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How Do I Turn Off Cellular Data

J

jkgraves

Newbie
How do I completely turn off cellular data on my Nexus 5, Android Version 5, so I do not go over my monthly limit? I thought I had it off, but just checked my usage and it has again used some and I have not intentionally done anything. I use WiFi for all updates and that is really all I do that would require connecting out to a web site. Yet every day it uses a little data. Under Data Usage/Cellular Data, it shows cellular data off. I have also disabled using background data. What else do I need to do?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
 
jkgraves said:
How do I completely turn off cellular data on my Nexus 5, Android Version 5, so I do not go over my monthly limit? I thought I had it off, but just checked my usage and it has again used some and I have not intentionally done anything. I use WiFi for all updates and that is really all I do that would require connecting out to a web site. Yet every day it uses a little data. Under Data Usage/Cellular Data, it shows cellular data off. I have also disabled using background data. What else do I need to do?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
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You could just put the device into "Airplane Mode" and then turn Wi-Fi on only afterwards. Mobile data will then be disconnected/off and then you'll have Wi-Fi access only.
 
Thank you for your quick reply. I had understood that if I put the device into Airplane Mode that I will not be able to make or receive phone calls. Is that correct? That is mainly what I use it for, except for some texting.

Thanks again.
 
If this is the case, then your cellular data is off. Any data used is data that is being sent by your carrier anyways. How much data is it using?
 
GuitarG20 said:
If this is the case, then your cellular data is off. Any data used is data that is being sent by your carrier anyways. How much data is it using?
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It has used about .25 mb in the past ten days. I just figured that if I had cellular data off and background data restricted that I would not be sending or receiving anything. Apparently that is not the case?

Thanks.
 
jkgraves said:
It has used about .25 mb in the past ten days. I just figured that if I had cellular data off and background data restricted that I would not be sending or receiving anything. Apparently that is not the case?

Thanks.
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While I honestly can't say I understand the behind-the-scenes workings of how carrier data works (and carriers probably wouldn't be able to tell you either) it's possible that they are sending configuration files or something else "essential" to your device's operation.

While I definitely encourage you to try toggling off/on like Omar suggested above, I don't see how that little of data usage could ever push you over your cap unless you're already close to it.
 
GuitarG20 said:
While I honestly can't say I understand the behind-the-scenes workings of how carrier data works (and carriers probably wouldn't be able to tell you either) it's possible that they are sending configuration files or something else "essential" to your device's operation.

While I definitely encourage you to try toggling off/on like Omar suggested above, I don't see how that little of data usage could ever push you over your cap unless you're already close to it.
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Thanks - I was just trying to figure what might be happening. And I agree - it is not using much.
 
jkgraves said:
Thanks - I was just trying to figure what might be happening. And I agree - it is not using much.
Click to expand...

I'm curious now too. It's likely just configuration files or something. You could request data usage from your carrier and see if it matches what the phone shows. If it's config files or something like that there is a chance you're not being charged for that data.
 
Technically sms is sent over mobile data as well as mms (picture messages) perhaps this is contributing to your data usage? (particularly mms)

Perhaps you could contact your customer service to see if either is the case? :dontknow:
 
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