topic Re: Data Saving on Tracfone? in Electronics

Data Saving on Tracfone?

Susic — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 15:38:35 GMT

Hi. For some reason , I am using Data very rapidly on my Tracfone. I have had Tracfone for many years and only use it on occasions when waiting , and keep it turned on when away from home as bought it mainly for driving emergencies. I use wifi when available and deleted apps not issuing . What else can I delete or turn off to save data? I am waiting for Black Friday sales to get regular cell phone , and don't want to run out before then.Thank you,,Susi.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

PickyPicky3 — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 16:03:01 GMT

Keep mobile data off except when you are actually using it.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

Susic — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 17:37:58 GMT

Thank you! I went under data usage, and turned off button for mobile data, and it said I won't be able to use apps that require internet connection, unless I use wifi. Is that the right button? Will I need to turn it back on for calls or texts? I have used 67mb of mobile data since 11-01. Think I got 1500 units with my new phone of about a month, and am down to 900 mb.Thanks again! Susi.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

Ainhisg — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 17:44:44 GMT

You don't need wifi or data for calls/texts. I don't know what brand of phone you have, but generally, you can swipe down from the top and see the choices to toggle on Wi-Fi or data. You would only use data if you are out and about and need to access an app or the Internet. At home, you would choose Wi-Fi if you have it. If you do not need to use an app or the Internet, keep the Wi-Fi and data turned off. Some people keep the Wi-Fi turned on all the time, but that is a massive battery drainer. And if you have a tablet or computer, you don't need the Wi-Fi turned on on your phone all the time, since you will likely do Internet activities using one of those other devices.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

PickyPicky3 — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 18:07:40 GMT

@Susic Yes, you turned off the correct button.

May I ask why you need a contract "regular" cell phone? Most of the people I know who need an unlimited data contract plan use them for work. Some people want a feature-filled camera. Otherwise, a Tracfone can meet the needs of most people. The price difference is huge.

You can always add one gig of data from Tracfone for $10 if you need to.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

Susic — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 19:05:06 GMT

@PickyPicky3 am planning to get rid of landline early next year as my cable tv discount will expire and will be $25.00 a month. And I rarely use it, except for call blocking telemarketers, especially Medicare plans lol! I agree, Tracfone is a good choice as well. I have 15,000 units of calls and texts saved up lol. I should have paid more attention to data usuage, suddenly it ran out. My iPad is getting older , so figured I might just as well get iPhone. Will see how shooting off data works for now, and then check options. So I can keep my phone on when I leave house, and not have to worry about data usage, unless I turn button on again? Thanks again for taking time to advise !

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

PickyPicky3 — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 19:17:36 GMT

@Susic Yes, keep phone on and data button off when out of the house. Your mobile data usage will drop a lot.

The only time I leave mobile data on is if I'm expecting an important e-mail -- like test results from a doctor. I can access my e-mails on my phone.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

Nightowlz — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 20:00:43 GMT

We ended up buying more expensive unblocked Samsung phones to use with Tracfone. We could no longer buy the cell phones QVC & HSN sell because Tracfone says they won't work in our area. No Verizon coverage. Verizon map shows we do have coverage so I have no idea why we can no longer use those phones?

I think my phone uses a lot of data because I have high text usage. I try to use my wi-fi while home but my phone keeps turning on my data & I keep turning it off?

I bought 5000 texts from Tracfone.

I need a phone for texting only. When will someone sell those?

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

PickyPicky3 — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 20:09:53 GMT

@Nightowlz Mobile data usage and text usage are entirely separate things.

The cost in phone contracts depends on data. Calls and texts are virtually free.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

Nightowlz — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 22:42:46 GMT

@PickyPicky3 wrote:
@Nightowlz Mobile data usage and text usage are entirely separate things.

The cost in phone contracts depends on data. Calls and texts are virtually free.

@PickyPicky3

I don't know why my phone turns off my wi-fi. It keeps using the data. I don't use my phone for email, shopping online etc. I do all that on my computer where I can see what I'm doing. Like I said I use my phone basically for texting so don't see why it's using my data or turning it on? I use Tracfone so no contract.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

PickyPicky3 — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 23:09:51 GMT

@Nightowlz If you have both wifi and mobile data on at the same time, most phones use mobile data. Do you ever have both on?

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

Nightowlz — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 04:58:57 GMT

@PickyPicky3 wrote:
@Nightowlz If you have both wifi and mobile data on at the same time, most phones use mobile data. Do you ever have both on?

@PickyPicky3

Sometimes it's on because somehow it keeps getting turned on. I have to keep turning it off. I'm not turning it on.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

PickyPicky3 — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 12:59:05 GMT

@Nightowlz Can't sleep anymore, so I'm up thinking about your problem. Wild guess:

On my Nokia android version 11, under Settings, Network & Internet, Mobile Network, MMS Messages -- That MMS switch says "Send & Receive (texts) when mobile data is off." That switch should be ON, otherwise your phone will turn on mobile data every time you send a text. And you send a lot.

Check your phone to see if you have this.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

Susic — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 17:31:18 GMT

@PickyPicky3 . I had turned off data. Was using Tracfone at home, so figured I was covered as far as minutes. Was told a new update should be done, and maybe that used up the rest of my data as I think wifi was off. Anyway, gonna buy a Data only card as you suggested for 1GB. And keep phone off most of time at home , and off on road. I can make calls and gmail, but texting not working. Even with wifi on. Hope that will tide me over til I can find a standard cell phone. Do I need data for texting? I rarely text, but once in a while someone requires this, like valet parking at medical apts. Thank you for your help,Susi.

addendum...I am able to text now. Plus call, and do email without data, with home wifi and no data. It is still a mystery to me, will see what happens when I go out later. Hopefully phone calls will work at least. Texting is not a necessity for me. Thanks again.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

PickyPicky3 — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 19:42:53 GMT

@Susic Look at all the new neural connections we're creating dealing with this.

You should check your phone for the MMS switch I described above. It might have arrived in an update.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

Susic — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 00:49:39 GMT

@PickyPicky3. I can't seem to get update to download without data . Need to get data card tomorrow. I can talk and text out on errands, so ok,for now. Not sure what happened. What a pain this is..thanks for helping out !

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

PickyPicky3 — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 01:28:39 GMT

@Susic Use your home wifi. Also, you can buy the add-on data right on the phone or the Tracfone website.

Re: Data Saving on Tracfone?

Susic — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 11:11:52 GMT

Thanks, will do that. Tried to buy Tracfone add on data at Walmart, was sold out. Appreciate your help!