Verizon iPhone 5 Carrier Update Fixes Cellular Data Bug [Updated]

Update [9:50 AM EDT]: Verizon has issued an official response to the data usage issue on the iPhone 5. The Loop's Jim Dalrymple has the statement:

Under certain circumstances, iPhone 5 may use Verizon cellular data while the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Apple has a fix that is being delivered to Verizon customers right on their iPhone 5. Verizon Wireless customers will not be charged for any unwarranted cellular data usage.

Apple released a Carrier Settings update for the Verizon iPhone 5 on Sunday. The update, 13.1, addresses an issue experienced by some customers that routes the iPhone’s data through the cellular network even if the phone is connected to a valid Wi-Fi network.

To install the update, follow these steps:

1. Unlock a Verizon iPhone 5 and navigate to Settings > General > About
2. Wait on this menu until you see “Carrier Settings Updated”
3. Press OK
4. Hold the Sleep/Wake button until you see “slide to power off”
5. Slide the button to power off the iPhone
6. Once the power off sequence is complete, hold the Sleep/Wake button again to restart the phone

Once the phone has rebooted, navigate to Settings > General > About and scroll down until you see “Carrier.” The update has completed successfully if you see “Verizon 13.1.”

Due to the high price of cellular data in the U.S., all Verizon iPhone 5 users should perform this update as soon as possible to avoid unintended data usage.