Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Help! my ATT data bites are going through the roof!

About a week ago, I started getting texting from ATT that I used all my data GB minutes and they would add and GB for $15. I have rarely ever gone over. Called ATT guy (with thick, hard to understand accent) and he said that Apple will default to "DATA" whether you are home at not. Only turning off cellular will stop it. I think we have gone through 10 gigs in a week! Is this true or is this ATT sliding in the backdoor to get more profit??


iPhone X, iOS 12

Posted on Apr 6, 2019 4:43 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Apr 6, 2019 4:48 PM

While I've never seen that before, I do know that if you are at home and connected to wi-fi, the phone does not default to cellular data. I would go into Settings>Cellular and see what app seems to be using your data. You can reset your data counter and then let it run for a while and it will tell you which one is using the most data. If it is something that you are not currently using, there could be some corrupt data in your backup that has caused a process to get stuck.

9 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Apr 6, 2019 4:48 PM in response to Tom Perkins1

While I've never seen that before, I do know that if you are at home and connected to wi-fi, the phone does not default to cellular data. I would go into Settings>Cellular and see what app seems to be using your data. You can reset your data counter and then let it run for a while and it will tell you which one is using the most data. If it is something that you are not currently using, there could be some corrupt data in your backup that has caused a process to get stuck.

Apr 6, 2019 4:55 PM in response to Tom Perkins1

When you are connected to your Home Wi-Fi to the Internet, you are not using cellular data.

Wi-Fi is designed to have priority.

Note: When iPhone sleeps, Wi-Fi is automatically switched OFF unless you are connected to a power outlet.

Check what is using cellular data here:

Settings > Cellular / Mobile > CELLULAR / MOBILE DATA > see here

Apr 6, 2019 6:10 PM in response to ckuan

Excellent and thank you! I did not need to reset my data. What jumped off the page was "Personal Hotspot". Just since 1 April I have used four GB. My continuing question is WHY? This has all come about in a week. Now Lawrence told me to look at WiFi Assist. And being techno impaired Boomer, I can only guess that Hotspot and WiFi assist are connected. I also vaguely remember not too long ago turning the wifi asst. on. I just turned it off. Again, working through all the replies I will apply the answers and then give a summery, probably in a couple days as I watch the data entires. Also, I will hit the reset button to confirm my suspicions or even to (yes?) eliminate the corrupt data or must I do more on that alone? Again, thank you for your prompt responses. I'm going to open a Go Fund Me page to pay for all my data....


Apr 6, 2019 6:15 PM in response to ckuan

Thank you for your quick response!!! I stated in one reply that it appears that "Hotspot" used 4 GB in the last five days. Along with that I am wondering if the Wifi Asst is causing all of this. I vaguely remember turning it on recently. "Recently" could be two months but since I never had this problem before, I suspect that is the culprit. Regardless, I am going to reset the phone/data and see if there is a change now that I shut off wifi asst. Again, thank you!


Apr 6, 2019 8:38 PM in response to Tom Perkins1

Personal Hotspot should not be using any data at all, unless someone is connected to your Personal Hotspot. Personal Hotspot supplies Internet to other devices by using your cellular data. Unless you purposely allowed someone connection to your Hotspot and provided them the password, I don't know how Personal Hotspot could have used any data whatsoever.

Help! my ATT data bites are going through the roof!

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.