Way to Stop Data use

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beehappy

104 posts

Master Geek

#82377 28-Apr-2011 08:25

Hi
have made the plunge into Andriod with a Galaxy S-T from telecom
my problem i cannot seem to be able to turn off data downloading even when i am at home on Wifi

is there an app to do this (even my Nokia could do this)

to be honest after getting a txt from telecom to say i am 120% over my limit this has spoiled my new phone enjoyment.

many thanks peter

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5059 posts

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#463219 28-Apr-2011 08:40

That's strange. On my Android (2.2) it automatically finds previously connected wifi and stops downloading 3G data.

Make sure the wifi functionality is always switched on on your phone.

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AlwaysAndroid

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#463221 28-Apr-2011 08:44

Hi

I use a free widget on my home screen called Mobile Data Switch (downloaded from the market), one tap and no more randomly downloading data! Im sure there are heaps of others like it out there...

Good luck!

joff_nz

446 posts

Ultimate Geek

#463226 28-Apr-2011 08:48

I think, maybe more importantly you should be adjusting your data plan, it doesn't sound like you're on one appropriate for such a phone.

langers1972

1039 posts

Uber Geek

#463228 28-Apr-2011 08:50

beehappy: Hi
have made the plunge into Andriod with a Galaxy S-T from telecom
my problem i cannot seem to be able to turn off data downloading even when i am at home on Wifi

is there an app to do this (even my Nokia could do this)

to be honest after getting a txt from telecom to say i am 120% over my limit this has spoiled my new phone enjoyment.

many thanks peter

Are you sure you haven't got the setting set to turn off Wifi when screen turns off as that (for some bizarre reason) seems to be default?

Just go to Wifi settings and get the Advanced options and see what's set

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek

#463236 28-Apr-2011 09:02

which plan are you on?

bazzer

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#463239 28-Apr-2011 09:04

There's probably two issues here, here's what I've figured out.

Regarding use while at home on Wifi. I think the default action is to turn off the wifi when the phone is sleeping/screen off. You can change this in the wifi settings to always on. That's what I did? Why would I want wifi off when the screen is off, just to save a bit of battery? I assume when this happens, 3G is still active.

To turn off data permanently, there are a few options. You can turn off data in the settings (Wireless & networks -> Mobile networks -> Data enabled/Data roaming). This is not that useful, and the down side is it also disables MMS (I think). The other method is to leave data on but change the APNs (you can just change the internet APNs and leave the MMS one alone).

I use apndroid to do this. It has a widget that lets you quickly turn data on and off (i.e. appends apndroid to the APNs) while leaving the MMS one alone.

1080p

1332 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#463242 28-Apr-2011 09:12

There is no need for an app to do this the OS has it built in. I will always prefer Wi-Fi over 3G when both radios are on. It sounds like you only have the 3G radio on.

Turn both on and it'll automatically connect to Wi-Fi when in range.

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heavenlywild

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#463246 28-Apr-2011 09:18

1080p: There is no need for an app to do this the OS has it built in. I will always prefer Wi-Fi over 3G when both radios are on. It sounds like you only have the 3G radio on.

Turn both on and it'll automatically connect to Wi-Fi when in range.

Exactly, keep wifi on. It doesn't suck up any significant battery life, in fact, I don't notice it.

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bazzer

3438 posts

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#463252 28-Apr-2011 09:30

1080p: There is no need for an app to do this the OS has it built in. I will always prefer Wi-Fi over 3G when both radios are on. It sounds like you only have the 3G radio on.

Turn both on and it'll automatically connect to Wi-Fi when in range.

What is the OS built in method? It might be helpful if you tell the OP how to do it.

I wouldn't mind knowing myself, because I ddin't find any way to do what I wanted. It sounds like the OP wants to be able to easily turn data on and off any time (specifically when home on wifi, which others have covered is not as simple as you make it sound).

langers1972

1039 posts

Uber Geek

#463253 28-Apr-2011 09:32

Android by default will use Wifi if in range and data is therefore turned off automatically, as 1080p says you don't need an app

bazzer

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#463256 28-Apr-2011 09:38

langers1972: Android by default will use Wifi if in range and data is therefore turned off automatically, as 1080p says you don't need an app

Sure, but as you also mentioned, he likely has the default setting of Screen off = wifi off. Also, I got the impression that he wanted to control his data all the time not just when at home ("even when i am at home"). Admittedly, you don't even need an app to do that, but it makes things a lot simpler.

langers1972

1039 posts

Uber Geek

#463259 28-Apr-2011 09:40

To turn data off just go into Settings > Wireless and Network Settings > Mobile Networks and uncheck/check Data Enabled

bazzer

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#463260 28-Apr-2011 09:42

langers1972: To turn data off just go into Settings > Wireless and Network Settings > Mobile Networks and uncheck/check Data Enabled

Which is what I suggested in my first post, where I went on to mention why it wasn't that useful. First, it's a bunch of taps to get there. Second, it also disables MMS.

I was just wondering if 1080p knew something I didn't, but maybe not.

langers1972

1039 posts

Uber Geek

#463261 28-Apr-2011 09:46

I think 1080p was just saying that if you had the wireless settings correct and not set to turn off when screen does (and Wifi on permanently) then there's no need to mess with data as it'll do it itself.

I think we all have answered OP's question but haven't had a response from them to confirm what we've suggested

Ragnor

8218 posts

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#463299 28-Apr-2011 11:11

langers1972:

Are you sure you haven't got the setting set to turn off Wifi when screen turns off as that (for some bizarre reason) seems to be default?

Just go to Wifi settings and get the Advanced options and see what's set

It's kind of a sensible default to save power/battery, 3G data should also turn off when the screen turns off too but I'm not sure it does.

One question that hasn't be asked is what stuff have you installed? That can have a big effect.

Also I normally leave data on the whole time but turn background sync on/off as needed, very little data is used this way.

If you haven't already added the power control widget that comes with android to your home screen, this lets you turn on/off wireless, bluetooth, gps, background data and change brightness easily.

Looks like this:

Wireless | Bluetooth | GPS | Background Data | Brightness

Note turning off background data will stop some things updating automatically and I think disable gmail push notifications. You will need to go into apps like gmail and check "manually" (gmail > option > refresh I think) when it's off.

The other option is to turn background data on and off as needed, you don't need it on when you're asleep etc, up to you.

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