The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for prolonging a lasting time of an inactive mode, which includes: classifying data to be sent as delay tolerant data and delay intolerant data; formatting the delay tolerant data into at least one delay tolerant data packet; and determining a maximum wait time for each of the at least one delay tolerant data packet, wherein the maximum wait time is adapted to determine for how long the device may remain in the inactive mode before the delay tolerant data packet shall be sent at latest. In addition, an apparatus for prolonging a lasting time of an inactive mode is also provided. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure possess the advantages that reduction in signaling and power consumption.