Help, I'm on Wifi but somehow have used 700MB of data in one day

[thewerks]

I just got a Motorola droid yesterday and I've spent much of today just playing around with the phone and downloading a few apps, such as facebook, foursquare, msn messenger, yahoo messenger, a a couple others. Last night, as soon as I got home I connected it to the wifi, and all day today the wifi symbol is appearing on my phone. However, when I logged into my account to set it up, it says I have used almost 700MB of data, today alone. As I have been on wifi there should be NO data usage so I'm a bit confused. The only thing I can think of is that I had it plugged into my computer this morning and was using both my computer and my handset a bit while it was plugged it, but I don't think the laptop could be tethering through my phone could it? I never set anything up to do that. I dunno, if someone has any advice that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Lock-N-Load]

I can only address the tethering.... no, it could not do that as yes, you would have to download apps to make tethering possible at this time.

 

[blackmagi]

Are you sure you were actually connected to the WiFi spot? Or was it the symbol that said that WiFi networks are available? The only thing I can think of is that perhaps it was guzzling down 3G data. Perhaps try hitting up a Verizon store and see if they can explain where the 700MB of data came from or call Verizon because downloading a few apps shouldn't be that exhaustive.

 

[Lock-N-Load]

download WiFi Analyzer and see what WiFi is around, what your connected to, signal strength.. helpful app to have. get the additional plugin and you can jump onto other WiFi channels.

 

[xmr405o]

If you just received your droid, I would assume it downloaded the 2.1 update but that is only 180 MB I think so not sure where the other mbs came from. Did you have a gmail account that's linked to a picasa account? Maybe it was syncing through 3G which could/may explain your data charges. I wouldn't worry though since you have an unlimited data plan. Verizon can tell if you are tethering which you were not.

 

[jackburnt]

If it's using Wifi for data, it'll get rid of the 3G icon. If you see the 3G icon, you're using data and not wifi.

 

[thewerks]

Are you sure you were actually connected to the WiFi spot? Or was it the symbol that said that WiFi networks are available? The only thing I can think of is that perhaps it was guzzling down 3G data. Perhaps try hitting up a Verizon store and see if they can explain where the 700MB of data came from or call Verizon because downloading a few apps shouldn't be that exhaustive.

The symbol that appears is a small circle with three curved lines above it. I believe that is the wifi symbol isn't it? ... I will try downloading that app someone suggested in the other post

 

[thewerks]

If you just received your droid, I would assume it downloaded the 2.1 update but that is only 180 MB I think so not sure where the other mbs came from. Did you have a gmail account that's linked to a picasa account? Maybe it was syncing through 3G which could/may explain your data charges. I wouldn't worry though since you have an unlimited data plan. Verizon can tell if you are tethering which you were not.

I suppose it is not really an issue while in the U.S. However, I do go to Canada often and if i'm using that much data it could get REALLY expensive, so I'm trying to figure this out before I do. Also, I don't know what a picasa account is, so I will assume I don't have my gmail account linked to one haha. And how would I know if it was syncing through 3G? (sorry, I'm kinda new to the smartphone thing haha)

 

[ZeroBarrier]

Go into Settings > Wireless and Network settings > Wi-Fi settings > hit the menu soft button (the 4 lines next to back soft button on the front of the phone) > Advanced and check your Wi-Fi Sleep Policy.

Make sure Never is checked. It could be that your Droid is reverting to 3G when you turn off your screen.

 

[lauracw]

. Also, I don't know what a picasa account is, so I will assume I don't have my gmail account linked to one haha.

I didn't realize I had a Picasa account, but apparently every image I've ever uploaded to my blogger blog is stored on a Picasa account. So when I linked my Droid to my google account, they all showed up in my gallery. I don't know if this happened to you, just saying it is possible to have a Picasa account and not know it, lol!

 

[Titaniac]

The symbol that appears is a small circle with three curved lines above it. I believe that is the wifi symbol isn't it? ... I will try downloading that app someone suggested in the other post

If it is red and appears at the top left hand corner of the screen then that just shows you there are wi-fi networks available. If it is blue and appears more toward the center of the top of the screen then that tells you that you are connected to a wifi network.

If you are connected to a wifi network ( the wifi symbol is blue) any downloads that you do should not count against you.

 

[allanlaw]

If it is red and appears at the top left hand corner of the screen then that just shows you there are wi-fi networks available. If it is blue and appears more toward the center of the top of the screen then that tells you that you are connected to a wifi network.

If you are connected to a wifi network ( the wifi symbol is blue) any downloads that you do should not count against you.

You are NOT describing the symbols on a stock DROID (no color, just white). This may not be helpful to the OP.

 

[Titaniac]

You caught me. Thanks for the backup. I was wrong about the colors but correct about the placement. If you are connected to a wifi network the symbol will be toward the center of the top of the screen. If you are getting a notification that a wifi network is available then this symbol wll be toward the left of the top of the screen. Again thanks for the backup.

 

[allanlaw]

You caught me. Thanks for the backup. I was wrong about the colors but correct about the placement. If you are connected to a wifi network the symbol will be toward the center of the top of the screen. If you are getting a notification that a wifi network is available then this symbol wll be toward the left of the top of the screen. Again thanks for the backup.

 

[thewerks]

If you are connected to a wifi network the symbol will be toward the center of the top of the screen..

Yup, I'm definitely connected to wifi then

 

[thewerks]

Go into Settings > Wireless and Network settings > Wi-Fi settings > hit the menu soft button (the 4 lines next to back soft button on the front of the phone) > Advanced and check your Wi-Fi Sleep Policy.

Make sure Never is checked. It could be that your Droid is reverting to 3G when you turn off your screen.

Thank You, I'll try this and see if it helps

 

[riffdex]

Well I have 75 MB of data usage since the beginning of May so idk >.<

 

[mobrienjr]

honestly what is the big deal....Unlimited data means unlimited data...

 

[Clementine_3]

They are going to do away with unlimited, or at least set up a 'bucket' plan much like they do with voice minutes...it's coming...sooner than later now.
If there is a problem with the OP's phone (or settings) not staying on wi-fi and reverting to 3G when it should not it could spell real trouble down the line.

 

[shaggymatt]

They are going to do away with unlimited, or at least set up a 'bucket' plan much like they do with voice minutes...it's coming...sooner than later now.

"Unlimited" is going away with LTE/4G. Further, if tomorrow they announce no more "unlimited" data, you're in a contract with an unlimited data plan, they can't yank that out from under you, otherwise they broke the terms of the agreement. You'll still have your unlimited data plan as long as you don't change your plan.

 

[takeshi]

honestly what is the big deal....Unlimited data means unlimited data...

Try reading post #8.

 

[mobrienjr]

where is the TERMS AND CONDITIONS does it say there is a "cap". That is all speculation and can not be held up in the court of law. In fact I did a little research and this is what the Terms and Conditions states concerning the "unlimited" data package

Terms & Conditions

That is where the information is and here is a quote

Unlimited Smartphone and BlackBerry Plans and Features
These Wireless Email plans and features cannot be used: (1) for access to the Internet, intranets or other data networks except as the device&#8217;s native applications and capabilities permit, unless you subscribe to Mobile Broadband Connect; or (2) for any applications that tether your device to laptops or personal computers other than for use of the Wireless Sync or the BlackBerry solution, unless you subscribe to Mobile Broadband Connect.