Data usage?

[Xiatara]

Hello! My younger sister and I got our smartphones yesterday (she got the TB and I got the Incredible 2) and we are still new to how it works and about the data and that sort.

My question is, how can she keep track of her data use? Is there a good app she can download?
Also, what is considered as using data? And which is considered using the most data?

Thanks for you help!

 

[3ricG]

Hello! My younger sister and I got our smartphones yesterday (she got the TB and I got the Incredible 2) and we are still new to how it works and about the data and that sort.

My question is, how can she keep track of her data use? Is there a good app she can download?
Also, what is considered as using data? And which is considered using the most data?

Thanks for you help!

I use the My Verizon app to monitor my data usage: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.vzw.hss.myverizon&hl=en

AFAIK, any time you get an email, sync apps, or browse online you are using data. Also, some apps use data. If you are unsure, you can just turn off your data temporarily.

 

[Xiatara]

I use the My Verizon app to monitor my data usage: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.vzw.hss.myverizon&hl=en

AFAIK, any time you get an email, sync apps, or browse online you are using data. Also, some apps use data. If you are unsure, you can just turn off your data temporarily.

Thank you for replying!
Also, what do you mean by syncing apps? Is that playing on apps?

And does downloading data from the market use data? And if you delete that app, does your data return back to you?

Sorry if my questions seem dumb. XD

 

[swankyspoon]

Yes, downloading an app counts using data. They don't 'return' the data to you if you delete the app. No worries! Happy to help!

 

[Jrocker23]

Also once you install the MY Verizon App (which should be on your phone already, it comes preinstalled)

press on any empty part of your home screen for a few seconds, a menu will pop up, press on the widget option, now look for my verizon and press it. you will now have a small box on your screen that constantly shows you your data use.

As said up above, almost everything you do on the phone uses data (phone calls dont) but just be careful. streaming videos & upload large pictures a lot can use a lot of data

 

[Xiatara]

Does using wi-fi count against her data usage? Or, better yet, is wi-fi free?

Also, what about facebook apps?

And when you said streaming videos and uploading pictures, does that mean taking the pictures/videos from the phone, and using the UBS cord to bring it to the computer?

 

[Jrocker23]

Does using wi-fi count against her data usage? Or, better yet, is wi-fi free?

No it doesnt, you have to supply the wifi from your home router or find places like Mcdonalds or starbucks that offer free wifi...

There are some places that may charge you to use wifi but mostly all places that supply it are free.

 

[Xiatara]

No it doesnt, you have to supply the wifi from your home router or find places like Mcdonalds or starbucks that offer free wifi...

There are some places that may charge you to use wifi but mostly all places that supply it are free.

Thanks for answering my questions! Do you mind taking a look at my edit?

 

[Jrocker23]

Streaming video is using, youtube, netflix, hbogo and apps, sites like that. Uploading pics from your phone to facebook as well if done a lot or uploading large pics can use up data. Ubdtating your facebook or twitter status is not big deal and surfing websites is not that bad either.

Also some apps even when not in use can check the internet for updates and such and that can use data as well.

You can use the phone and enjoy it just keep an eye on the data app we told you about. You will get familiar with what uses a lot and a little.

if you have the 4gb data plan, you should be ok. Most are fine with that. I use about 15 to 20 gb per month but I have unlimited data but still its a lot..

transfering stuf from phone to pc is not a problem and doesnt use data..

 

[3ricG]

Edit: nevermind everything was already answered

 

[Xiatara]

Wow, thank you!

And I wish I had unlimited data just so I won't have to worry over mines and my sister's usage. x_x

I got her the app to check her data. c:


@3ricG~ You can still answer! It's good to be repetitive so that no one gets confused...like me. XD

 

[Turdbogls]

Unfortunately pretty much everything other than calls and text messages use data.
your weather clock on the home screen uses data (set to sync every 3 hours usually)
if you are really worried about it, there is a "power control" widget that you can add to the home screen. in there will be a button you can toggle on/off (looks like 2 arrows in a circle) this is auto sync, this can save you lots of data. basically turns off google syncing apps (gmail, google plus, youtube, contacts, calendar ect)
also, in the settings of apps (facebook, twitter, weather, news, mail, ect) you can usually turn on manual syncing. so it only syncs when you want it to.

also try to refrain from using widgets like facebook and twitter, as those as well use data.

 

[TrueMetalGeek]

Also once you install the MY Verizon App (which should be on your phone already, it comes preinstalled)

press on any empty part of your home screen for a few seconds, a menu will pop up, press on the widget option, now look for my verizon and press it. you will now have a small box on your screen that constantly shows you your data use.

As said up above, almost everything you do on the phone uses data (phone calls dont) but just be careful. streaming videos & upload large pictures a lot can use a lot of data

Ha ha I've never opened that "My Verizon" App until just now.
I assumed, it being Verizon, I wouldn't want to open it!

So far in this billing cycle it shows me at 5.8 GigaBytes.

Whenever I look at my paper bills it always just showed all 9's like 99999999, whatever that meant. I just figured I used it silly.