2 ways to block internet access for specific apps on iPhones and iPads

2 ways to block internet access for specific apps on iPhones and iPads

Most people who own an iPhone or an iPad use the internet on them, whether it is for apps, games or just browsing the web. However, you might have some apps on your iPhone that you do not want to connect to the internet every time they want to. If you are connected to WiFi, it is not possible to block an app from accessing the internet. But, it is possible to restrict the internet access of specific apps, when connected to your mobile network. If you want to learn how it is done, read on:

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NOTE: This guide applies to iOS 11.3.1, and it was created using an iPhone SE. If you are using a different version of iOS, an iPad or a different iPhone model, our screenshots might be slightly different from what you see on your screen, but the steps involved should be similar.

Method 1. Restrict internet access for specific apps, via the Cellular settings

The first thing you must do is launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. To do that, tap on the Settings icon.

iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access
iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access

Then, tap to open the Cellular category of settings.

iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access
iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access

In the Cellular Data section, scroll down until you find the app for which you want to restrict internet access.

iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access
iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access

On its right side, there is a switch which, by default, should be enabled. That means that the app has internet access through your cellular connection.

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If you want to block it from using your cellular data, turn the switch off.

iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access
iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access

If there are more apps for which you want to restrict internet access, repeat the same process and turn their switches off.

Method 2. Restrict internet access for specific apps, using their settings

An alternative way to achieve the same result is to access the settings of each app for which you want to restrict internet access. In the Settings app, scroll down until you get to the apps section. Then tap on the app that interests you.

iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access
iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access

On the settings screen of that app, look for a switch called Cellular Data. By default it should be on, meaning that that app has internet access using your mobile data.

iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access
iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access

To restrict it from accessing the internet when you are connected to mobile data, disable the Cellular Data switch.

iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access
iOS, iPhone, iPad, internet access

If you have other apps that you want to restrict their internet access, repeat the same process all over again, for each one of them.

Did you block any apps on your iPhone or iPad from accessing the internet?

If you know what to do, restricting internet access over mobile data is easy in iOS. However, we would have liked to have an option to also block internet access through Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, iPhones and iPads do not let you do that. Before closing this guide, tell us whether you found it useful and blocked internet access for some of your apps. Leave a comment in the section below, and let's discuss.

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