How can I avoid using data while it's on?

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Level 1

83 points

How can I avoid using data while it's on?

Well, the obvious answer would be to just turn off data, but that doesn't work for me because it needs to be on in order to use picture messaging, so I'm wondering how I can leave data on in order to use that one function, but make sure that no other apps quietly go and use data without me knowing. I don't actually have a data plan so even using a just a bit will cost me a lot, so that's why I want to avoid it. For instance, could the ios choose to update apps without asking me? Could weather get updated without me asking if I forget and leave it running in the background?

Posted on Oct 7, 2013 8:16 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 7, 2013 8:38 AM in response to Cartoonguy

If you have iOS 7, just turn off Cellular data for the specific applications.

Also, no 3rd party app will use data in the background unless it is launched (maps, pandora, etc.)

Mail, iCloud, and iMessage will use data in the background though. (so turn off accordingly)

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Answer 2

Cartoonguy Author

Level 1

83 points

Oct 7, 2013 10:50 AM in response to chattphotos

So if I accidentally open Maps or if it was left open when on wifi, then could it start using data because it has no option to switch it off?

I don't see an option in Messages or Icloud to turn off data. I don't want to turn off Icloud syncing, becasue I want it to sync when it's on wifi, so will it try to sync by itelf using data? Also, I suppose I need messages on data to send a picture message (which doesn't actually get charged as data).

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Answer 3

Oct 7, 2013 11:02 AM in response to Cartoonguy

Use Google Maps instead.

There isn't an option for iCloud sync method... it just does it no matter the connection type.

iMessage is like a data connection, not SMS.

Have you considered a new carrier?

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Answer 4

razmee209

Level 10

191,346 points

Oct 7, 2013 11:05 AM in response to Cartoonguy

settings - cellular - use cellular data for - you can choose from there.

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Answer 5

KiltedTim

Level 10

195,387 points

Oct 7, 2013 11:16 AM in response to Cartoonguy

Subscribe to a data plan. No supported carrier permits the use of an iPhone without a data plan. If you don't have a data plan, a smartphone of any type is pointless and a waste of money. Get an iPod Touch instead.

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Answer 6

Cartoonguy Author

Level 1

83 points

Oct 7, 2013 12:02 PM in response to KiltedTim

So if there isn't an option for icloud sync method, then I presume it's going to use data when it needs to sync, like if I update an address or something that is syncing with icloud. That's not good. Not sure how using a different carrier would help as the issue is the same with anyone.

Re: settings - cellular: Nope, there is only one setting there, for passbook. Nothing else.

Thanks for the suggestion to subscribe to a data plan, but that's not what I'm asking. I don't have a data plan and I don't want one. I am fine with wifi, I just want it to not use data without my knowledge. With respect, KiltedTim, I totally disagree with you about the usefulness of an iphone without a data plan. Maybe you were just being sarcastic.

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Answer 7

KiltedTim

Level 10

195,387 points

Oct 7, 2013 12:16 PM in response to Cartoonguy

No. I wasn't being sarcastic. And the fact remains that no supported carrier permits the use of an iPhone without a data plan. If you don't want a data plan, then the iPhone is the wrong phone for you.

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Answer 8

Oct 7, 2013 12:45 PM in response to Cartoonguy

I agree with the op just cause u have an iPhone don't mean u want a data plan some people just like the ease of use and apps on a iPhone and could care less about having a data plan. The iPhone is a perfect phone for him as wifi works just fine not everyone cares about paying up the *** for a data plan

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Answer 9

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Oct 7, 2013 12:52 PM in response to Cartoonguy

Cartoonguy wrote:

Well, the obvious answer would be to just turn off data, but that doesn't work for me because it needs to be on in order to use picture messaging,

Leave it off until you want to send picture messaging (MMS), then turn it back off.

Are you sending that many MMS that you need to leave data on?

If so, it would be far less expensive to get a data plan.

What carrier do you have that you do not have a data plan with your iPhone?

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Answer 10

Cartoonguy Author

Level 1

83 points

Oct 7, 2013 1:35 PM in response to joshua274

Yeah, Joshua expressed it well and Tim, you are factually wrong to say that a carrier does not permit the use of an Iphone without data. My family using three of them and my carrier (Bell, in Canada) is fully aware of it. They won't supply one on a subsidized contract without data, but no stopping me buying one (used) like I did and using it with all the love and support we expect from our cell phone service provider.

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Answer 11

Cartoonguy Author

Level 1

83 points

Oct 7, 2013 1:42 PM in response to Chris CA

Yeah, true, I can switch data off and on when I need to, but even then, concerned that it starts using data to sync to icloud. Without a plan, any use is $20 minimum, so obviously want to avoid ending up paying $20 just to send one picture because the iphone chooses to use data without me knowing it while I have it switched on for that short time.

I think any carrier would allow you to stick your sim card in any phone and just use it. This is not unusual.

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Answer 12

KiltedTim

Level 10

195,387 points

Oct 7, 2013 2:08 PM in response to Cartoonguy

Fine, you say Bell doesn't care... then I'll take your word for it. In that case, learn to live with the limitations that places on you, like no picture messaging, or pay the price for ala-carte data use.

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Answer 13

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Oct 7, 2013 2:12 PM in response to Cartoonguy

Without a plan, any use is $20 minimum, so obviously want to avoid ending up paying $20 just to send one picture

You cannot avoid a $20 charge to send one picture (unless you send the pictures as iMessage over wifi). Picture text messages are sent as MMS, which is data. If you have a text messaging play, it usually includes MMS (which doesn't count as data).

If you sent one picture, it would cost you $20. This covers the first 1GB of data

Using any other data would not cost more until you hit 1GB then it is $0.05 per MB.

-> http://www.bell.ca/Bell_Mobility_Terms_of_service#Pricing

And what do you think is syncing with iCloud? Not much.

Calendars & Contacts but only stuff that cahnges.

Photo stream is wifi only.

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Answer 14

Cartoonguy Author

Level 1

83 points

Oct 7, 2013 2:18 PM in response to Chris CA

Tim, you are missing the point. I'm looking to use picture messaging without a data plan. I don't need to learn to live with the limitation. That's just what I want to do. Why should I have to pay for data when I don't want to use any data? You seem caught up with the idea that I should just pay for it anyway, but that's not what I'm asking here.

Chris, my Bell plan allows picture messaging, which does indeed require data, but they don't charge for that data use. That's just the deal. Unlimited free picture messaging included, but no data.

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Answer 15

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Oct 7, 2013 2:21 PM in response to Cartoonguy

Cartoonguy wrote:

I don't see an option in Messages or Icloud to turn off data

It's not in Messages/iCloud.

Do you have iOS 7?

Go to Settings > Cellular and you will see apps which you can turn data on/off.

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