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Huawei

Huawei: Control Mobile Data and Background Data per App

If a single app burns through your mobile data plan or keeps syncing in the background even on Wi-Fi, its network permissions are likely too broad. Huawei phones let you restrict mobile data, background data and roaming for each app individually. This is also the fix when an app still uses data after you switched on data saver.

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VersionAndroid 10 · EMUI

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Step 1 of 6: Open the **settings**

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Android 10 · EMUI
Set App Data Usage Permissions – EMUI: step 1 – Open the settings
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Huawei

Set App Data Usage Permissions auf Huawei

Every app on a Huawei phone gets separate switches for mobile data, Wi-Fi, background data and roaming. If these are all left on by default, an app can keep downloading or syncing even while you are not actively using it, which drains your data plan faster than expected.

This matters most for apps that sync media, check for updates constantly, or run location services in the background. Turning off background data for such an app stops it from using the network once you leave it, while Wi-Fi and foreground use still work normally.

To adjust this, open SettingsAppsApps, then choose the app you want to control. Tap Data usage and toggle Mobile data, Wi-Fi, Background data or Roaming data on or off as needed.

Turning off Mobile data forces the app to only connect over Wi-Fi. Disabling Roaming data prevents charges while traveling abroad, even if mobile data is otherwise allowed at home.

If several apps are affected, checking the general data saver setting in the network menu may be faster than adjusting each app individually. Restricting background data too aggressively can delay notifications from messaging or email apps.

Frequently asked questions

If the app is open and in the foreground, it can still use the network even with background data disabled. The setting only blocks activity once you leave the app or lock the screen.