Should Mobile Data be used when WiFi connected....Is this normal? ATT rep says yes.

[Tom Simpson]

Hello guys,
My name is Tom and I am ignorant to the smartphone world. Please be gentle and don't assume I know anything

Anyway, my first smartphone is a Galaxy S5 and I use ATT as my provider.I have had the phone since it came out and for the first few months I was using low data. ATT called me and recommend I downgrade my data plan. I followed their advice and downgraded. Anyway, about three months ago my data usage that counts on my bill went through the roof. I haven't changed anything that I am aware.

I called ATT and they told me that Data usage counting on my bill will always take precedent over WIFI when I am connected to WIFI (like in my house). As an example if I watch a movie or listen to the radio with my smartphone at my house with my WIFI connected, then my data usage used for these services will count on my bill.

Does this make sense? Do I automatically have to disable my mobile data everytime I connect to a WIFI in order NOT to be charged? I assumed that WIFI took precedent and that as long as WIFI was connected then the data used wouldn't count on my bill. If this is true, then is there anyway to have my phone automatically disconnect when I am connected to WiFi?

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your time

 

[Almeuit]

It shouldn't. Wifi should be used for all data needs when on wifi.. And then mobile data should only be counted on mobile usage (LTE or whichever).

If you go into your settings and then to "data usage" you can see what each app has been using.. Just to ensure something is running in the background using all your data.

 

[blevitt3]

Hello guys,
My name is Tom and I am ignorant to the smartphone world. Please be gentle and don't assume I know anything

Anyway, my first smartphone is a Galaxy S5 and I use ATT as my provider.I have had the phone since it came out and for the first few months I was using low data. ATT called me and recommend I downgrade my data plan. I followed their advice and downgraded. Anyway, about three months ago my data usage that counts on my bill went through the roof. I haven't changed anything that I am aware.

I called ATT and they told me that Data usage counting on my bill will always take precedent over WIFI when I am connected to WIFI (like in my house). As an example if I watch a movie or listen to the radio with my smartphone at my house with my WIFI connected, then my data usage used for these services will count on my bill.

Does this make sense? Do I automatically have to disable my mobile data everytime I connect to a WIFI in order NOT to be charged? I assumed that WIFI took precedent and that as long as WIFI was connected then the data used wouldn't count on my bill. If this is true, then is there anyway to have my phone automatically disconnect when I am connected to WiFi?

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your time

I'm still learning too but that was the first thing I was told from the Verizon people...I was turning my mobile data on and off constantly until I was told it was unnecessary...your wifi should always take precedence over mobile data if available...maybe a rogue app is the culprit?

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Tom Simpson]

Thanks guys.....

After looking at my usage manager it appears Google+ is a big culprit. I checked the box about "restrict background data only on WIFI". Anybody know what this is for?

 

[Almeuit]

Thanks guys.....

After looking at my usage manager it appears Google+ is a big culprit. I checked the box about "restrict background data only on WIFI". Anybody know what this is for?

Usually if Google + is using alot it could be due to the auto backup feature which is used to backup photos.

If you follow the steps below after opening your Google + app you can turn off auto backup (blue arrow).. Or if you want it on you can set it to use wifi only..(the red circle). Don't set it to what I have though (mobile and Wifi) since I gave it that way due to my data plan being unlimited.. On a limited one I'd suggest wifi only .

 

[GregMargie]

I put Google+ into disabled apps on my phone. I personally don't use or want that app. Another thing I do quite often throughout the day is, Hold in the menu button and completely close all apps I may have running in the background.

 

[AZgl1500]

I put Google+ into disabled apps on my phone. I personally don't use or want that app. Another thing I do quite often throughout the day is, Hold in the menu button and completely close all apps I may have running in the background.

Go to Developer Options and check " Do Not Keep Activities" which means ( Close All Apps after user leaves them )



Then you won't have to do that anymore.

The Galaxy S5 has a factory widget called Active Applications. It is light green in color and shows you how many apps are in use.
I keep it on one of my home screens so that I know that everything is closed before I lock the screen.

see screenshots

 

[GregMargie]

Go to Developer Options and check " Do Not Keep Activities" which means ( Close All Apps after user leaves them )



Then you won't have to do that anymore.

The Galaxy S5 has a factory widget called Active Applications. It is light green in color and shows you how many apps are in use.
I keep it on one of my home screens so that I know that everything is closed before I lock the screen.

see screenshots

Thank you so much for the wonderful tip..... But first I realized I couldn't find dev setting (hmmm where'd it go.... Google search, ah got it unkocked) checked the box you showed, was so excited, but it didn't work. I opened email and another app and both were there when I held the menu button...... I do appreciate the tip and don't worry as I will be going to a Note 4 soon!

 

[Almeuit]

Thank you so much for the wonderful tip..... But first I realized I couldn't find dev setting (hmmm where'd it go.... Google search, ah got it unkocked) checked the box you showed, was so excited, but it didn't work. I opened email and another app and both were there when I held the menu button...... I do appreciate the tip and don't worry as I will be going to a Note 4 soon!

Even though they show there they could still be closed. That just shows a snapshot of the recent apps and lists them.

 

[AZgl1500]

Thank you so much for the wonderful tip..... But first I realized I couldn't find dev setting (hmmm where'd it go.... Google search, ah got it unkocked) checked the box you showed, was so excited, but it didn't work. I opened email and another app and both were there when I held the menu button...... I do appreciate the tip and don't worry as I will be going to a Note 4 soon!

Ummmm, perhaps you are confusing "Apps Closed" with the "Recently Used List" ?? which is accessed from the double Menu button?

Granted, "Close All" is there when you bring up the Recent List, but if the Dev Opt box is checked to close the apps, they will be closed out.

The Widget I spoke of will show you how many apps are in use, and if you press that Widget it brings up a list of running apps and allows you to force close them there also.

This app also shows you running apps and will close them out, it removes itself when you back out of it.

* Active Apps Ads / Task Manager - Android Apps on Google Play

 

[Tom Simpson]

Usually if Google + is using alot it could be due to the auto backup feature which is used to backup photos.

If you follow the steps below after opening your Google + app you can turn off auto backup (blue arrow).. Or if you want it on you can set it to use wifi only..(the red circle). Don't set it to what I have though (mobile and Wifi) since I gave it that way due to my data plan being unlimited.. On a limited one I'd suggest wifi only .

Wow...thanks for your help. Means a lot!!!
Thanks again...

 

[ABOSWORTH007]

Wow...thanks for your help. Means a lot!!!
Thanks again...

Open your app drawer and find the Google Plus app and open it. From there, click on the 3 dots in the upper corner and follow his directions.

 

[wabyrd]

Hello guys,
My name is Tom and I am ignorant to the smartphone world. Please be gentle and don't assume I know anything

Anyway, my first smartphone is a Galaxy S5 and I use ATT as my provider.I have had the phone since it came out and for the first few months I was using low data. ATT called me and recommend I downgrade my data plan. I followed their advice and downgraded. Anyway, about three months ago my data usage that counts on my bill went through the roof. I haven't changed anything that I am aware.

I called ATT and they told me that Data usage counting on my bill will always take precedent over WIFI when I am connected to WIFI (like in my house). As an example if I watch a movie or listen to the radio with my smartphone at my house with my WIFI connected, then my data usage used for these services will count on my bill.

Does this make sense? Do I automatically have to disable my mobile data everytime I connect to a WIFI in order NOT to be charged? I assumed that WIFI took precedent and that as long as WIFI was connected then the data used wouldn't count on my bill. If this is true, then is there anyway to have my phone automatically disconnect when I am connected to WiFi?

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your time

The only thing that I can think of would be if you're connected to a WiFi that requires a sign in. For example, at my workplace my phone will connect to the WiFi, but it won't allow traffic until I open the browser to accept the terms of usage. It requires a reacceptance every 4 hours, so if 4 hours pass, it still shows that the wifi is connected, but data swaps back over to the cellular side.

 

[GregMargie]

Thank you both, for the clarification! I appreciate it!

 

[Tom Simpson]

No.....I have full access to my Wifi as I am connected at home. I am ignorant but can figure that much out Let me give some more info as I've been digging based on you guys recommendations.

I have figured out how to look at the data usage tool and separate Wifi data from mobile data. For some reason in the last 3 months my mobile data has definitely increased. I have isolated some apps but most of these apps are only running when I am at home and connected to my Wifi. Things such as Youtube, Tune in Radio, Mobile Television, etc...Believe me when I say that I am connected to Wifi when at home because I have checked that several times.

One other piece of info. I looked at my wife's phone since we are on the same plan and her data has jumped up to in the same time frame. As an example I found that "Tune in Radio" used 395Mb worth of mobile data in one day. Now she NEVER has used this app at all. She never has even opened it once. I put it on her phone a while ago thinking she may want it. Now why would that suddenly happen?

I realize that the easy thing would be to remove the app (which I will) but I can't figure out why these App are using so much mobile data when not in use or when connected to WiFi? It seems like ATT changed something a few months ago when this started happening?

Thanks again.

 

[AZgl1500]

No.....I have full access to my Wifi as I am connected at home. I am ignorant but can figure that much out Let me give some more info as I've been digging based on you guys recommendations.

I can guarantee you that every one of us has started at Ground Zero in our lives learning Android.

Some of us are just farther along the path of getting familiar with it.

Some of the others are buried so deep, they have to look up to see the programming code it is so familiar to them, but not to me. I am just a user who some familiarity with it.

Once upon a time, back 40 years ago, I programmed microprocessors in binary code with a two digit display LED readout. The RAM on that "machine" had 256 bits of storage and we used a 300 baud tape recorder purchased from Radio Shack as our storage medium to save, and read back into RAM the code.

Lordy, I'm telling on myself.

 

[RGKline]

Under wifi there is a checkbox for smart network switch, I have that unchecked. I don't know if that is why, but my phone always defaults to wifi.

 

[Angelica Muldong]

My phone Galaxy S5 automatically open the Mobile Data and Wifi even I didnt open it, I already reset my phone not just one but many times and when I open my Mobile Data, and turned it off.. Suddenly it will open automatically together with Wifi connection. Im getting nervous because more ads appears on my phone. How can you help me?? Pleaseeee... :'(

 

[jimbo 58]

Mobile suppliers can very easy allow you to have free data usage when you are at home,but why?its just another way to get your cash! It's called a scam.x