Screwed once again...
aobp
Enthusiast - Level 2

I thought I had the issue of excessive data usage handled once my daughter set up her new iPhone to the point where it became basically useless.  I was wrong.  I have exceeded 14GB of data for the first time in 16 months!  Crazy that my 5 phones lines have rarely used more than 4GB/month since August 2012!  Verizon reps clearly have something to hide, as they have made me feel like I am crazy every time I suggest that there may be something wrong with their system.  Pretty sure I need to contact a lawyer....

Please share your common experiences.  This is a VERY big problem.

Labels (2)
Re: Screwed once again...
Misty_Dawn
Newbie

Is it possible one of your devices is set up to be used as a hot spot without your knowledge? It could be that someone is connecting to your device via the hot spot and using it to download and racking up your data. Just something you may want to look into. And keep in mind, smartphones use a SIGNIFICANTLY larger amount of data than lesser phones. Especially if you are using a non mobile browser or viewing videos or webpages that are in desktop mode. Be sure to use wifi whenever it is available, it will help to cut down on the mobile data being used.

However, 14GB of data is ALOT and it does seem like something very unusual must be going on.

Fortunately, I personally have not had any problems with Verizon as far as data usage charges and I use the crap out of my data. I did have the same type of issues with AT&T and it turned out there was an AT&T app pre-installed on my phone that was running in the background using data without my knowledge.

0 Likes
Re: Screwed once again...
aobp
Enthusiast - Level 2

My daughter upgraded to the iPhone5s from the iPhone 4s.  She did not change her usage in any way.  She now has to shut everything down at night, but her data usage continues all night while she is sleeping.  Verizon claims she is downloading music and streaming video, but that is not the case at all.  I am beyond frustrated and ready to get rid of Verizon.  The early termination fees will be much less than my data charges.

0 Likes
Re: Screwed once again...
muvotx
Contributor - Level 2

I have been able to control my 5c data consumption with these steps here... pls take a moment to read the commentary and detailed discussions too.

Spread the word... there are a LOT of iPhone users on Verizon getting billed and charged additionally.

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

0 Likes
Re: Screwed once again...
Sladybug64
Enthusiast - Level 1

Hello. I too feel like i am being bamboozled ! I have been with Verizon for 20 years and have never had any problems until recently. My granddaughter is on my line and she recently switched over to the iPhone 5s from the iPhone 4. We were on an unlimited  data plan until she upgraded to the 5s. Well she never even came close to 2gb of data and stayed on her phone streaming music, playing games, on social media site, etc. She upgraded to the 5s on a Friday and were recommended the 2gb data plan , by Monday she was already getting msgs saying she was 75% close to going over. Called Verizon to see why she was getting these messages in one day (by the end of the call a 90% message came to the phone) The rep said because data was prorated since it was mid cycle and she shouldn't be receiving the messages because she had only used 50%. Was recommended by a store rep to just upgrade to the next plan up which was the 4gb w/ hotspot just to make sure there were no overages, well that was last week and now our account is showing she has used 75% of data allowance and our cycle is not even ending until Dec.23! So basically I feel Verizon is a total RIPOFF with these new data plans. It seems like with this phone everything you do uses data, what use is it to have an "iPhone 5s" if you can't use it but to make phone calls? I will be looking to change companies because this is ridiculous !! I almost feel disrespected as a loyal customer.

0 Likes
Re: Screwed once again...
jroeder
Specialist - Level 2

Just remember that the 5S runs 4G whereas the 4S runs 3G, so it's much easier to use more data

0 Likes
Re: Screwed once again...
muvotx
Contributor - Level 2

Yeah you have to turn off ALL the cellular data usage from NEARLY EVERY app + phone function.  To a certain degree render it to a dumb phone... essentially.

Just for peace of mind I completely turn off cellular activity before I go to sleep at night... although I don't really think I need to.

My solution here:

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

0 Likes
Re: Screwed once again...
SR0211
Enthusiast - Level 3

Pretty much like muvotx, I turned much of my iPhone 5S stuff off unless I absolutely need it.  I now use less than 500 mb of data on a 2 GB plan per month.  My battery also goes for 3 1/2 to 4 days by doing the turn off thingy.  I'm not a kid that treats my iPhone as a toy or a computer that I use all the time.  I have a computer for those things like movies, Music, YouTube and Games.  I only take a few pictures, and txt once in a while.  Expensive dumb phone ?  OK, but I have the money for it.  

0 Likes
Re: Screwed once again...
G-Daddy65
Enthusiast - Level 1

Hello all, similar to most of you I previously had (2) iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 devices with unlimited data and I never exceeded more than 6 GB data within a month. I feel if we have to disable the majority of features that attracted you to the iPhone devices then it isn't worth it. Also add iMessage to the list of things to disable on your iPhone because outside of WiFi it also consumes data (curious, under my previous plan any messages sent via iMessage appeared under the MESSAGING not DATA billing). Like some has stated in the treads, I too noticed my wife's phone consuming data in the early morning hours and the explanations offered by Verizon is unacceptable. At this point Verizon needs to make this a high priority to resolve from a PR and possibly legal standpoint.

Re: Screwed once again...
SR0211
Enthusiast - Level 3

Its the iPhone, not verizon that you want to be angry at.  LTE setting turned on uses much more data faster than 3g, and the reason one must turn off some of the apps, specially ones you do not use often or can turn them on when needed, not leaving them on so it downloads updates during the day or night.  Many of use have learned to adjust this, and no amount of ranting will change it.  Using SIRI a lot will use up data fast.  Playing with the Speed Test app takes many MB of data each time one uses this.  Other programs (Apps) do the same thing, so you have to learn which ones do and be aware of them. 

Use 3G more often to save data.  I have, and it works well, but doesn't use up a lot of data. 

0 Likes