One of the most common questions I am asked about wireless phones is if data usage is charged toward your wireless account plan while your phone is connected to a personal or public Wi-Fi network.
The answer is no. Generally, when your phone is connected to your home or any other Wi-Fi network, it will not connect to the 5G, 4G, 3G, or any type of wireless carrier network. Any data used via Wi-Fi will not count toward your data plan.
However, there are instances where your phone may switch over to the carrier’s wireless data network without you knowing. Have a look at these settings if they apply to you:
- Android devices have a setting under “Settings” > “Wi-Fi” > “Advanced” > “Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep“. If this setting is set to “Never“, your Android will connect to the wireless carrier network. Ensure it is set to “Always” if you want to remain connected to Wi-Fi even when the phone is sleeping.
- iPhone devices have a setting under “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Wi-Fi Assist” that controls whether the iPhone will use the wireless carrier data networks if the Wi-Fi signal is poor.
- Most phones have an option under “Settings” to turn “Cellular data” completely off. You can turn “Cellular data” off if you want to be completely sure you are not using the wireless carrier’s network.
If you want to be totally sure, your wireless carrier should provide access to data logs via their website. You can check these logs and review your usage to ensure you are not using your precious carrier data.
Merrill Zimmershead says
May 17, 2019 at 7:58 amI am concerned about Consumer Cellular’s information that data charges will be made for internet use (Period!)..
I am a disabled 75 year old man, and am considering Consumer Reports’ and AARP’s warm recommendations for this carrier.
Am living with my son and his family, and he has set up his own computer LAN for our home. My current carrier is AT&T, and they do NOT charge data use when I connect my iPhone to this LAN. Assume also applies to email.
How can I be assured the same data charges system using LAN I now enjoy with my (expensive) AT&T carrier? Thanks.
Mary says
February 6, 2019 at 3:17 pmYes & thank you! This article is very helpful! Especially the part that refers to leaving the wifi on when your phone is in sleep mode.
Is this rule also applicable when you totally turn the phone off? I usually turn my phone off when I, myself, go to sleep.
Justin says
November 8, 2018 at 6:44 pmThis helped a lot Cuz bell was saying I’m at $160 out of $170 and I’m not even using data. I’m on wifi and I went to my data usage and it only showed 20mb that was cuz I had it on when I first setup my s9 plus. So that number haven’t gone up and I have been using YouTube for hours and it’s still at 20 mb
Betty R Anderson says
May 31, 2018 at 10:34 pmIt helped a great deal. I am thankful What can you do when your carrier says you have use us your allowable data?.
Emily says
February 10, 2018 at 3:08 pmI’ve had a cell phone since I was 15 and this article helped me tremendously. This technological world throws us all off and whoever doesn’t say so is a liar. Thanks!
Mark says
February 7, 2018 at 8:56 amYour post helped me considerably. I am an elderly and just getting into cell phones. I wanted some data but I know I wouldn’t use much. Now I can use as much as I want while connected to a wifi.