Electronics

[Susic]

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.

[PickyPicky3]

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

[Susic]

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.

[Ainhisg]

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.

[PickyPicky3]

@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.

[Susic]

@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 !

[PickyPicky3]

@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.

[Nightowlz]

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?

[PickyPicky3]

@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.

[Nightowlz]

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@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.

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@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.