HT201673: iOS: Understanding cellular data networks

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Lanny 1706

Q: When in an LTE are and connected to WiFi as well, does data transmit through the WiFi or the cellular carrier? I use Verizon, Thanks

When using iPhone 5 while connected to a cellular network, LTE (Verizon), and turning on WiFi as well, which takes preference, the LTE or the WiFi? While connected to the the WiFi, am I being chared for data by Verizon? Thanks, Lanny

iPhone 5, iOS 6.1, New iPhone user switching from Droi

Posted on Feb 1, 2013 10:35 AM

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Q: When in an LTE are and connected to WiFi as well, does data transmit through the WiFi or the cellular carrier? I use Verizon, Than ... more

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  • by Michael Black,

    Michael Black Michael Black Feb 1, 2013 10:38 AM in response to Lanny 1706
    Level 7 (24,792 points)
    Feb 1, 2013 10:38 AM in response to Lanny 1706

    Wifi always take precedence over cellular data in iOS.  However, when running on the internal battery, wifi gets turned off when in sleep mode, but cellular data does not.  Anything using data while the device is in sleep will be using cellular (when plugged into an external power outlet, the wifi radio will stay on, even in sleep mode).

     

    Verizon has nothing at all to do with your wifi connection - they literally are unware of it.  The only data traffic over your iPhone they have any knowledge of is that which passes over their network and through thier servers on their cellular network.

  • by Meg St._Clair,

    Meg St._Clair Meg St._Clair Feb 1, 2013 10:39 AM in response to Lanny 1706
    Level 9 (59,221 points)
    iPhone
    Feb 1, 2013 10:39 AM in response to Lanny 1706

    As long as the phone is not in standby mode unplugged, WiFi takes precedence.

  • by Red Hooker,

    Red Hooker Red Hooker Jun 24, 2013 11:59 AM in response to Lanny 1706
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 24, 2013 11:59 AM in response to Lanny 1706

    Can someone on the Verizon network tell me if they see both the LTE indicator and the wifi indicator when you have wifi on in an LTE area? One Verizon tech told me to exchange my phone and another said it was supposed to work that way. Seems odd to me because when in 3G coverage you do see both indicators.

  • by Meg St._Clair,

    Meg St._Clair Meg St._Clair Jun 24, 2013 4:23 PM in response to Red Hooker
    Level 9 (59,221 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 24, 2013 4:23 PM in response to Red Hooker

    You will see either the the LTE or the 3G or the WiFi indicator, depending in which you are connected to.

  • by whytobother,

    whytobother whytobother Jun 24, 2013 4:25 PM in response to Lanny 1706
    Level 1 (30 points)
    Jun 24, 2013 4:25 PM in response to Lanny 1706

    it depends. "most" data goes thru wifi on a priority basis.

     

    exceptions: visual voicemail or any kind of carrier updates,  - cellular only.

     

    2. if wifi breaks momentarily, then the next data packets will be router over lte. now you may not notice it because wifi may sporaidcally turn on/off and so your phone would keep switching.