Android OS (5.1.1) is gobbling background data - why?

[AC Question]

I have a couple more weeks before my plan resets and I've almost reached my data limit (2GB). About a week ago I was at 400MB data usage. Now I'm at 1.84GB. Pretty much all of it is from Android OS, and all of that is background, 0.00B from foreground usage. I have since restricted background data and resorted to turning mobile data off completely - to avoid paying overage charges. Any idea what's going on - why Android OS is using so much background data?

 

[Golfdriver97]

Welcome to the forums. Since most phones report to Google about general OS issues, it might be something that's literally stuck in trying to report.

Have you tried rebooting the device?

 

[understandroid]

Sorry, wasn't logged in when I asked the question. But yes, I've cycled the phone a couple times since the data started spiking. I had also updated the PRL and Profile in the last couple weeks. Also forgot to mention, it's on a Samsung S6.

 

[Golfdriver97]

Any WiFi connection just in case it is some kind of error in servers?

 

[understandroid]

The rising use of mobile data seemed to continue even when I was at home, connected to my wifi. They don't allow us to connect to the wifi network at my office, so I could see that being a mobile data issue. Having had my mobile data turned off the last couple days, my battery life is noticeably better - like when the device was new. I can go all day on a single charge. It had gotten to where I had to charge it a couple times a day.

 

[Golfdriver97]

I'm not sure what to suggest if you are still having issues. Maybe a reset of app preferences might help. They sometimes help Google Play issues, but I am not sure if that applies here.

 

[understandroid]

Alright, thanks for the help. I'm gonna wait for the Marshmallow update and hope that fixes it.