iPhone 4S uses TOO much data

_Persephone

I got an iPhone 3GS in Aug 2009 with o2, which came with unlimited data. I recently upgraded to a 4S, and as they no longer do the unlimited data package went for 500MB a month, as I was told that over the past 2 years, I had used about 200MB on average.

3 weeks into my new contract, I get a text message from o2 saying that I had used 80% of my data that month. When I called them to query this, the advisor told me that I had in actual fact used ALL of my data, and the text was late (what is the point in sending a warning text if it's too late - but that is a separate issue) . She said that I had been doing lots of downloading, although I hadn't actually been downloading any apps over 3G, as I wanted to keep my new iPhone tidy.

I'm now two weeks into my second month of this new contract, and have got the dreaded 80% text again. Someone has suggested that the new iPhone uses lots of data in the background, which is understandable as there is now the addition of the Cloud. I just wish I'd been told this at the time of taking out the contract, it seems that no one actually considered this when recommending me a tariff based on previous usage.

Do you guys think I have grounds to complain, or will I just have to suck it up and pay for extra data?

samba

Can you not turn off the cloud syncing?

NFH

This is problably down to the settings in your iPhone (e.g. iCloud as you have already pointed out), or is more likely something to do with the excessive battery drain that many users have reported with the 4S. The battery drain has been reported by some users as being caused by unnecessary and unexplained data usage.

_Persephone

Thanks for the replies... I've turned off the Cloud now... yes. But is there a distinction between uploading and downloading when it comes to data usage?

NFH - Is there a way I could tell if the battery has indeed been using data?

I just want o2 to give me free stuff basically.*
*Disclaimer - the above comment was tongue in cheek

hatewashingmachines

Turn off your Cellular Data until you need it.
Setting - General - Network - Cellular Data OFF

JJ_Egan

_Persephone wrote: »

Thanks for the replies... I've turned off the Cloud now... yes. But is there a distinction between uploading and downloading when it comes to data usage?


No both use the same data .



jje

NFH

_Persephone wrote: »

NFH - Is there a way I could tell if the battery has indeed been using data?

Yes, close all apps by double-pressing the home button and then hold down on an app to get the close symbol. Set all your e-mail accounts to fetch manually. Turn off iCloud and anything else that might use data. Reset the built-in data counter. Leave "mobile data" switched on. See how much data is used after an hour or two. The data counter distinguishes between uploaded and downloaded data.

gjchester

_Persephone wrote: »

Someone has suggested that the new iPhone uses lots of data in the background, which is understandable as there is now the addition of the Cloud.

Siri also works by sending the voice (although compressed) to Apples servers and then they send the data back to do the magic. Use Siri a lot and you'll see higher than average use.

Cloud backup should only happen when the device is plugged in, locked and connected by wifi, (ie when your charging it at night) it should not be using 3g.

Jon2t

Hi,
I have the same problem; I had an iPhone 3gs with 02 & got told that I only use about 3/400mb over last year.
I got iPhone 4gs three months ago & every month I reach the 500mb 1 or 2 weeks before my bill & data resets.
I've spoken to 02 on several occasions but they say it's my usage or handset problem.
I have turned off all notifications except phone, messages & calendar.
I have turned off all location services manually one by one & gone into system services at bottom of location services & turned off setting time zone as requested.
This seems crazy that I have to do all this & reduce my usability to keep data under 500mb.
02 just don’t want to know about this even though I have told them that there are lots of users on different blogs all saying the same thing.
I spoke to another user on T-Mobile & he uses lots more than me with you tube etc. & never had a problem.
I will update in a month to let you know if the changes make a difference.

visidigi

YouTube on mobile network will kill your data allowance VERY quickly - I have a 4s and have had no problem at all, I have set up wifi as much as I can - and frequently look out for decent free wifi round the city etc.

Avoid YouTube on mobile data...

Buzby

Uploading and downloading ALL count to your data traffic. Rather than turn off all data, simply configure it so that WiFi is used and not the mobile network. My data costs have hardly changed, but I was prepared to set the parameters in 'Settings' carefully.