# How to Manage Network Data Usage on iOS Devices?

Network Data Usage Management for iOS enables organizations to monitor and regulate both mobile and Wi-Fi data consumption. By implementing these policies, administrators gain real-time visibility into device data patterns, allowing them to proactively manage costs and ensure compliance with corporate data usage standards.

1. Configuration Workflow
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**Requirement:** Ensure the latest version of the **Hexnode UEM app** is installed on all target devices to facilitate accurate monitoring and data synchronization.

To establish a network data usage management policy:

1. Log in to the **Hexnode UEM portal**.
2. Navigate to **Policies > New Policy > Create a fully custom policy > iOS > Expense Management > Network Data Usage Management** and click **Configure**.

2. Technical Parameter Breakdown
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**Configuration****Description****Monitor Mobile Data Usage**Enable this option to track and report the amount of mobile/cellular data used by the device.**Monitor Wi-Fi Data Usage**Enable this option to track and report the amount of Wi-Fi data used by the device.**Force Daily Data Usage Sync**When checked, the device is forced to sync with Hexnode servers once a day at the specified **Reset Time**, even if the UEM app is closed in the background. Users will receive a notification.**Force Data Usage Sync at Regular Intervals**Forces the device to sync with Hexnode servers at set intervals throughout the day.**Forced Sync Interval**Specify the frequency for forced synchronization: **2, 4, 6, or 8 hours.** The user is notified via a banner notification each time a force sync occurs.**Data Usage Cycle**Define how data usage is accumulated and displayed in the console: **Monthly, Weekly, or Daily.****Usage Cycle Reset Time**Set the specific day of the month and time when the current data usage cycle ends and resets.**Data Usage Notifications**Configure conditions to alert the administrator if a device exceeds specified data usage limits. NOTE 
Data usage reported in the console may not always be perfectly accurate due to sync intervals and device-side reporting limitations.

 

3. Policy Association
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To apply the configuration to your fleet:

1. Navigate to the **Policy Targets** tab.
2. Select the relevant Devices, Device Groups, Users, User Groups, or Domains/OUs.
3. Click **Save**.

 For existing policies, you can also use the **Manage > Associate Targets** option from the main Policies list.

4. Access the Data
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### 1. Individual Device Data Summary

To view real-time usage for a specific device:

- Navigate to **Manage > Devices** and select the target device.
- Click the **Data Management** sub-tab. 
    - **Overview:** View total, mobile, and Wi-Fi data consumption at a glance.
    - **Billing Cycles:** Access historical usage data presented in a tabular format.
    - **Export:** Use the Export button to download the summary as a **PDF or CSV** file.

### 2. Centralized Data Management Reports

For a broader organizational view, navigate to the **Reports** tab. Hexnode offers three variants:

- **Devices:** A detailed list of data usage for every individual device.
- **Device Groups:** Summarizes consumption by group name and type (useful for department-level tracking).
- **App Data (Exportable):** Detailed consumption metrics for specific applications.

All reports can be manually downloaded as **PDF or CSV** files for offline analysis. You can also [schedule reports](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/managing-reports-in-hexnode-mdm/) to configure Hexnode to automatically email these reports to admins or users at specific intervals (daily, weekly, or monthly).

5. Troubleshooting & FAQs
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### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. **Does this policy block data usage?**No. This specific policy is for monitoring and reporting. To restrict data usage for specific apps, you must use the Network Usage Rules policy
2. **Can I monitor specific app data with this?**This policy tracks total device-wide consumption. Detailed app-specific data is typically available in the Reports section of the Hexnode console if the device is correctly reporting.
3. **What happens if the user is in a low-data mode?**The UEM app will still attempt to sync usage data, though reporting frequency might be affected by iOS-level power or data-saving settings.

### Troubleshooting

- **Inconsistent Data Usage:** MDM-reported data may differ slightly from carrier logs. Ensure the device has a stable internet connection for the Hexnode app to upload reports.
- **Sync Not Occurring:** Check that the device has **Background App Refresh** and **Notifications** enabled for the Hexnode UEM app in the iOS system settings.
- **No Usage Visible:** Verify that the “Monitor” toggles are enabled in the policy and that the policy has successfully transitioned to a “Success” state in the device’s Action History.