Level 1

4 points

Unexplained 02 Data Allowance Drain at Midnight

Hi all. I don't think I've ever had reason to post on here before so I'm hoping that, perhaps, some of you knowledgable lot might be able to help me.

I've had an iPhone on 02 (UK) since they first came out and with each year have upgraded to the latest model. I've had the iPhone 4 since July last year.

I know that recently 02 reduced their "Unlimited" data allowance to 500MB. This never really caused me concern because I never really used data apart from when I was at home over Wi-Fi. Recently, however, I've received a text message saying that I was 80% through my 500MB allowance. I thought this a bit strange but paid an extra £5 for 500MB more to cover me for the rest of the month.

Now, tonight, curious about what I had done differently to accrue such a large use of my data allowance, I checked my bill. It seems that every evening, normally around midnight, I have a large data usage. Now, previously, I'd guessed that the data usage accrued throughout the day was submitted to 02 in one large chunk. However, on the 26th April I used 340MB of my 500MB data allowance, and the next day used a further 180MB!

I couldn't understand where this had come from; I do not live-stream TV or radio over 3G. I don't even do that over Wi-Fi! I don't download anything over 3G. Whilst I'm at work and whilst I'm at home I'm under a Wi-Fi connection. The only data allowance I might use is a quick check of Facebook for 5 minutes before I walk into work in a morning.

Now, on the two days that I've accrued these massive data usages, I made several Facetime calls to my partner who was away training for a new job. This is the only thing that I've done differently. I thought that Facetime usage came out of your Wi-Fi and NOT your data allowance.

Anyway, through 02's website, they offer a chat service with their online representatives. I used this service to talk to someone who, I had hoped, might have been able to help. Now through subsequent phone calls to 02 I have actually learnt that much of what this person told me is untrue but here is what i was told.

Facetime calls are chargeable.

The person later corrected herself on this.

Facetime calls will start via Wi-Fi but if, for whatever reason, connection is lost, Facetime will be maintained via 3G; "If some time the Wi-Fi get discoonected you connected to 3G for the beter responce" 02's representative explained.

I don't think that this is true but it might explain my massive data use; the call was about an hour long. Having said that, how do iPod Touches maintain their connection; I've got a 4G Touch and despite using it for the occasional Facetime call, have never had a problem.

Facetime depletes your data allowance

I thought that the fact that Facetime is done over Wi-Fi means that it would be deducted from the unlimited Wi-Fi allowance and NOT the 3G/data allowance.

The person then seemingly contradicted herself by saying that Facetime calls made over Wi-Fi are completely at Internet Service Provider's costing & discretion. The lady explained: "I'm sorry for this but the Facetime is work on Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi service providers are different"

The person told me to delete Facetime so as to better conserve my data allowance if I needed to make it last!

I don't think this is even possible. I explained this and she then said "No, don't delete Facetime".

After that I think I was even more concerned than when I started!!

At this point the lady offered me a £2 credit against my account, which whilst appreciated, doesn't really solve the problem. She gave me 02's iPhone Technical Support line (2302) as it was a "technical issue".

Now, having rung 02 and explained the situation, they explained that whilst Facetime wasn't strictly chargeable, it does still come off your data allowance. However, if you exceed your 500MB data allowance, you do not get charged any more, the level of service is simply a "bit slower". In essence, it was explained, the Facetime calls hadn't cost me anything.

I explained that whilst the calls weren't costing me anything in themselves, I was still having to pay extra to maintain the same service-level that I had previously experienced. The lady agreed with what I was saying and said that she would consult with two different departments to see if she could trace what the large data-usages originated from.

The lady returned and explained that, further to her discussions with other departments, Facetime couldn't possibly be the result of the data usage. She said that it had to be TV/Radio streaming. I know categorically that the only thing that I used my iPhone for that night was the Facetime calls. I don't stream any content at all! For viewing of any content I use a TV or, for iPlayer, my PS3 or iPad, but never my iPhone!

I stressed this to the lady that it could only be the Facetime and she denied that it could be. She went back to her department and checked again. Upon her return she asked what time I had made the Facetime calls (which were around 8pm). Having explained this she said that the data usage occurred at 00:00:00 and that as such it could not have been the Facetime calls. I know that Facetime calls can't be done over 3G so I can see the point that she's making but what else could it be?? And at that time??

I looked at the bill myself and pointed out that at 00:00:00 almost every night I had a data-usage, not just on the nights in question. I said that having already noticed this previously, I assumed that the iPhone simply submitted the total data-usage in one go and not just as-and-when. The lady said that data would be submitted as it was used and that, with neither party able to explain the usage, it must be down to a third-party using my data allowance remotely from the phone overnight.

I don't think that data is shown on the bill as and when it was used because on occasions when I know I've used 3G, no mention is made on the bill.

Now my partner has 02 and we had checked that bill to see whether he had a massive data usage which corresponded to mine, which he didn't. He has data usages at midnight most-nights but for the Facetime calls (some of which were made by him) he has no excessive data usage.

I've searched via Google and found various other people on various other networks who have the same mysterious midnight data-usages.

Still on the phone with the poor lady from 02 I pointed this out, which she couldn't really answer. She said that she was contacting a Security department who could directly check what the content related to and that she would get back to me within 5 days, which, with the current Bank Holidays in the UK, is likely to be a week on Tuesday. She remains adamant that my iPhone is being accessed remotely, or "is being updated by third-party apps" which, with the number of people having similar midnight data issues, I doubt.

I know this has turned out to be a mammoth post, and for that I'm sorry, but has anyone else had similar experiences? How have they been resolved?

Does Facetime get taken off your data allowance? One person from 02 says yes, another says no.

Finally what could the two massive data-usages relate to, if not Facetime? I know that there's likely no way to prove that I wasn't streaming TV/radio content but I can say with absolute certainty that no such feature was used.

We had used the GPS for hiking one day in the month but my usage for that particular day in question was only about 30MB so I've ruled that out.

The icing on the cake was that at the end of the conversation, when it was explained that all that could be done was wait for the Security department to get back in touch, the lady asked me "What are iPhones like then? Mine's been delivered today and is waiting for me at home."

Suffice to say I was shocked almost speechless. Almost anyway...

I've got her line & extension number so in the event that she doesn't bother to call me back, I can call her.

Hope you can offer some insight though!!

iPhone 4, iOS 4.3.1

Posted on Apr 30, 2011 11:20 AM

131 replies

Jan 20, 2012 8:44 AM in response to droow007

droow007 wrote:

If that's the case then it could be match/icloud then? If so, how to I get rid of it completely, from what I've seen of it so far the whole cloud/match thing is pretty bloody useless, I wish I'd never signed up for it.

You can switch it off in Settings>Music. However, I don't think that is the issue. All 3 iPhones in my house have the same issue, and only one of them uses Match.

NEGREEN

Level 1

0 points

Jan 20, 2012 8:49 AM in response to JPlace86

All.

Just been into Carphone Warehouse. They state this is an issue accross the board in terms of networks, whether you use Icloud or not. It is related to ios and the new iphone 4s.

It is apparetly an apple based issue that they of course deny but are apparently working on - if that makes sense!

Jan 20, 2012 8:53 AM in response to droow007

droow007 wrote:

yeah, i read that further up. So are we saying that the iphone connects to 3g when it's asleep? has it always done that?

Yes, it's always done that. The reason is that WiFi is an active protocol, meaning that it must remain in continuous communication with the router whether exchanging data or not, unlike 3G which only connects when there are data to be sent or received. If WiFi remained on when the phone was asleep the battery would only last a few hours, even if there were no active backgraound apps on the device. If the phone is connected to power, however, WiFi will stay on when the phone is asleep.

dmwjeep

Level 1

5 points

Feb 20, 2012 9:07 AM in response to JPlace86

found this on another site, thought it might help.

i did try calling 02 before i found these topics about this issue and they didnt mention anything about itbeing a know issue.

reason i got in touch was last month on a 02 business tariff my iphone 4 i used all my allowance and my average is 270mb for the last 9 months each month, this month i was back to normal with 3 days still to go to end of billing month 23rd of each

but this month it was the other iphone 4s on our business tariff and this phones avergae is only 230mb a month.

this phone has only been in the uk for a week and a half this month and doesnt have data roaming on.

this is the post on 02 forum

http://forum.o2.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=399829

Re: O2 Data Allowance Inaccuracies

by westside1 on Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:33 pm

My girlfriend had the same issue. So we turned off the cloud as others had said before but still had the same problem.
We finally managed to stop it happening by going to "settings" "general" "about" scroll down to the bottom to "diagnostics and usage" select it and then ensure "dont send" is ticked. This cured it,she went from using 25-30mb a night (even when on wifi) to practically zero kb.
She also downloaded My Data Manager (mobidia technology) from the apps store to keep an eye on usage.Let me now if it works for you.
Just to add I turned the cloud on and and allowed diagnostics to send and used 25mb between 12am-4am even when connected to wi-fi and plugged in to the mains!!

Tomp2

Level 1

30 points

Feb 20, 2012 9:20 AM in response to dmwjeep

I'm rather unclear how changing the "don't send" option in Settings affects this. The screen says it's about sending data to Apple, not O2. Or am I missing something.

Mine has always been set to "don't send" but didn't stop O2 making unwarranted claims about my data usage in what I still beleive is simply a marketing scam to get people to buy bigger datas bundles.

Tom

Apr 1, 2012 3:29 AM in response to Tomp2

Ive had the 3gs the 4 and now the 4s. I noticed my data steadily growing over the last 6 months or so. This month Ive exceeded my 1g allowance (in a week and a half) and paid for an extra 500mb, I have now apparently used this and have just paid for 500mb more and I still have 8 days until my bill!

I have not changed my usage at all, I always have wifi on when at home, I dont download apps on 3g, I fail to see how my data is being used so much on a bit of FB twitter and emails?

I have now turned off location services. Ive always been good at switching off apps but will now be extra vigilant. I hate the new running background stuff, we should have a choice, like on a BB where you can choose to correctly exit the app which closes it, or to quick exit and have it running in the background.

Apr 2, 2012 7:36 AM in response to purpleberry

"Reason for unexplained usage is Apple using your data allowance etc to update the software"

This is ridiculous. I've just called O2 regarding mysterious usage. A month ago when I queried with O2 they said we must be using the phone for video, and "its surprising how much data things like Youtube use".

This time they explained to me that Apple, Blackberry etc all update the software on the phones automatically. If you look at your bill you should see GPRS calls (or data) have a lot of calls made at 00.00, or midnight.

This is something O2 weren't warned about by the manufacturers, and they are apparently discussing further. O2 are getting a lot of complaints, but "its not their fault". Neither is it ours ! Apparently - as your wifi automatically disconnects when inactive, when it comes to that time to do updates, it automatically goes on 3G. So - only way to prevent seems to be switching off data completely until really needed, and frequently updating with itunes (the O2 guys specifically said 3G, but I'd do all data if not using). My girlfriend had a 450Mb update on one midnight !

I have also switched off the reporting of Diagnostics and usage data (Settings - General - About, and scroll down). It specifically says it helps Apple to improve its services - they would be helpful by only allowing updates over wifi or wired connection. This has been going on for long enough that I strongly suspect Apple get a kickback from the carriers, and so my sympathy for those such as O2 is limited as well.

Of course I'm complaining directly to Apple - make sure you do too.

Apr 2, 2012 9:05 AM in response to mentalasanything

HHmmmm, I think o2 might be spinning you a line there. You have to confirm software updates, so how can they be done automatically?

Ive downloaded dataman, its surprising how much Im using surfing web pages, whilst in the house Im switching off cellular data, so it can only use wifi, Ive used 45.9mb so far today!

ian185

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2012 9:25 AM in response to purpleberry

Since September, when this issue affected me, I have consistently switched off 3G, Mobile Data and Data Roaming when I'm at home. I only turn them on when I leave the house, and only if I know I'm going to need them.

I've downloaded Onavo and Dataman, which I monitor my usage, and overnight I leave it on charge so that it doesn't revert to 3G even if it is on, it stays in WiFi.

I also turn off ANY apps which use Data when they are not in use.

Looking at Dataman, the WiFi is using quite a lot of data in the night, anything from 12.3kb to 4.9Mb but as this is in WiFi it doesn't come off my Data allowance.

I agree with purpleberry, and general usage. So far this month (started 27th March) Dataman shows I've used 25.7Mb on 3G and 362.6Mb on WiFi

The hungriest App in terms of Data is the Maps function which eats into the allowance more than any other as far as I can see. I used almost 10Mb of data pinpointing a premises using it.

The only way to stop this problem is to keep 3G switched off and plug the phone into a charger overnight to keep the WiFi active for downloads.

Apr 3, 2012 2:15 AM in response to ian185

Hmm, - since my post, I called Apple and they've told me it must be down to 3rd party apps, because if it was as I - and O2 - claim, everybody would have the issue, and not just the few posting on here. Fair point.

My girlfriend leaves the phone on charge overnight most nights, and the wi-fi is always on. Something on my girlfriend's phone is going onto 3G at midnight (00:00) every night. Most of the time it is around 20Mb - however there has been a 100+Mb in Feb, and 445Mb (this is not a typo - it is half a Gb !) in March ! A few 60Mb's etc also dotted around. All have the mysterious 00:00 time.

So following Apple's reasoning, and your helpful comments I concur it must be an app (or apps) doing this. I will check this by a process of elimination shortly and report back, but...given its a common problem, and you have to go through the fiddly process of swtiching off of things, etc - you'd probably agree with me it would be helpful if they had a seemingly simple option "updates only on wi-fi / wired connection." ?

Apr 3, 2012 4:48 AM in response to mentalasanything

The 00:00 time is just when O2 update your data use for that day. iPhones use a lot of data and personally 500mb is not enough for a month, I think that O2 do over calculate as I've changed to 3 network with 500mb (use wifi most of time) an have never went over, I've received an email for unlimited data for £3 extra a month. How much is 1gb on O2?

If you think it's apps a lot of free ones call home and display adverts which use MB's. Also stop apps running in background, download apps in settings to wifi only. Check email accounts turn of push and check when they update same as weather and stocks.

Apr 3, 2012 5:03 AM in response to mentalasanything

mentalasanything wrote:

Hmm, - since my post, I called Apple and they've told me it must be down to 3rd party apps, because if it was as I - and O2 - claim, everybody would have the issue, and not just the few posting on here. Fair point.

My girlfriend leaves the phone on charge overnight most nights, and the wi-fi is always on. Something on my girlfriend's phone is going onto 3G at midnight (00:00) every night. Most of the time it is around 20Mb - however there has been a 100+Mb in Feb, and 445Mb (this is not a typo - it is half a Gb !) in March ! A few 60Mb's etc also dotted around. All have the mysterious 00:00 time.

The data transfer at midnight is a red herring. That is not the time the transfer occurs, it is the time accumulated data over the course of the day is posted to the billing system. You need a monitoring app such as Dataman to determine when the data transfer actually happened.

Apr 3, 2012 5:04 AM in response to Dazza7111

Unfortunately 3 doesn't do coverage as well as O2 (where I am at least) - and seem to try to make up for it with the best deals. Good point re adverts on free apps - however I don't think they account for 445Mb at 00:00 hrs ! Push is always off. Switching off apps in background is a bit of a hassle - I think best way is first of all to determine the offending apps, and secondly keeping 3G off until it prompts you to use it when an app asks.

Apr 7, 2012 8:42 PM in response to JHonjigawa

Ive now downloaded dataman, Ive found it very interesting and I would reccomend this to everyone having this dataleak problem.

Im working nights this week, Ive been keeping an eye on it all night and monitoring my usage. My 02:00 usage showed 48.3mb in 1 hour, the only app I had open was the 02 app to check your allowances and it had only been open for 5 minutes!

After going through some other forums Im switching off iCloud, that seems to have solved a lot of issues.

Apr 10, 2012 6:22 AM in response to JPlace86

I got the O2 text this weekend stating I'd used 80% of my data allowance, been with O2 for a few years and never had this before. I popped into the O2 shop today at lunchtime and I got a top tip from one of the O2 guru's.

with ISO5 there are settings which state

"You can help apple improve its products and services by automatically sending daily diagnostic and usage data"

This was set to automatically send. Ive reset it and fingers crossed this will solve the problem. To reset do the following

Settings

General

About

Diagnostics & Usage

TICK DONT SEND

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Unexplained 02 Data Allowance Drain at Midnight