You usually use the Control Center on your iPhone to enable and disable cellular data. But what if the Cellular icon is grayed out and tapping on it does nothing? We had this and worked on a guide to fix the problem on iPhone and iPad.
Yes, you can still visit the Settings app to turn cellular data on or off. But oddly enough, all individual cellular controls for apps also appear to be grayed out and ‘stuck’ in place. The same goes for the Wi-Fi Assist switch.
Do not worry. There is nothing wrong with your iPhone or iPad. Screen Time restrictions are often responsible for this. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at how you can get things back to normal.
Disable Cellular Data Restrictions
Screen Time on your iPhone and iPad allows you to set a number of restrictions on various functions, including cellular data. Most likely, you restricted changes to cellular data – perhaps before handing over your device to someone else – and then forgot all about it.
Restricting changes to cellular data locks many settings in place. You can no longer use the Cellular icon in Control Center to toggle cellular data on or off. Individual cellular controls will not work as well as the main Cellular Data control in the Settings app. The Wi-Fi Assist toggle may also appear grayed out.
To fix this issue, you must allow changes to cellular data by changing the corresponding Screen Time restriction. If you own an iPhone or iPad, it’s pretty straightforward. However, if you’re using someone else’s device or your device is part of a Family Sharing plan, you’ll need permission from the device owner or family organizer.
Note: Screen Time is available on iOS 12 and above. If your iPhone or iPad is running iOS 11 or earlier, you can access the cellular data restrictions below by visiting iPhone/iPad Settings > General > Restrictions.
Stage 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap Screen Time, then tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the Content & Privacy Restrictions screen. Follow up by tapping Cellular Data Changes.
Stage 3: Enter your Screen Time passcode. On the Cellular Data Changes screen that then appears, tap Allow.
Step 4: Open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. The cellular icon will no longer be grayed out.
The same goes for individual cellular toggles and Wi-Fi Assist control in Settings > Cellular.
If the cellular icon is still grayed out (and disabled), check if Airplane mode is enabled – in which case the Airplane icon in Control Center should appear prominently orange. Tap the icon to disable airplane mode.
Screen Time on Mac
If you’ve set up Screen Time in macOS Catalina or higher, you can remove cellular data restrictions directly from the Mac itself. Yes, it’s much more convenient to do this on iPhone or iPad, but it’s worth knowing if you’re having trouble getting Screen Time to work properly on your iOS or iPadOS device.
Stage 1: Open the Apple menu and then click System Preferences.
Step 2: Click Screen Time.
Stage 3: Click the Content and Privacy side tab.
Step 4: Switch to the tab labeled Other and then check the box next to Cellular Data Changes.
Step 5: Enter your Screen Time passcode and then exit the Screen Time window.
This much. Wait a few seconds; You should be able to make changes to the cellular data settings on your iPhone or iPad.
About MDM Profiles
It’s also possible that you have an MDM (Mobile Device Management) profile installed on your iPhone or iPad. This is usually the case if the device was given to you by your employer or organization. MDM profiles not only impose restrictions on cellular data, they can also prevent you from removing such restrictions.
To check if you have an MDM profile installed, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management. Tap on it to view the restrictions it imposes, if any.
Do not remove the MDM profile yourself as it may prevent various apps and features from working properly on your device. You’d better contact your employer or your organization’s IT department about this.
Back to Action
Fixing cellular data graying out on iPhone and iPad is pretty simple now that you know the reason behind it. However, keep in mind that if you don’t have an iPhone or iPad, are part of a Family Sharing plan, or have an MDM profile with cellular data restrictions applied, you still won’t be able to fix the problem yourself. In this case, you have no choice but to contact the appropriate person to set things right.
Next: The Low Data Mode option on your iPhone and iPad helps you protect cellular data. Here’s how to use it.
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