Auto selection of WiFi over mobile data Galaxy SIII

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jasonwaiheke

277 posts

Ultimate Geek

#130655 23-Sep-2013 11:28

When both WiFi and mobile data are turned on, does it auto choose between WiFi and mobile data, and which does it favour.
I want to know if I am at home, that it will favour my WiFi as opposed to mobile data, when I need data for email or internet or whatever.
And if I am out and about, and need data, will it see if there is a WiFi network it can use or will it just use mobile data.

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#901123 23-Sep-2013 11:30

WIFI should be priority 1 but you have not told us what type of handset you are using,

This should also be very easy to test, You know what the WIFI icon looks like when the handset is connected to WIFI

Inphinity

2780 posts

Uber Geek

#901127 23-Sep-2013 11:36

Assuming you have wifi enabled, and there is an SSId in range set to autoconnect that it can connect to, it will prefer wifi. But really, as john said, you can look at the icons to be sure.

Oblivian

7296 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#901129 23-Sep-2013 11:38

If you have the WiFi sleep policy enabled, when the phone locks the 3G will take over. You have to make sure it's set to always on. But you'll possibly start to notice your runtime get eaten into.

And John.. unless he ninja edited, its in the title ;)

jasonwaiheke

277 posts

Ultimate Geek

#901148 23-Sep-2013 12:01

Thanks.

So I set it up to auto connect to my WiFi at home when in range, like wise to any other WiFi networks I frequent. Then when I am in range it auto connects to the WiFi network, and data goes accross the WiFi not 3G, i.e. if connected to WiFi 3G is turned off, but outside or out of range of any known WiFi network data will go accross 3G.

What if I am out, at say McD's or some cafe or library, where there is a WiFi network available, but it is not set up, will it prompt to set up and connect to the WiFi when I need data or
will it just go straight to 3G?

Inphinity

2780 posts

Uber Geek

#901155 23-Sep-2013 12:16

If there is wifi network in range, but not one you have configured, you will get the "Wifi in range" icon (assuming you leave Network notification on, which is the default), but it will just use 3G data unless you actually then select to connect to the wifi.

If you're really that worried about 3G data, can I suggest turning mobile data OFF except when you explicitly want to use it?

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#901166 23-Sep-2013 12:38

Oblivian: If you have the WiFi sleep policy enabled, when the phone locks the 3G will take over. You have to make sure it's set to always on. But you'll possibly start to notice your runtime get eaten into.

And John.. unless he ninja edited, its in the title ;)

DOH!

jasonwaiheke

277 posts

Ultimate Geek

#901168 23-Sep-2013 12:38

Thanks all, I was just trying to get an understanding of how it works. I feel all the more certain and informed now. With the ability to share data between 3G and WiFi there is no issues as I doubt I will go over my 3G and if I get close I will just turn it off.

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johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#901193 23-Sep-2013 13:12

My Samsung S4 jumps straight on the WiFi at work and at home no issues

jasonwaiheke

277 posts

Ultimate Geek

#901793 24-Sep-2013 11:37

Thanks once again, the purpose for asking was to get my head around it all before getting an SIII, so I knew how to deal with it and what to expect, as it turns out, I will now be getting an SIII Mini, but one would assume it will all work the same, so once again thank you all.