Does this setting affect Wi-Fi usage too?

No. The Background data switch under Mobile data & Wi-Fi only blocks background traffic over your mobile connection. The app can still sync freely whenever your OnePlus phone is connected to Wi-Fi.

Why does an app still use data after I disabled this?

Check whether the app has a separate unrestricted data permission or is exempt from battery optimization, since some system apps ignore this per-app switch. Also confirm you disabled it for the correct app under See all apps, since similarly named apps can be listed separately.

Is there a faster way to limit background data for many apps at once?

Yes, a mobile data limit or general data saver mode restricts background data for all apps at once, but it removes the ability to fine-tune individual apps like messengers. Adjusting Background data per app under Apps & notifications gives more precise control.

OnePlus

OnePlus: Enable or Disable Background Data for an App

If an app keeps draining your mobile data even when you are not actively using it, background data usage is likely still switched on for that app. On OnePlus phones this permission runs separately for every installed app, so a messenger might need it while a rarely used game does not. Turning it off selectively can noticeably cut your monthly data consumption.

Updated: 07.08.20265 min6 steps

VersionAndroid 10 · Oxygenos 10

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OnePlus

Enable or Disable Background Data for Apps auf OnePlus

Background data lets an app stay active without being open. It can sync mail, refresh feeds, or check for messages while running in Oxygen OS in the background, and all of that traffic counts against your mobile data plan unless you are on Wi-Fi.

On a OnePlus phone this setting exists per app, so you can leave it on for apps that need instant updates and turn it off for everything else. The relevant switch sits under an app own network settings, not in a general data-saver menu.

Where to find the setting

Open the Settings ➔ Apps & notifications ➔ See all apps ➔ choose the app you want to change ➔ Mobile data & Wi-Fi ➔ enable or disable Background data.

Disabling background data does not close the app or delete your data. It only stops that specific app from using mobile data while it is not on screen; it can still update normally over Wi-Fi.

For messenger apps such as WhatsApp, leaving background data enabled is usually the better choice, otherwise new messages and calls may only arrive once you open the app manually. For apps you rarely use or that do not need instant updates, disabling it is a safe way to reduce data usage without losing functionality when you actually open them.

Frequently asked questions

Not automatically. Some apps rely on push notifications delivered through Google Play services, which work independently of an app own background data. Others only fetch new content when opened, so notifications may arrive later if you disable Background data for that app.

Compatible devices

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Android 10 · Oxygenos 10

OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren OnePlus 8 OnePlus 8 Pro OnePlus N10 OnePlus Nord OnePlus Nord N100

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OnePlus: Enable or Disable Background Data for an App

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