Why is my iPhone 5 Using So Much Data?

Michelle1982

Ever since upgrading to my iPhone 5 several months ago, I am averaging almost 2g of data per month (right at my limit), and that's only because I'm really careful about it and don't stream music, videos, etc; and I have wi-fi on most of the time. Before, I had an iPhone 4 and never had this problem - I probably used 500MB/month max. It seems strange that I lost my unlimited data plan when I upgraded to the iPhone 5 and consequently began having all of these issues. I cannot figure out where the excessive data usage is coming from. Please don't say I need to use the data less, because I promise that's not the problem. I use it the same amount as I did my previous phone. Is anyone else having these issues? Could it be a phone and/or operating system problem? Is it some setting I need to change? Please help!

Accepted answers

ttipgem

Have you checked the Settings under "Cellular" to see what apps are using Cellular Data and how much they are using?

That's the place to start. Under each app listed under "Use Cellular Data", it will show how much data that app has used.

And you can selectively turn apps off and on in terms of using Cellular Data.

Also, check (again under Settings), "iTunes & App Store" and turn off or on "Automatic Downloads" and turn off "Use Cellular Data".

All comments

ttipgem

Have you checked the Settings under "Cellular" to see what apps are using Cellular Data and how much they are using?

That's the place to start. Under each app listed under "Use Cellular Data", it will show how much data that app has used.

And you can selectively turn apps off and on in terms of using Cellular Data.

Also, check (again under Settings), "iTunes & App Store" and turn off or on "Automatic Downloads" and turn off "Use Cellular Data".

Michelle1982

Thank you. I did that, but I don't necessarily want to turn off cellular data for my apps. That would defeat the purpose of my phone kind of. I just think it is strange that it is using so much data anyway.

Sent from my iPhone 5

Michelle1982

...also it seems to be using data even when I'm at home and have wifi turned on.

Sent from my iPhone 5

unknown

This can happen and ttipgem suggestion of turning cellular data off while at home will cure that.

I turn off all cellular data while at home. Its an annoyance but you get use to it.

My apologies ttipgem for jumping in

ttipgem

Yeah I'm not saying to turn off data for all apps just to use that function to see what apps might be using excessive data.

Also if you are using a lot of cellular data when you think you should be using WiFi (a little bit is to be expected), try "Reset Networks" on the device. Also try rebooting your router.

Michelle1982

But why is it happening? It never happened before. Makes me want to go back to an iPhone 4

Sent from my iPhone 5

Michelle1982

Thank you. I will try these things. It's frustrating not to be able to use my phone for pandora, etc if I want to. I appreciate your responses!

Sent from my iPad

Verizon_Support

I can understand the concern for having a higher bill due to more data usage Michelle1982. Our share plans can work for you and provide you with the option to increase your plan and decrease it when needed. Higher usage would alarm me to but know that 4g devices are much faster and have better graphics for apps, videos, email, etc. This will definitely use more data because your downloading and uploading a better quality of picture, sound for music, and better quality apps. You also use more data from a 3g to 4g phone. We recommend using wifi when ever available, closing apps when not being used, and being aware what you download. The last option is to add more data. Here is a link with our plans http://bit.ly/xdDajD . Please let me know if you have any questions.

KinquanaH_VZw

Michelle1982

I absolutely refuse to buy a higher plan. Not when I'm not doing anything to cause the higher data usage. I understand 4g would use a little more data than 3g, but not that much more (I'm using about 4x as much and doing less with it). I used to be able to stream music, etc, when I had my iPhone 4, and I can't do that anymore because if I did I would reach my data limit. It's kind of funny that this all happened when Verizon took away my unlimited data plan.

So, please do not try to sell me a higher data plan. Not going to happen. What I am looking for is an answer as to what is wrong with my phone and why I'm not able to use it the way I would like to. No one I talk to even comes close to using 2G of data in a month, so something must be going on with it.

I've tried all of the tricks mentioned in this discussion, so we will see how it goes, but so far it appears that the data usage is about the same. I've resorted to turning off cellular data for most of my apps, but that is not going to work long-term (or else why would I even be paying for a smart phone). I'm almost certain something is going on with my phone, whether it be with the phone itself or the operating system, that is causing this. I need some suggestions on who can look at it for me.

unknown

http://www.apple.com under support go to the community forums for your device, search the database and see what Apple and other owners have found out or used for a fix.

Good Luck

jhaley82

Im experiencing the exact same problem. I spoke to Verizon about it and they told me to turn off my cell data when I'm at home, but I'm still seeing usage in the middle of the night, and a spike in usage as soon as I wake up and turn my phone on. The girl at Verizon told me it was Candy Crush. Which I'm starting to believe is horse manure. And I cannot believe that Kinquana suggested for you to buy a higher data plan. I smell a conspiracy! I've had my 5 since December of last year and have not changed any of my habits and all of the sudden my data is at the limit each month. I'm actually to the point of writing down when and why I use my phone and comparing it to the data usage listed on my verizon account to verify. VERY FRUSTRATING!

ttipgem

jhaley82, have you looked in the Settings under Cellular to see exactly how much data each app is using?

Is there anything there that looks like it is using too much data?

...

PS, "all of a sudden" rather than "all of the sudden".

paulvina

I had to port over after being stationed in an area with no AT&T coverage. I had an iPhone 4S then 5S with AT&T and NEVER had a date issue. I've had my Verizon iPhone 5S for less than a week and have already burned my ENTIRE 2GB of data. They're going to get a call tomorrow and I'll likely be swapping my phone out as well. This is ridiculous.

thndrchf

Hi Michelle- I had the exact same problem with my ip5, so I feel your frustration..I ended up with a thousand dollar bill from that dang phone; and I wasn't downloading or doing anything but looking at my calendar, fb and texting. I was informed by a cell phone guy that manages the devices at the white house, that the 'LTE' software will constantly draw data, whether on wifi or not. So if you go into your settings menu under data use, you can turn off the LTE and still be on the 4G network so it won't use 'as much' data. Also if you double click the home button it will show you all of the apps that are open. You can scroll through and exit out of them by sliding up with your finger on each app. This should help you. Also, if you're downloading apps, songs or streaming videos; look at the size of the before downloading, it may be huah of you to wait till you're on a wifi network to download or enjoy your entertainment. If you travel into an area where you may have limited coverage at all; turn off your settings to cellular use only; to save yourself from the hit and miss data surges when searching for service. Your phone will use data when roaming and searching for service. FYI. Hope this helps.

shutterbug07

Well when you first set up service and setting up a new device, if you arent on wifi, the process of activation and setting up will use ALOT of data. 2nd, like the rep was saying the amoutn of data you use on a 3g phone like an iphone 4 or 4s and a 5 or 5s is going to be different. You are running on 2 different speeds of data. So yes, when you had unlimited you probably were only using less than 2 gigs because you had a 3g phone.

Florida7188

There is problem with the new iOS7. The apps are constantly refreshed and it will consume massive amounts of data.

Go into Settings - General - Background Refresh and turn it Off.

emac30

i have the same problem also. i am really starting to get fed up with it. i had unlimited data before i upgraded to this phone and never went over 2g. the first month i had the phone i went almost to 5g. i find it hard to believe seeing as i am not using my phone any more or less than the 4 that i had. it seems a little too coincidental that this seems to be happening to me as SOON as i do not have unlimited data. i have jsut had to up my data AGAIN so i do not go over. and it has only been 2 weeks. Verizon really needs to come up with a solution to this problem like maybe unlimited data again because it is really unfair

ArlenM

I also just got a new iPhone 5s. I had the 2GB plan and this month I have gone over at the very end of the billing cycle.

I am pretty sure it is connected with my email. For some reason the email attachments download automatically and I am not yet sure how to turn it off. I am pretty sure that is what is causing the higher usage for me. If anyone knows where I can turn it off I will be most grateful. Thanks!

Verizon_Support

Hi ArlenM,

You are using one of my favorite devices! Let's get your data under control. To stop your email from automatically downloading is quite easy! Go to Settings, then Mail, Contacts, Calendars. Then scroll down to where it says Fetch New Data, find your email account and change it from Fetch to Manual. This will allow you to pull your own messages. Keep us posted if you need anything else.

Thanks, BobbyS_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Verizon_Support

Hello emac30,

I'm glad to see that you are excited to get the most out of your upgraded device. We want you to love & enjoy your wireless device and wireless service. May I ask what model phone did you upgrade to? If you went from a 3G to a 4G device then there's a good chance that more data will be used. This is because on 4G, the data travels faster, allowing the user to do more in less time. Also, keep in mind that the media quality is much better on 4G than 3G, which uses more data to transmit. As some community members mentioned I would suggest turning off automatic app updates and background app refresh to assist in stabilizing data usage. Also, using wifi when available is an excellent way to supplement your data usage. Our goal is to always ensure that you are able to enjoy your device and services without having to worry.

Thank you...

ArnettH_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

ArlenM

Thanks, BobbyS_VZW,

Thanks for your reply to my question.

I actually had the email settings like that already.

I'm using Yahoo email. I want to still be able to open and read the email. But the way it acts now is without asking me or without telling me ... when it has an attachment it immediately begins downloading the attachment after I open the email. That is what needs to be set to off.

On the iPhone 4 it did not download until I clicked on it to view it. This is costing me $10 more per month. It's a total waste. Furthermore, it's doing something I'm not asking for or needing.

Thanks for your help in resolving this quickly.

Arlen M

muvotx

Hi Michelle... you have to turn off all the cellular, LTE "Smart phone" features MANUALLY. If you just let a VERIZON iphone 5, 5s, 5c run with the factory default settings it will eat up RAMPANT amounts of cellular data (~3G per billing period by my estimation), without ever opening or using an app.

Yes just having the app on your phone, WILL CONSUME cellular data... until you manually turn off cellular data for it.

Follow my instructions in my video here, take a moment to read the discussions too!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47CM06N5gIo

lollipopguild

I too have been having a problem just in the last month with no changes in usage, service, hardware or software. This has happened for both phones on our contract which are normally well under 2 GB for the entire billing cycle. Suddenly, we went up to 4GB and with in 3 days we used up 1GB after receiving the 75% warning.

Ironically, I received a phone call right after getting the usage warning asking if I wanted to lower my data plan because I am paying for an extra 2 GB that I don't use.

Verizon_Support

Hi ArlenM,

Thanks for the update! Glad it worked out. Let us know if we can help with anything else.

Thanks, BobbyS_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Verizon_Support

@lollipopguild,

Let's get your phone's data usage back under control!

With these super fast 4G phone you can some times find yourself using a lot more data then you expect. This happened to me as well when I first switched over to a 4G device.

Have you tried the suggestion provided by your fellow community members? You want to make sure you close any apps not in use so they do not use data in the background. You can also change the settings so your email is not pushed to your phone automatically http://vz.to/1evkef4.

Also, when connecting to WiFi you want to make sure you turn off data to ensure your not using your data.

I'm confident these suggestions will help keep your data usage under comtrol.

JohnB_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Ron_Hi

My situation is pretty much the same as all of yours on this thread with one exception....several of you had concerns about exceeding your 2 GB and 3 GB plans but we have one iPhone 5 that is using over 11 GB per month!

My wife and I previously had an unlimited data plan with AT&T but their cell coverage and signal were awful so we left the unlimited data plan and went to Verizon for a 6 GB data plan with an iPhone 5 and a 4s. We then later added my stepdaughter to our plan with another iPhone 5. She had transferred from her father's Verizon plan that had unlimited data to our limited data plan, but I wasn't concerned since she had never used more than 1.5 GB per month and my wife and I only use about 1 to 1.5 GB per month combined.

Due to a couple of months that went over the data plan amount, I have since upgraded our plan a couple times and are now at a 10 GB plan which is still being exceeded. We have been to Verizon and Apple stores multiple times but they have not been much help. We did originally find that there was a "Email and Data Synch" feature that was 'mistakenly" carried over from her previous plan that I had thought would definitely fix the issue once turned off but data usage is still out of control and increasing each month.

She has even had her phone replaced thinking that it was a hardware problem with her original phone but that didn't resolve it. I have tried to determine what apps or processes are using the data, but my stepdaughter has been away at college so is difficult to troubleshoot. Several of the data usage spikes occur in the middle of the night so I would think it must be caused by apps that are running in the background and/or are auto-refreshing. She has tried turning cellular data off and also powering off at night and closing/undocking apps at night. We have also turned off the iCloud settings so that shouldn’t be the issue.

I would think that there are only certain apps that are even capable of using so much data so that should narrow down the problem apps? Since I also have an iPhone 5 only use about 0.5 GB, I would suspect that it is one of the various apps that younger generations use obsessively such as Instagram, Facebook, NetFlix, or any other app that offers excessive uploading and downloading of photos and videos. I now only have a few days before she returns to college and would like to try to resolve while she's here at home with her phone.

I have now also paid the extra $5 per month to impose a data limit to her phone but now that doesn’t seem to be working so I will have to contact Verizon about that now too. Sure would be nice to be able to switch her back to her father’s unlimited data plan…..

Thoughts anyone?

Verizon_Support

Hello Ron_Hi - Let's get to the bottom of this once and for all! When checking the data usage statistics in Settings>Cellular>"Use Cellular Data For:" What is using the most data? Also click System Services and review that list. May I also ask the current iOS version on her device found under Settings>General>About. I look forward to your reply!

Thank you,

YaleK_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZwsupport

achap78

I have to chuckle and shake my head while reading all of these frustrated user posts. I'm in the same exact boat, huge, outrageous data usage this year. Before any Verizon rep jumps on here and starts offering me advice, save it, I've been through every fix, app, device option available. First, I find it hilarious that Verizon's answer to this problem basically consists of, "Quit using your device as its intended. In fact, never use your device at all."

What a crock! After three different phone calls to customer service, I still cannot get a clear answer to my problem. I have five phones, two mobile hot spots, on a huge 16gb data plan (approx. $400/mo. base charge) and I still eat up around ten overages a month (1gb @ $15). I never got close to this amount in the previous six months. I know we're a large user, with multiple devices; however, in order to solve my problem I became down right draconian in my monitoring of phone usage! I took all the phones, ran through every available data using option, turned off 90% of phone functionality, shut down my hot spots permanently and yet, the huge bills continue! I can't even turn on my hotspots without gargantuan, darn near immediate data overages! It's quite ridiculous, they recently sent me two new hotspots to see if the problem lie in the device, not the network. I've had one, just one, of the new devices turned on for less than an hour total over the past two weeks and its reporting 20.5gbs of usage! Flat out ridiculous and utterly impossible.

Verizon doesn't want to address this problem seriously, and they're going to pay a huge cost in lost subscribers. I'm ready to break my contract, pay the fee, and move my entire family and $400 worth of monthly service to Sprint. Thank Verizon, thanks for playing low down and dirty with a long time loyal customer.

unknown

Unfortunately when verizon wireless went to tiered and shared data plans from unlimited it was because it will generate huge profits. It costs pennies for verizon to supply data but charge a thousands times that in customer based usage. With the base number of saturation in customers and the decline in calls and texts, they found a bonanza in generating money and profits.

With such disclaimers as the average use for customers is 2Gb or less it sounds good on paper. However numerous people have complained that on these shared or tiered data plans where once they used less than 2 GB per month are seeing huge overages. Then verizon states unlimited data is unsustainable but that is hog wash, it is sustainable if customers go over in data use at $10-$15 per gigabyte. But not sustainable at $30 for unlimited. Because people pay more still does not mean its being used less, but its sustainable in getting more money out of their customers.

The two providers Sprint & T-Mobile offer unlimited data at $20-$30 but they have less customer base. I posted two links in another thread that shows there really is no need not to have unlimited data except for the insane profits AT&T and Verizon Wireless make. Don't buy into the network could be congested so we charge more. Paying more has nothing to do with network congestion. And don't fall for that each tower only handles 40-100 customers at one time. MIT and other sites each say that each tower can handle over 1700 connections and more. And has proven in some times of the day cell customers reach peaks of hundreds of thousands or more. Yet the towers handle the load just fine.

And data is just converted as if you were speaking on the phone. So not being able to have unlimited use for data is just for more profits.

Don't stay with Verizon if you want unlimited data since its only for people like me that has it grandfathered in and pay full price for their devices.

Shop around and make an informed decision.

Good Luck

achap78

Yeah we're absolutely done with Verizon, probably going to switch to Sprint today. I hate switching though, I'm a very brand loyal customer in general, and I always feel so uncertain when switching services. I like what Sprint's pitching with their "all-in," unlimited plan. They promise unlimited text, talk, and data for $110 a month; but I can't help feeling like I'm missing the micro print on the contract. Plus, Sprint's right in the middle of revamping their entire network for LTE, so their's the question of coverage and service quality. I don't see any other choice though, Verizon's soaking us for tons of money every month. Even if we are consuming the load of data they purport, I still believe its terrible they're willing to hose their loyal customers with high fees. I'm facing two options: a switch to Sprint; or quit using my devices entirely while still paying for service. Choice is clear, bout to take another leap of faith to Sprint.

unknown

Sprints everything plan for life is $65 plus taxes and surcharges. That is if you want to purchase a phone over time, and no contract. You will get a $100 off each line you port over. If you take the unlimited talk and text at $50 and add unlimited for $30 you pay $90.03 per month after you pay a small price for your device and sign a two year contract.

Its true Sprint has now started a push for 4 G LTE but if they acquire T-Mobile that issue will be greatly expanded since they will have LTE in places they did not have it before. Just pick the right plan to save some money. http://www.sprint.com

My friend has them and he says he gets mostly 3G where he lives, but it is stable and unlimited. Says customer service is great, but I have read its just so so in that case only other customers can say if its good or bad. Also check coverage.

Good Luck

muvotx

Heres what I have had to do to keep cellular data in control... basically dial back my 5c and turn off all smart-features, only activating them as I need it.

Since doing these steps my data use is barely .35-4G per cycle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47CM06N5gIo

tsflash

The EXACT same thing has just happened to us! We just added two new iPhone 5C phones to our shared data plan. The things are using data when they are sitting idle and connected to our wi-fi! We also have two iPhone 4S phones and one iPhone 5. None of these three are doing this, however. We now have dumbed down our brand new Smart Phones (which we pay $40 EACH every month) so that my daughters can't even use them as Smart Phones any more. WHY?? This makes me very, very frustrated. To make matters even worse, when we upgraded from 2 gig to 4 gig, the sales associate didn't do it correctly, and we LOST .5 gig on our plan and were reduced to 1.5 gig for the rest of our plan month! We've contacted customer support twice, been assured it's been resolved, but our account STILL shows that we only have 1.5 gig on our plan. NOT. VERY. PLEASED. WITH VERIZON!

CathryneMarie

All of the responses Verizon is giving are a crock. I have a 4g device. When I switched from 3g to 4g, I used my device exactly the same. I didn't turn off cellular data. My data usage stayed the same. I have a Galaxy S4. I use between 1-2gb a month. That has not changed from when I had my Droid Razr to my Droid Charge, and then from my Galaxy S3 to the S4. Something is wrong with either the iPhone 5-5c-5s, or it's a problem with iOS7. I have not seen that much data usage with any other line besides someone that is constantly streaming music AND movies on 3g or 4g. Something needs to be figured out either on Apple or Verizon's end as to why these specific phones or iOS7 is using SO MUCH data. It is NOT the user's fault and they shouldn't have to increase their data plan due to a fault with the phone.

slartibart

I don't have an answer yet as to what exactly is eating up the data, but I would *not* start by blaming Verizon. Their customer reps may be incompetent and unable to actually understand your problem, but my belief is that the issue rests with the iPhone operating system. When your iPhone goes idle (that means the screen goes dark), it will turn OFF its wireless connection. (This also happens on the new mac laptops.) So, now when any of your apps need to update data (e.g. facebook updates, new emails, etc.) they need to do that update over your cellular data.

We did an experiment to prove this today. We turned off EVERY RUNNING application (i.e. double click home button, swipe up method), confirmed that wireless was connected, then let the phone sit on the table for the day unused. Tonight we just checked our data usage, and sure enough cellular data usage occurred at regular intervals during the day, some of them much more than 1MB.

Verizon does not release detailed data reports on what is being download (likely due to threat of privacy violation -- perhaps I could ask the NSA instead??), so I can only guess at what app is actually doing the downloading. However, we now know that at least one app is eating up our cellular data due absolutely NO ACTION on our part. So, please customer reps, no more suggestions about not streaming video, music, etc.

We will continue to dig into this issue and narrow down the responsible app(s) and in the worst case, switch back to Android which does not appear suffer from this issue.

unknown

It's a know fact that as soon as your screen goes blank wi-fi is shut off an Iphones. So yes then you will start using data. Another reason not to get one of those things. And if your apps are on auto-update guess what, you'll end up using data. Android has a setting that only updates apps when on wi-fi and also you can shut off auto-updates altogether if the Iphone has such a setting I suggest using it.

Verizon_Support

achap78- We wouldn't want to lose you and we are here to help. Please accept my follow request and follow me back. We can discuss this via a private message. I want to see how we can resolve this issue and maintain your loyalty and business.

Verizon_Support

tshflash, we want you happily connected. Regarding your iPhone's, I recommend making sure any automatic downloads are set to off at Settings > iTunes & App Store > turn all automatic downloads to off and/or "Use Cellular Data" option at the bottom.

Regarding your data, we don't have a 1.5 GB plan but it sounds like your plan may have gotten changed in the middle of your bill cycle. When that happens, it causes partial allowances and potential overage. I hope this helps.

ElizabethE_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

QueenA123

I too am having issues with data on my iphone 5C. I recently switched over from a droid charge and never had any issues even coming close to using 2GB, very rarely even got to 1GB. It was a 4G as well, so I know that it's not that. I also don't use my iphone any more than I used my Droid. I have changed a lot of my settings recently after reading comments on here, but if I look at previous months bills I can see that data usage has skyrocketed in the last three months (when I switched). Hopefully the problem gets fixed soon, or I will be switching back to a Droid. It seems silly that you have to close so many options to cut back on useage. Isn't the purpose of a smart phone to be able to use it without having to worry about going over your plan? I'm not upgrading to more usage either since I never had the problem previously.

muvotx

FWIW.. my 5C does not behave this way. It remains connected to my wifi when the screen "sleeps" and the phone goes goes on standby.

When on my wifi, I can manually turn off all cellular transmissions and turn off the screen, putting the phone on standby-sleep... and the wifi remains activated.

unknown

You are correct. Both my iphones are still connected when on sleep, and when I plug in the charging cable.

My Netgear Genie shows them still active on WiFi

I could of sworn I posted a reply like this yesterday ??? Strange maybe I forgot to click post.

muvotx

This statement is NOT correct, it may have been at one point on an older iOS. But todays iPhone 5/5s/5c/4s do not behave as you describe:

"It's a know fact that as soon as your screen goes blank wi-fi is shut off an Iphones."

My 5c and wifes 4s remain LOCKED onto to my wifi when the screen "sleeps" and the phone goes goes on standby.

Furthermore, I can manually turn off all cellular transmissions and turn off the screen, putting the phone on standby-sleep... and the wifi remains locked-on. I stream www radio stations late at night this way. I log into my router and see my wifi devices.

tikibar1

Elector wrote:
I could of sworn I posted a reply like this yesterday ??? Strange maybe I forgot to click post.

You mean this one?

Liljnice

I have had the same issue as everyone has been discussing! i upgraded from the 4S to the 5 lost my unlimited and i was told by Verizon i was no where CLOSE to using 2GB EVER! so i would be fine…NOW I'm up to 5GB and i go over it every single month and I'm not doing anything different on my phone than i was on the 4S! Honestly I'm better off turning my phone off leaving it in a draw until my contract is up so i can switch to SPRINT with UNLIMITED EVERYTHING!! I have a iPhone that can't use ANY DATA from today the 9th until my new cycle which isn't until the 20th! this is just crazy

Verizon_Support

Hey there Liljnice,

I want you to be able to experience your phone to its full functionality. When using your device, do you connect to WiFi where available? This is the easiest and best way to manage and stay within your data allowance. How do you use your phone daily? Are you on the latest software version?

I would suggest turning off automatic downloads as Elizabeth suggested earlier in the thread. Here are the steps, Settings > iTunes & App Store > turn all automatic downloads to off and/or "Use Cellular Data" option at the bottom. I would also recommending using streaming services such as Netflix and Pandora over WiFi as such applications use the most data.

NicholasB_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

newbie

I thought very hard about switching carriers as 3 of my lines were up for renewal ...unfortunately I stayed with verizon and got two new 5s phones. My billing cycle started on Jan 4 and already got the message that the phones are at 50% data usage. From what I hear this is a VERY COMMON problem. If so why does not Verizon send out notices about the issue and how to correct. So much for customer loyalty.

mgoblue5271

Verizon Custom Support,

Could you please give us solutions?! We upgraded to the iphone 5s for our two daughters on Christmas Day. Since then we have used up our 2 GB data plan in just 3 weeks with no end in sight to the data munching. All of it on their two phones. Previously our family history of 4 Droids was that we never used more than 10% of the 2GB plan.

They are being very responsible and are using the iphones exactly as they were using their previous Droid phones. The difference is their iphones are using 20x the data. We have shut down every feature we can find to shut down and the data usage is still out of this world. They are NOT (and I can't make that NOT any bigger to emphasize it more) streaming videos or music so please do NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT answer back by telling us to stop streaming vids. Ok? Got it? Good! (I'm angry because you are not giving solutions to your paying customers...only unfounded accusations.)

We have tried shutting off every feature that the previous posts have suggested. Something is still causing our iphones to tear through data with no end in sight. Verizon has been nice enough to send us messages asking us to BUY more data. Huh! Nice solution (said the greedy company to the poor suckers stupid enough to buy their products!!!) Are you getting that? You are rewarding my loyalty by screwing me out of hundreds of dollars. We are literally days if not hours away from taking T-Mobile up on their offer to buy us out of our contracts.

Dear Customer Support, your company sold us the phones. You have no excuse for not knowing how they work!!! You should not expect us to pay for your phone's overages when you have no idea what they are doing. Give us a solution or waive the overage charges until you have a solution. Isn't that the most logical and ethical way to treat the customers you are asking to stick with you????

Sorry to interject a little common sense into this problem, but someone had to do it. And, yes, I agree with the other posts...if we have to shut off all the iphone features to keep it from using 10+ GB of data every month, what's the point in having the phone?

tsflash

AMEN!!!!!!

Verizon_Support

Hi mgoblue5271,

I apologize for the frustration! I understand you're trying to many things to lower the amount of data being used. However, do you have access to wi-fi? This can help with your data usage and conserve on the data allowance on your plan. Also, we provide a data calculator to gauge the amount of data needed as well as monitoring the usage. Here's a link to help http://tiny.cc/tf4o9w.

EdW_VZW

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mgoblue5271

I don't know how Verizon thinks they can get away with this. Word spreads fast. I too will contact my local TV stations for investigation. I'm all for paying for usage that I have used. But our iphones are using data all on their own. And since I have taken every possible measure including having the girls actually power the phone completely off when they aren't using them, I believe it is illegal for Verizon to charge me for the usage that their product is consuming. I have even contacted Verizon and they can't provide any help. All the while the same 5s phones at other carriers aren't actin like this. Our friend bought a 5s at the same time we did from Sprint and her phone isn't using anymore data that a Droid phone. She's 3 weeks into her plan and it has used less than 0.5GB. My daughter shut down almost all of her 5s features on Friday night. By Monday morning her phone alone used up 15% of our monthly plan in less than 2 days. She was either at home in our wifi or at work with the phone powered completely off for most of that 2 days. As soon as she powers it on our data evaporates. And all Verizon can do when we call for help is tell us to give them more money???? Seriously Verizon. You're asking to get hammered in the media if not the court room.

mgoblue5271

Here's an update...I am working directly with an Apple tech to see if Apple has answers that Verizon won't provide (since Verizon has a monetary incentive to perpetuate the problem as they are raking in millions through upselling data plans). The Apple tech helped me shut down literally every source for data usage on the phone. The only apps left running are running completely off my home wifi so there isn't supposed to be any data usage at all. None. Zip. Nada. We covered everything. Then we reset the data statistics calculator to zero. The Apple tech is scheduled to call me back in 24hrs to check the data usage. In theory, it is supposed to be zero. We have the phone set to run only on wifi. It became apparent to me there is a flaw in the hardware or the OS. After hanging up and walking upstairs...maybe 1 to 2 minutes of time at most...the data statistics counter was up to 0.3kb of usage. While that's small, it should have been zero. And if you take that one minute of data use on the idle phone and multiply by a 30 day billing cycle, the data usage will be off the charts. It's obvious to me that Verizon bears some culpability here. We customers have been reporting this data bloat and seeking a solution since the launch of the 5s. Verizon knows, yet their customer support act surprised every time we call/write in for help. Ultimately they blame us for using data (when we're not) and tell us to buy more data. This is malpractice at best...extortion at worst. Verizon has had plenty of time to acknowledge there is a flaw and present a simple non-charge policy until the problem is fixed. After all, I have been responsible in monitoring my usage and seeking help as soon as I detected a problem. Verizon...why can't you do the right thing?

newbie

Has apple been of any help ?... I did send a link to two local tv stations regarding the problem. Hopefully they'll pick it up ...just another big corporation trying to screw over its customers.

unknown

As long as the device Apple sells functions as it was designed to do, you have no case with Apple.

I would say the data problem is with Verizon Wireless. Other forum posts are saying other devices are having the same issue.

Faulty counters? Faulty Settings? I just don't know.

Good Luck

keltikrain76

I have the exact same problem. My son got the Iphone 5c for Christmas. He had the Iphone 4 for the past 2 years. We never came close to our max 4g of data. Here we are with 8 more days left on our billing cycle and we already have 3.5g of used data. After monitoring the charges...he had a huge chunk just this morning....while he was sleeping. This is ridiculous. We will be disabling the data as soon as I get home. What is the point of having a smart phone if you can't use it. Other carriers are not having these issues....Come on Verizon. We need this to stop. I will NOT be renewing my contract if this persists. We have been with you for over 10 years.

Delffs

This is a problem with Apple iPhones in general. I was noticing the extreme amount of data being used and did some research....this is what I found http://ios.wonderhowto.com/how-to/monitor-app-data-usage-ios-7-disable-data-hungry-apps-from-sucking-up-your-money-0147394/

This link will show you how to turn off some of the apps that are updating in the background to stop the data from being eaten up so fast. Many of these you are probably not aware of anyway.

726mom

I have had this same issue. Thought we had it resolved, not by doing anything differently, at all, but the data usage went back to our norm. Now here it goes again, without explanation. We truly can't afford this. Verizon, MUST address the situation, before there is a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. It is happening to EVERYONE.

unknown

There are no Class Action Lawsuits allowed so ruled the US Supreme Court.

Only private rights of action on an individual basis.

Good Luck

cpoulton

I guess I can officially add myself to this little group here. Upgraded my wife's phone about 6 months ago from an unlimited data iphone 4s to a 2GB 5s plan. Hadn't really noticed that she was using more data because fortunately, she wasn't quite hitting her 2GB limit. However, while switching over to the More Everything plan, I was astonished to see that her data had gone from a consistent .5GB to almost 2GB a month when she switched phones. I have a droid device that I use MUCH more than she does, yet my data is always around 1-1.5GB. Furthermore, 10 minutes after switching my plan, I logged onto Verizon and looked at my data usage. It told me that my usage had been reset, and the resulting numbers reflected my data usage since making the change. Guess what? Somehow she used 440MB of data in 10 minutes while being connected to wifi and doing nothing on her phone. I called Verizon, and like many others on this forum, I was met with an extremely unhelpful representative. His response was, "Your wife is using the average amount of data so you should be happy." No, Verizon. My wife is not using the normal amount of data. She USES much less than the average amount but PAYS for the average amount. I find it amazing that Verizon can basically say whatever number they want to say when determining what your data usage was for the month, and then they can hide behind "we're protecting your privacy so we don't know what that data was used for." We're just supposed to believe they're being honest when they give us that number. My data use listed on my phone doesn't come close to equaling what Verizon says my data use is. I'm sure the other companys may do the same thing, but it's obvious that there is something wrong here. Either Verizon or Apple, or both need to figure this out. I am a looong time Verizon customer. Verizon, do not respond to me with your useless advice to "fix" this problem. None of these suggestions work. And for those who say I should be blaming Apple more than or instead of Verizon? I bought the phone from Verizon, and I pay for the service from Verizon. That money goes to Verizon every month. And they can't even tell me what I'm paying for?!?!?!

willivy

As a very long time Verizon customer, I will be ending my service because of this Iphone5 data issue!

Scithe13

Interesting, I haven't noticed a single person in 8 pages of thread skimming mention that this is a problem on Android, Windows mobile, or Blackberry, but maybe I missed it.

Contrary to the assertion that it is "everbody", my brother has a 5S and my mom has a 5 and their data usage has not changed. Both upgraded from the iPhone 4.

It seems to me that APPLE must have an intermittent problem with their software or hardware. Like it or not, your phone used the data. That is not Verizon's fault. They provide a service that your phone used.

If I had this problem, I would be calling APPLE and demanding that they fix the issue or pay my overages.

I wonder if any of you iSheep are threatening to sue them.

vzwvictim

I've got news for ya. This IS Verizon's problem. My daughter's iPhone 5 appeared to be eating data, like everyone else in this and other forums and I turned off all the apps, started using wifi networks, etc., as has been suggested all over the place and none of it has made a difference.

Over the past two days, I've noticed that every six hours, there's a data bleed. 5:01 am, 11:01 am, 5:01 pm, 11:01 pm, etc. Sometimes its just a few KB, sometimes 100+ MB. So, for kicks and giggles, I had my daughter turn her phone off when she went to bed last night and she didn't turn it back on until 10 am. Guess what? I have a 30 MB data usage at 5:01 am, WHILE THE PHONE WAS OFF! OK, it's not much, but it should be zero.

Not Verizon's fault? Think again. This is Verizon committing fraud.

I'll be interested to hear the solution to this problem when I speak to Verizon tomorrow.

Verizon_Support

vzwvictim,

We want to make sure that everything is registering correctly. How long have you been seeing these kind of data usage? Is this just going on with your daughters phone? Were you able to reach out to us the other day and get any kind of answers to this solution. Please keep us posted.

KevinR_VZW

Please follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

vzwvictim

KevinR:

I plan to call your Customer Support today around noon. I'm unable to call now because I don't have the time this is likely to take, at the moment.

The data usage problems started during the last billing cycle. Like others, I scolded my daughter for being careless, only to find out that the phone is assessed data while it is connected to a wifi and she is sleeping and, worse yet, is being assessed data while the phone is completely powered down.

I will be expecting no overage charges this month and the cessation of fraudulent data being added to my daughter's line. Anything less than that and I will find another carrier.

Kevin

Private information removed as required by the

Message edited by: Admin Moderator

jsczeb

I Posted this on another post that I found from another site which clearly explains the 6 hour usage increments.

Duplicate content - please see:

Edited as required by the

Messaged edited by: Admin Moderator

LanaW

I've been having the same problem. My iphone 5c uses a lot of data and I don't download anything or stream videos or music. I simply just use Facebook and texting most the time, and don't do much else. I'm usually on Wi-fi at home, or at school or anywhere else I can get on it, but I still use absurb amounts of data. I've turned off apps that don't need any cellular data and most automatic downloads.

Has anyone gotten a Class-Action? Or a lawyer? If this is really that big of an issue perhaps we should really start doing something about it since Verizon doesn't seem to be helping.

unknown

No class actions allowed per US Supreme Court Decision.

All carriers customers are having this issue.

Good Luck

cloelo

A few months ago my iPhone 5 data started going through the roof as well, and I am not using my phone differently than before. EVERY month since January, I have exceeded my use. When I review the data times, there are times that I use excessive amounts of data while I am at work and my phone is tucked away. It is beyond me how this happens.

charliedagg

Not an IOS issue, it is a Verizon issue.

4-19-14 at 6:13 pm I bought 1 iPhone 5c and 1 iPhone 5s and had to change plans from unlimited data to the more of everthing plan with a set amount of data.

So these unexplained data amounts while the phone is plugged in and on home WiFi did not start until 4-19-14 with these new 5iPhones, so Verizon blames the phones and that even plugged in and on WiFi, you will still get cellular charges because the phones go into sleep mode and WiFi shuts off. Solution shut off cellular data anytime your on WiFi. It's a pain in the butt and one we should not have to do, but understandable because it's an Apple issue and they need to fix that.

Well this a load of garbage, because it is not the phones, it is not that the phone goes into sleep mode and WiFi shuts off. Because on 4-19 as I said I got these new 5iPhones at 6:13 pm. On 4-19 from 12 am until 6:13 pm I was using 2 4s iPhones. At 1:54 pm while on this 4s phone in my home on my WiFi, I performed a back up to my computer on this phone, because I was going later to get the new phones. I was charged 94.74 MB of data for this. On my other 4s phone I also have a charge at 3:32 am for 6.01 MB, this was also while I was at home on my WiFi doing a back up to my computer.

Never have I been charged in the 2 years and 4 months of having these 4s's cellular data while at home on my WiFi. Earlier in the month I did a back up on the one phone to my computer and then turned around and reset that phone and restored using this back up, not one charge of data appeared on my bill.

Charges did not appear until the day my plan changed from unlimited data to a set amount of data, and it occurred on the 4s phones I have had for 2 years and 4 months.

Once the new 5 iPhones were hooked up at 6pm, I have several legit cellular charges on both phones while at the store getting them and during my short drive home. However when we got home, got the phones hooked up to WiFi and to our computers to download our saved back ups from the 4s phones, we were again charged for cellular data. We ended up having to do 2 downloads because for some reason the first ones didn't transfer all our stuff. Guess what I got charged 2 times on both phones that were on WiFi transferring it over and on the 5s there is a 3rd charging during this period, for what I don't know, again it was hooked to WiFi. These phones were not in sleep mode, I was sitting there the whole time while the transfers took place. On top of that the 5s has 5 more small data charges that evening, while I was sitting and playing with the phone, setting up everything, so the phone was not in sleep mode. The 5c has 1 data charge while that phone was being played with and set up.

Further the 5s has 2 data charges for 4-20 shortly after midnight, again phone was being played with, on WiFi, not in sleep mode. But yet I was charged. The 5c has 1 data charge while being used and hooked to WiFi.

This is no iPhone 5 issue, can't be when it happened it on my 4s's for the first time in 2 years and 4 months the day I changed my plan from unlimited to limited plan. This is how Verizon pays back 10+ years of loyal service from their customers?

unknown

iPhone 5 AT&T data usage spike...: Apple Support Communities

high data usage iphone 5: Apple Support Communities

Fix iphone high data usage spike common culprit and how to stop data leak overage - YouTube

Sprint Community: IPHONE 5 DATA ISSUES

Bug causing iPhone 5s to use cellular data while on Wi-Fi may not be limited to Verizon

Why does the iPhone 5 use more data than the Sa... | T-Mobile Support

The iPhone 5 uses Cellular Data over...: Apple Support Communities

It is on all carriers. Not just Verizon. So common sense would now make it the device and not Verizon.

Good Luck

charliedagg

Was your response to my post?

Cause the whole bit on the iphones using cellular data while hooked up to WiFi when it goes into sleep mode, is not what my issue is. But this whole issue, is way more common with Verizon users then the other carriers on the iPhones, there are also some reports that happens on non apple devices to. Because of that it's not just an Apple issue, other devices have issues with it to. Common sense there tells me it might be both a device and carrier issue. Solution of shutting off Cellular is what we are all using for now, however when you turn Cellular back without doing a darn thing to your phone you get large chunks of data usage just turning it back on. So it's a bit bigger then just the sleep mode, seems to still be storing up stuff to slam you with when your phone is turned back to Cellular, instead of putting that all along on WiFi.

However that is not what I was talking about in my post. This cellular data was charged to me on 2 4s phones, when I had those phones in hand doing a back up on Wifi in my home to my computer, the phones never entered sleep mode and besides they are 4's, not 5's. Happened on these 2 4s phones on the day I bought my 2 5 iPhones, was backing up because I was getting new phones, it's the only time it has ever occurred on these 4s phones. How do you explain this?

Later that same day with the new 5's in hand, hooked to my computer, hooked to Wifi, while transferring the backup from the 5s phones to the 5's phone, I was again charged for data. Phones were in my hand, they did not enter sleep mode, they showed clearly that they were on wifi. For some reason the transfer of the backup did not take to either 5 phone, so I had to do it all again. Again I was hooked to Wifi, hooked to my computer, phone in hand and the phones did not enter sleep mode, they clearly showed wifi the whole time. You explain that how?

unknown

You know I don't have all the answers. However I have two iPhone 5s devices and I use WiFi 90% of the time and none of them use more than a few kilobytes or megabytes a month each.

My bill closing date was yesterday and I used 25 megabytes on one device and 13 megabytes on the other.

No excessive data use on either one. We have another device on Sprint and it used 14 kilobytes.

I have noticed that when I have them plugged in and charging it will use 1-3 kilobytes on certain hours both day and night. I just cannot say why many have no issues and a small percentage of users do.

This is as I posted happening on all providers. And it does not just encompass the iPhone 5 devices, I have read 4 & 4s devices do this as well.

The other devices not ios also have the issue, I have not read too much on them. Your iPhone 4 and 4s were 3G devices and data is not that great compared to the faster 4G LTE so that is probably the reason for the data spikes.

But we just cannot blame Verizon and say it is their issue. They don't sell phones. Apple does. The manufacturer is always the place to go to first with these issues.

Good Luck

charliedagg

The articles and posts you posted links to date all the way back to 2012.

That's 2 years this has been going on and the issue continues. I would say that Verizon needs to take some of that blame, they sell the device, they carry the plans that device uses and yet it continues.

They pretend when you call on the issue they have never heard of this problem before, your the first to call with it, when it is clear with 2 minutes spent on the internet, there are tons of issues, at least 2 years worth. What has Verizon done about this? Not a thing, they can't even be decent when you discover the problem(of course after you paid for the new 5 phones, gave up a perfectly good unlimited data plan), to tell you the truth, they lie to you. They tell you they never heard of it, they tell you your using extra data, they tell you of course the phone will use more data it 4g. Ya know how many phone calls it took for them to tell me to shut off cellular data when I'm not using it?

They don't let you return these 5 phones with a known issue to them, they don't let you exchange them for new phones that don't have the issue, they won't let you have your unlimited data plan back, they won't let you take your 4's phone and hook them back up to your new plan, unless you eat the $300 you spent on the 2 new 5 phones. The phone is defective, it does not work properly with VERIZONS data plans, VERIZON didn't take unlimited away until the 5's and the known issue of the data hogging.

Yep this is a Verizon issue to, and that excludes my other issue with data being charged on the day my plan switched on my old 4s phones. Which can only be a Verizon issue, it can't be a 4s issue, an Apple issue, as it didn't occur with those Apple 4s's until the day my 5's were hooked up and the new plan started, then I get data charges on my 4s phones.

unknown

Your unlimited data could have been spared if you paid full price for your phones. Since you are getting a device that costs $800 for $199 Verizon makes it you have to choose.

I pay full price all the time, I have unlimited data and will keep it as long as its offered. Not because I use a whole lot of data but I don't want to keep watching the counter etc.

Verizon took nothing away.

The iOS devices have known data bleed issues. I have posted those links be it if one was dated March 2014 the others were older but does not negate the fact APPLE has known about the issues and their iOS 7.1.1 was supposed to correct that issue and others.

14 days after purchase you can return the devices and pay $35 restocking fee per device. Hope you can get your plan back and look at other options.

If you research issues you have better knowledge to deal with Verizon lies as you put it.

Good Luck

carter3

I don't know if 3g vs 4g is a viable argument. I use an android phone and just bought my son an iphone5. In one week he was skirting with exceeding his data limit, using more data than I use in a month. There is definitely something amiss. My daughter wants an iphone but until this is fixed it will be on hold.

unknown

3G vs 4G - Difference and Comparison | Diffen

Good Luck

Verizon_Support

Let's explore options to correct any issues that are causing data usage carter3! Please ensure that this phone is setup to only update applications while connected to WiFi. Also, make sure that WiFi feature is always on as this will allow the phone to connect to open networks when available and this will extend your cellular data allotment as well. Keep us posted.

AntonioC_VZW

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VZWSupport

robin1717

My problem started when we went from the unlimited data plan with 4 phones to the share everything with 6 phones. When we had unlimited data, we were never hooked up to wifi and barely used 6 gigs of data between 4 phones. We streamed vides and songs and never had a problem. I got an 8 gig data plan in hopes that that would be enough for 6 phones, it was for about a month. That was in Jan 2012. It's now May 2014 and I just had to up it again to 18 gigs and we connect to wifi when we can, deleted apps that have a high amount of data usage, and even turn off data. To make matters worse, my one daughter's phone can't even connect to the wifi because it's grayed out. I've been trying to figure it out for over a year and finally decided to google it and came across this thread. This is so infuriating to me. I've been with verizon as long as I'v had a cell phone, but am thinking about switching because this is absolutely ridiculous.

Verizon_Support

Robin1717,

Lets get that data under control and your daughter's phone connecting to Wi-Fi again. I'm curious to see what is using so much data. If you go to Settings>Cellular and scroll down you'll find a list of your apps. Under each app's name you'll see how much data it has used. Which ones are highest and what are they?

Does your daughter also have an iPhone 5?

SarahO_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

szewcw

I have had a Verizon phone for close to ten years. Since the original Droid came out I have had Android phones. I recently switched from a Galaxy S4 to an iPhone 5s. I went from less than 1.5GB/month to now over 6GB/month. I have done nothing differently. In fact, i'm on a WiFi network 90% of my day. It appears that even when I use data across a Wifi connection it still counts as cellular data on my counters and on my bill. I have shut off cellular connections, but why should I? I'M ON A WIFI NETWORK!! None of this makes sense. Having had an LTE phone before the 5s makes the "LTE uses higher data amounts" a crock. I don't watch anymore videos, check anymore emails, do anymore on Facebook than what I did before with my Galaxy. In fact I probably do less since the screen isn't as big. Having to go through and shut off cellular connections manually is not an acceptable answer. Again, when i'm on a WiFi network, WHY AM I STILL USING CELLULAR DATA?? It defeats the purpose of a WiFi connection!! I don't want to switch, but seeing everyone else having this problem with an iPhone is making me consider another provider. Perhaps THEY can distinguish between WiFi or cellular connection.

unknown

What does the provider have to do with your device (iPhone)?

Simply buy another android.

I have the iPhone 5s and it still uses the same 25 MB as it always did. I don't use cellular while on WiFi. However if you go into settings and turn off apps to refresh under cellular it helps a lot.

I set up icloud sync over WiFi and while plugged in and charging. Please note the iPhone does occasionally switch to cellular 4G LTE when dormant. But if you turn off apps from cellular updating it should control your cellular data use.

http://www.apple.com/support can tell you the issue is on all providers not just Verizon.

Good Luck

szewcw

Cause I am not shelling out full retail for a phone.....If they (Apple) knows it's an issue, why are they not addressing it with a patch or update?

rcschnoor

szewcw wrote:

If they (Apple) knows it's an issue, why are they not addressing it with a patch or update?

That's a good question and one which you may receive better insight and action by complaining about it on the Apple forum. Verizon has no control over updates/patches/iOS operation on Apple devices.

Verizon_Support

Hello szewcw,

There's no need to consider another provider! I'm confident that together we can a resolution to the data usage. May I ask what iOS and carrier version do you have installed on the device? Also, what data services are being used on the device? Some of the popular data services that uses substantial data is YOuTube, Netflix, streaming radio, etc. If you can share this info then we can take a look into this for you.

Thank you...

ArnettH_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

szewcw

Verizon 16.0 and iOS 7.1.1

I understand those apps use larger amounts of data, but I am generally connected to a WiFi 90% of the time. Home, work, grocery shopping, the mall...they all have WiFi. So basically when I'm not connected to WiFi I'm driving or out with friends not using the phone for anything else besides text or phone calls (not while driving though, that would be illegal)

unknown

I think RC covered that in his reply.

However at the Apple forum customers are complaining. Apple is aware of data use, however and this is a big however..... Many users like myself are seeing no high data usage because we are proactive and not reactive.

If you turn the apps from updating over cellular and turning cellular off when on WiFi your data use on cellular will be very low. The steps I have outlined work, these so!utions are also posted at Apple.

Even though I have unlimited data on all lines no matter who the provider is, I like to conserve the cellular data use. I love WiFi and like you I grab it from supermarkets, auto dealers, home depot, Lowes and even doctors offices.

As I said if you were comfortable with Android phones that is what you should have stayed with. We use both types in our home. Trouble free. (Hope my luck holds out )

Good Luck

ChristineTB

Us too. We gave up two unlimited data plans because Verizon assured us we rarely used even 2 gigs. Now I'm on a Samsung that uses approx .8 gigs a month while the 3 iPhone 5's have skyrocketed us to close to 10 gigs (and only because one is in Europe and turned to airplane mode for the month.)

I sincerely believed that this is a backdoor rate increase. Verizon discussion boards show this issue was known more than a year before we switched. Their advice is to turn off cellular data. Then what good is the phone if my daughters need to use it to navigate, or to check emails? It doesn't explain why an iPhone4 uses next to no data and an iPhone5 uses a significant amount.

We've been Verizon customers for almost 2 decades (back when cell phones were large bag phones) but are investigating other options once our contract is complete. I've pretty much had it with the customer service.

unknown

3G is much slower than 4G LTE

I posted a web link on this on a similar thread. Google it.

Good Luck

szewcw

That doesn't even make sense...what difference does the speed make? 1 GB of data is 1 GB of data no matter how fast I download it...quite frankly I agree with everyone else that has posted, why should we have to turn off features that renders a smartphone useless? I understand that this may or may not be a Verizon issue, and may have more to do with Apple...but unfortunately, Verizon is the one that has to answer for it. (Or not, apparently, in this case)

shanberry

My daughter has 5c and we too had to upgrade and lost the unlimited data package so now we share 6gb and go over every month. Not happy when contract is up we r leaving. We have been with this company since 1999.

Tidbits

Apple code, and no one touches Apple code... To blame Verizon is like me blaming you for my car breaking down.

brianlunce

My wife and I had AT&The for 8 years, but she travels for business a few times a year and where she goes is in a remote mountainous region so she didn't get service or wifi there. Her company uses verizon and they take some sort of signal boosters up there so verizon users can get service up there. With her small company discount our bill was (supposedly) going to be about the same so we switched to verizon. Not the biggest mistake of my life but right up there. With AT&T she s had only 300 mb of data and I had 250. Now my data stays off all the time, I don't do facebook, Internet etc, I just had data because they force you to with smartphone. She keeps data off as well, using wifi at home and work, only turning data on to download a picture in a text or if she happens to be where wifi is unavailable. On eight years we never went over our limit not once. We now have 1gb of data to share and verizon has claimed and billed us for going over every month, this month they notified us two weeks into the month that we were already over!

brianlunce

We do not have iPhones by the way we have samsung galaxy s5

Verizon_Support

Hello brianlunce,

Thanks for the info. We want to make sure that your billing is accurate and matches your usage. May I ask do you have any widgets on the devices? If so then the data might being used on its own from the widgets. Some of the common widgets are the Weather app and the news app. If you do not use these services then I would suggest removing the widgets from the main screen to ensure that data isn't being used on its own.

Thank you…

ArnettH_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Verizon_Support

I'm so truly sorry that you are being billed a higher amount than you expected brianlunce. I can understand how upsetting it is to use a small amount of data and receive a much higher data charge. Do you and your wife have any applications on your phones that use data. Email applications and files that access the internet to view will use data when not on wifi. You can also view the data usage on your devices through your application manager. This will provide you with some details about which applications are using a larger amount of data than you expected. You can select menu>settings>application manager. How much data are you and your wife averaging with overages? I hope to hear from you very soon. Please let us know if you are unfamiliar with any of the application you see via the application manager. We can give you more information about how the data is being used for that application.

KinquanaH_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @vzwsupport

unknown

Then why are you posting in an iPhone thread?

Good Luck

unknown

Hi All,

Has a solution to this issue (data leak) been found?

Frustrating to see data usage blowing through the roof...

brianlunce

Thank you Elector for taking the time to log on just to be a smart aleck. If you must know I posted this on here to point out that it is not only happening with iPhones but others also and could possibly be a verizon issue as well as an iPhone issue. Sorry I was not notified that you are the post police.

khickson

My son just upgraded to an iPhone 5 and he has eaten 12 gigs of data this month. He has never used over 1.5 in 8 years. He does not stream music or videos and has turned off all his apps. This is ridiculous. I am over my data allowance 2 times this month. I have a daughter in law school using her Samsung Galaxy extensively and she only uses 1-2 gigs a month. Help

unknown

You said the magic word, UPGRADED. The new iPhone probably immediately downloaded everything to his new phone. They do that.

AelizaH

It's not the apps themselves. It's "background app refresh" in settings under general. Unless he turns this off the apps keep refreshing all day and night even when they are closed which will use data even on wifi because the wifi connection drops when the phone sleeps.

Sent from my iPhone

Verizon_Support

khickson We want your son to enjoy using his new phone and not cause you to worry. Can you tell us more details about how your son is using his phone? It is normal for higher data amounts if he switched from a basic or 3g phone to 4g. Also, it takes data to install software and transfer media to the device if wifi is not being used. Do you know if he can begin to connect to wifi to avoid overages?

SheritaH_VZW

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@VZWSupport