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Extend a device's data limit

If a device has reached its data limit and is blocked, you can increase its limit to restore connectivity. The data limit extension feature allows you to apply changes per device without modifying service policies.

Common scenarios include:

  • Restoring connectivity - Instantly unblock a device that has exceeded its data limit without changing service policies.
  • Preventing disruptions - Extend the limit for devices nearing their cap to maintain connectivity while investigating usage spikes.
  • Temporary data increases - Adjust limits for seasonal or temporary surges without modifying long-term policies.
  • Simplifying policy management - Reduce the need for multiple service policies by adjusting individual device limits dynamically.
  • Maintaining limits across policy changes - If a device moves to a different service policy, its extended limit remains valid until the end of the month.

Prerequisites

The Extend limit option is only available if the device has an active service policy with a data limit configured.

Extend a data limit

warning

Increasing the limit may result in additional data charges based on the usage and available allowance.

Individual device

There are two ways to increase the data limit for a single device. Both methods are available in the emnify Portal under Connected Devices.

Using the quick action menu:

  1. Find the device where you want to extend the data limit and hover over the table row to reveal quick actions.
  2. Select More options and then Extend limit.
  3. A modal opens, showing the current data limit. Modify the Cellular data limit value and change the unit if needed.
  4. Click Extend limit to confirm.

From the device details:

  1. Find the device you want to modify and click anywhere on the table row to open the device details. The General tab opens by default.
  2. Under Status, find the Services section and click Extend limit.
  3. A modal opens, showing the current data limit. Modify the Cellular data limit value and change the unit if needed.
  4. Click Extend limit to confirm.

Multiple devices in bulk

Selecting several devices on the Portal and extending all their data limits is also possible.

  1. Navigate to Connected Devices.
  2. Search for the devices where you wish to extend the data limit and select the checkbox next to every relevant device.
  3. A new menu at the top of the page provides bulk operations. Select More and then Extend limits.
  4. When the modal opens, modify the Cellular data limit value and select a unit from the dropdown list.
  5. Click Extend limit to confirm.

Manage extended data limits

What happens when you extend a data limit?

  • The extended limit is added to the original data limit for the current month.
    info

    The extended limit doesn't carry over to the next month.

  • If a warning threshold is configured, it applies to the total data limit, including the extension.
  • If the device was previously blocked due to exceeding the data limit, connectivity is automatically restored.
  • An Endpoint limit extension event is logged in your event history.

Extend the data limit multiple times

You can increase the data limit multiple times within a month. The emnify Portal displays the:

  • Original data limit
  • Total extended data limit

Example: If a device originally has a 100 MB limit, and you extend it by 50 MB and then another 20 MB, the total data limit for that month will be 170 MB.

Change service policies after extending the limit

The extended data limit carries over if a device is moved to another service policy. If the new service policy has no data limit, the extended limit remains in effect until the end of the month.

Remove a data limit extension

Deleting an extended data limit isn't possible in the Portal yet. However, you can remove it using the Delete All Traffic Limit Extensions on the emnify REST API.

Known limitations

The feature only applies to data limits (not SMS or Satellite quotas). For more details, visit Device policies.