may stop working until you reconnect to Wi-Fi or turn cellular data back on. Motorola specifically notes that MMS and internet sharing may be affected in the device guidance linked above.
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Mobile data is built into Android’s settings; you do not need to install an app or buy anything to switch it. Avoid treating Airplane mode as the same setting: it controls multiple network connections, rather than only mobile data.
Mobile data off, Data Saver, and roaming are different
| Setting | What it does | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile data | Blocks cellular data while leaving Wi-Fi available. | Use it when you want to prevent the phone from using cellular data. |
| Data Saver | Reduces some data use, especially background activity, while allowing data access for apps and services permitted to use it. It does not completely stop data transmission. | Use it when you want to limit usage without fully blocking cellular data. |
| Data roaming | Controls data use outside your carrier’s network area; it is separate from the mobile-data switch. | Review it when traveling or outside your usual coverage area. Some carriers charge extra for roaming. |
Google explains these distinctions in its Pixel mobile data and usage guidance and Android.com’s Data Saver guide.
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If the mobile-data switch is missing or not working
- Search Settings: Search for “Mobile data” if your phone’s menu labels differ.
- Check the SIM: If you see only Wi-Fi settings, Google advises checking that a SIM is present and mobile data is available. On a dual-SIM phone, confirm that one SIM is assigned for data.
- Check usage with your carrier: The phone’s usage figure is an estimate, and Google says it may differ from the carrier’s measurement. Compare the carrier’s usage and plan information if the totals do not match.
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