Disappearing Data

[Spitefire]

Does anyone know how data is disappearing and what I can do about it? My data is turned off most of the time. On Sunday, at 2:06, it said 75% used, at 2:11, it said 90% used, then at the same minute of 2:11, it said 100% data used. But I only got all the messages all at once and also I was not on the phone during that time...

The second question is when I look at the Usage History, is the time for the SMS in EST or whatever our local time is? Because according to the Usage History, I was texting all during the times I am in class when the phones are put away... Very confusing. 

[RavingRaven]

@Spitefire 

Yes SMS is recorded in eastern time compared to your local time in your usage history. Plan data counters (and minute/text counters if applicable) reset at midnight eastern upon renewal so keep this in mind on day 30 of your cycle. This will throw of your phone's monthly data usage counter for data usage depending on your time zone.

[RavingRaven]

@Spitefire 

The 75%, 95% and 100% usage texts are sent out fairly accurately as per your current data usage. However if your phone was turned off or out of a service area they will be delayed as come in all at once or within a short period of time.

If that wasn't the case then look at your app data usage stats in your settings to determine what apps are using your mobile data. Check both foreground and background data usage (turn off all background data as it's not needed and can represent up to a third of your mobile data usage.)

Compare your apps data usage and screen time stats to see when you are physically using an app for data and when it may be background usage.

I suggest ensuring your 30 day plan calendar dates are set properly and update them for the months that have more or less than 30 days.  (ie. May has 31 days)

Use your data saver, data warning and limiter (with a buffer so you don't completely run out of data). This way if an app goes crazy you'll be warned or if you miss the warning your data limiter will at least stop your data usage until you investigate the data usage and re-enable your mobile data.

It is possible if you just went thru your 30 day plan renewal before the data usage texts came in that they were sent out based on your last day of service of the previous 30 day cycle. If you still have data you can safely ignore these usage texts.

Or if you are out of data then it's possible your plan data counter did not reset at renewal. This can be determined by adding up your data usage in your account for the past 30 day cycle. Your usage should more or less match your phone's data usage stats. If it didn't reset you'll notice a big discrepancy. Contact customer support with screenshots of your evidence and ask them to reset your data counter.

Click on the chat bubble at the bottom right of your screen to submit a support ticket.

[KrisNeedsHelp]

A lot of apps use data in the background without you opening them. Depending on what phone you have you can try going to settings and disabling these functions. 

[hTideGnow]

hi @Spitefire 

the reason you got the usage history at those time is that PM only update the usage history in bulk entry, once or twice a day.  So, it might say you used 200Mb at 12 midnight, but it actually means you used 200Mb throughout the day

and check your device data usage history and check which app used the data.