Why does my phone use so much data?

[panteramatt]

I keep going over my 6GB data plan. I only use the internet at my work about 1 hour a day. At home if I use it Im on wifi. Rarely use it during the weekend. So what else uses data? Texting pics? GPS? Anyway to lower it?

 

[leeshor]

There is a really long list of potential reasons, GPS may be one but really only if you're using the maps so I would rule that out. I can give you an idea of some of the things I do to limit data.

Google and Amazon do not check for app updates until I ask.
Mail does not get checked unless I open it and ask for the mail. (auto syncing is off)
Same things apply to Hangouts, weather apps and any other live widgets.

Not getting alerts doesn't work for everyone but it keeps me focused rather than bothered.

My data usage is tiny, maybe 250MB a month on average.

 

[GoCliffGo05]

Six seems excessive for background apps. Do you have auto sync on for pictures or videos? Stuff like that not on wifi. Streaming movies or music will use a ton of data fast.

Sent from my DE Moto X

 

[94lt1]

Do you use Facebook?? The new update if Facebook has a feature that autoloads all videos... Go into settings in the Facebook app.. In videos and turn it off.. That may help

 

[panteramatt]

Never use facebook. Does listening to music in your car via bluetooth or keeping my bluetooth on hurt?

 

[leeshor]

Listening to music, from the phone, like Pandora among others, would certainly do it. It has to get the music from somewhere. That would be your data plan.

 

[Bratster2]

Got to:
Settings, data usage.

Its not always super accurate, but it should give you an idea of what is using your data.

 

[panteramatt]

My phone says Ive used 1.55GB of data from april 27 til now. It also shows tons of apps running. Whats a good app killer to download to shut them all down til I need them? Also, why is verizon saying I used 6gb and my phone says 1.5?

 

[Jeffrey]

There is usually a disclaimer that says the data logged on your phone may differ with what your provider is saying you have used. That basically tells me that the phones may not be accurate.
There are apps on the PS that kills apps using data. Personally I don't use one as I have unlimited data. Perhaps another member will post a suggestion.

 

[leeshor]

This app, Onavo Count does a great job on the detail of the apps using the data plan. Most app killers have not proven to be much help in this situation. I don't personally need to kill any apps though I have 8 or so permanently disabled.

 

[panteramatt]

Im currently running easy task killer. I select it to stop all the apps that are running but when I go back to check they are all running again. Also, how do you turn off 3/4g?​

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[94lt1]

You can set a data limit on your phone and limit background data processes in the settings in data...

 

[UrbanBounca]

You may want to also consider that although you're only using about an hour daily, that hour could be extreme use. Do you watch video or listen to streaming music during that hour?

 

[panteramatt]

Not really. I just browse the internet thats all. Dont download anything. I put songs on my phone from itunes right onto my card.

 

[94lt1]

Streaming songs and video takes a lot of data.. Downloading songs.. Not so much...