"Allow More Data on 5G": All FaceTime Calls always going through 5G even on Gigabit Wi-Fi

[DeanL]

For a while now, every time I did a FaceTime, my phone would disconnect from my Gigabit Wi-FI network to handle the call with my 1 bar of 5G. I would notice right away because people would tell me the quality is not good...

I just realised today that the culprit is the "Allow More Data on 5G" option, as highlighted below.

Why on earth would Apple create an option like that? Not everyone lives in a place that has better speeds over 5G than Wi-Fi. This is actually pretty ridiculous.

 

[TwitchyPuppy]

I just realised today that the culprit is the "Allow More Data on 5G" option, as highlighted below.

Why on earth would Apple create an option like that? Not everyone lives in a place that has better speeds over 5G than Wi-Fi. This is actually pretty ridiculous.

View attachment 1969352

Because not everyone lives in a place that has better speeds over Wi-Fi than 5G. So those who do can pick “Allow More Data on 5G” and those who don’t can pick another option!

 

[DeanL]

Because not everyone lives in a place that has better speeds over Wi-Fi than 5G. So those who do can pick “Allow More Data on 5G” and those who don’t can pick another option!

I think you must re-read the screenshot.
One could want to allow more data on 5G (for example to download software updates when not at home) without forcing 5G even when Wi-Fi is better.

This option merges “Allow More Data on 5G” and “Force 5G over Wi-Fi whenever iPhone decides to do so”.
They should be two different options.

 

[shakopeemn]

Because not everyone lives in a place that has better speeds over Wi-Fi than 5G. So those who do can pick “Allow More Data on 5G” and those who don’t can pick another option!

Agreed pup dude, however - prioritize data on my cellular plan should not be the default setting by Apple.

 

[SpecMode]

You may also want to check the Wi-Fi Assist setting on the Cellular settings screen, way down at the bottom under all of the app-specific toggles — this is what should actually determine if the cellular connection will be used at all if the device is connected to Wi-Fi (the setting you've highlighted should only apply if Wi-Fi Assist is already enabled).

 

[ManuCH]

I don't think it's related to that setting though. I get that effect too (the wifi disconnecting while on Facetime, and the call continuing on 5G), and I have it set to "Standard". No idea why that happens.

 

[NoBoMac]

Might be wifi assist (ish) related.

Use 5G with your iPhone - Apple Support

iPhone 12 models or later work with the 5G cellular networks of certain carriers. Learn how to use 5G cellular service.

support.apple.com

With this setting, your iPhone can automatically use 5G instead of Wi-Fi when Wi-Fi connectivity is slow or insecure on a network you visit occasionally.

So maybe wifi dropping down to one bar for a moment, or some brief lag showing up at the wrong time?

 

[DeanL]

Might be wifi assist (ish) related.

Use 5G with your iPhone - Apple Support

iPhone 12 models or later work with the 5G cellular networks of certain carriers. Learn how to use 5G cellular service.

support.apple.com

So maybe wifi dropping down to one bar for a moment, or some brief lag showing up at the wrong time?

To turn this feature off and on for a certain network, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Tap the info button next to the Wi-Fi network and tap Use Wi-Fi for Internet.

This option is not on my iPhone. This option is not on my iPhone. I suspect this is for US iPhones–I am in Great Britain and this support page has no localised equivalent.. Update: I found the localised page but the option is still not on my phone. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT211828

 

[TwitchyPuppy]

I think you must re-read the screenshot.
One could want to allow more data on 5G (for example to download software updates when not at home) without forcing 5G even when Wi-Fi is better.

This option merges “Allow More Data on 5G” and “Force 5G over Wi-Fi whenever iPhone decides to do so”.
They should be two different options.

Yeah, I don’t know how their algorithm works. If it uses only the strongest signal or what

 

[TwitchyPuppy]

Agreed pup dude, however - prioritize data on my cellular plan should not be the default setting by Apple.

Indeed!