How can I find how much data I've used, Vodafone says it's not possible

emma12345

I've taken out an upgrade with Vodafone which includes data of 500 MB a month and a Samsung Galaxy phone.

I'm new to Smartphones and data so am a bit worried I'll end up running up a huge bill for using the internet outside the house. I'd like to check how much I've used so far this last week so I don't go over. Is this possible?

Vodafone told me to dial 44555, option 2, but data usage is missed out. Then go into internet account - not shown there. After several calls they now say it won't show on account as it's an extra service that has been provided, outside of the pay plan charges. They say I would have to ring them every month and they would tell me. But each time you ring you have to wait ages for a call back and even then they don't tell you!

I'd like to keep the phone and continue with Vodafone but am nervous of using the internet now in case I go over the limit and run up a huge bill. I don't want to go through the hassle of returning the phone but it looks like I'll have to.

Any solutions? I spoke to more than one operator at Vodafone, I know Vodafone have a bit of a reputation of not being very knowledgeable or professional so I wonder if anyone else knew the answer? Is there anywhere could look on the phone for how much has been used maybe?

Thanks for any replies.

£note

Simple, just download 3g watchdog (free) from the android market. It monitors your usage whilst connected via 3g and you can set it to disable your connection when you get close to your allowance limit.

cokezer0

Hi Emma,

When I login to "My Account" my data usage, minutes and texts are all displayed on the right hand side under "What you've used since your last bill".

If nothing is displayed it can take a few days to show up.

Hope this helps!

robbies_gal

theres a few apps you can download i have data counter seems pretty accurate

emma12345

Thanks for your replies, I've downloaded the 3G Watchdog App for this and it seems to do the trick.

When I login to 'My Account' on Vodafone it no longer shows how many minutes and text I've used or shows data. It used to do this but now just say 'Loading...' and stays there. Customer Service are no help. Wish I'd gone with O2 now. Oh well, I've got 2 years to regret it!

cokezer0

Getting a knowledgeable Vodafone rep seems to be pot luck these days but give it a week and it should all start appearing for you.

If after a week it still says loading I would send them an email (don't call them) as you are more likely to get your email passed to the correct department who can fix it for you.

Vodafone

Hi emma12345,

I am sorry to hear that your My Account is now longer showing your usage month to date. If you would like me to take a look at this for you, you can email me via the address here with WRT135 FAO Heidi in the subject. Please also include a link to your post.

You can also check your usage by dialling 44555 from the handset.

Many thanks,

Heidi
Web Relations Team
Vodafone UK

crispy_chris

I got a deal with retentions including 500mb free internet, however as this bolt-on was given to me free it doesn't show online and in fact My Accounts states that I have 0mb inclusive data.

Really annoying as the Lumia 800 doesn't have an app that will manage data usage so I either have to call Vodafone everytime I want to check my usage or manually go through my unbilled usage and add all my data together.

Most disappointing

emma12345

crispy_chris - That's basically what they said to me - I also went through retentions. If I'd have known this then I probably would have gone with O2. However the 3G Watchdog App recommended by another poster does tell you how much you've used and warns you when you get close to your limit - no adding up needed. Not ideal I know but it is a solution.

emma12345

Vodafone_company_representative wrote: »

Hi emma12345,

You can also check your usage by dialling 44555 from the handset.

Many thanks,

Heidi
Web Relations Team
Vodafone UK

Thanks for your reply. I was also told this by Customer Services (after a long wait for call backs). However data used is not shown in the text back - just minutes.

They then said they could tell me how much data I'd used over the phone - but they never did!

Then they looked into it further when I suggested they put me through to complaints as I wasn't getting anywhere. They then came back to me and said the data was set up separately and would never show on the account (except on the bill I would guess). They said if I was not happy with this then I could cancel - did I want putting through to Cancellations? Nice to know Vodafone value their customers!

Perhaps they should have suggested using an App to monitor data usage - I would have been quite happy with that. But they told me there was no way to monitor my data usage unless I call them every day/week- which can take half an hour each time and isn't really practical.

I really would like to be able to see how many minutes I am using and have the online account work properly again though. I am awaiting to hear back by email this time from Customer Services.

The way they dealt with this gives me the impression that Vodafone really no longer care about their customers. They have got too big, it seems we are worth very little to them.

Thanks for your reply though.

caz2003uk

I have the vodafone app and this shows you minutes remaining, messages sent and mobile data remaining!