How To Check Hidden Mobile Data Usage

Hidden mobile data usage is one of the most frustrating parts of owning a smartphone — apps running in the background, automatic updates downloading without permission, and cloud services syncing photos at the worst possible times. While the best mobile plans handle data transparently, most can be outright unpredictable. At best, it may just bog down your speed. At worst, you may blow through your monthly data limit before you even realize it.

Learning how to check mobile data usage is the first step toward taking control of your smartphone and avoiding unpleasant surprises. This guide will walk you through the built-in tools on both iOS and Android devices, show you practical ways to monitor your data consumption, and explain how you can restrict those sneaky background processes that drain your monthly allowance without you even noticing.

What Is Hidden Mobile Data Usage?

Hidden mobile data usage is the cellular data that your smartphone consumes through apps and internal system processes without your direct knowledge. Also known as “background data,” it allows apps to refresh content, sync your device with the cloud, and download updates even when you’re not actively using them. If you’re not connected to WiFi, all of this happens on mobile networks and counts toward your data usage.

While these features keep your device current, they can quickly eat into your data limit over the course of your billing period. If you’re subscribed to a limited-data plan, this background activity can mean the difference between staying within your data allowance and facing overage fees or throttled speeds.

Checking Data Usage on Your Device

Both iOS and Android devices come equipped with built-in tools that let you monitor exactly how much data each app is consuming during your current period.

Monitoring Data on iOS

iPhone users can track their cellular data usage through the following steps:

1. Open the Settings app and scroll down to tap “Cellular” or “Cellular Data.”
2. Total data usage for the Current Period is displayed at the top of the screen.
   • Note that “Current Period” refers to the time since the last manual reset (See Step 5), not your billing cycle.
3. Data consumption by app is listed below, in descending order.
4. Toggle off cellular data for specific apps you don’t want accessing your mobile network.
5. Scroll to the bottom and tap “Reset Statistics” to refresh and start a new Current Period. To track monthly data usage, be sure to do so on the first day of your billing cycle each month.

Monitoring Data on Android

To check your data usage on Android devices and Android phones, the exact steps vary slightly between manufacturers like Samsung and Pixel:

If you’re on a Pixel device:

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Tap “Network & internet” then “SIMs.”
3. At the top, you’ll find how much total data you use.
4. For more usage details, tap “App data usage.”
5. How much data each app uses is shown below the graph.

If you’re on another Android device:

1. Open your Settings app.
2. Tap “Network & internet” then “Internet.”
3. Next to your carrier, tap “Settings.”
4. How much total data you use will be displayed at the top of the screen.
5. For more usage details, tap “App data usage.”
6. How much data each app uses is shown below the graph.

Using Carrier Tools and Apps

Most mobile providers now offer dedicated apps that show you your data use against your plan limits. These carrier apps often send push notifications when you’re approaching your data threshold and provide more accurate billing period tracking than your phone’s built-in tools.

Unfortunately, there is no way to set up data usage alerts on iOS directly, so the carrier app is your best bet. You can, however, set data warnings on Android. 

Many providers also include features to purchase additional high-speed data or upgrade your plan directly through the app. If you’re moving and need to maintain your services, these same carrier apps can help you transfer your plan to your new location smoothly.

Tips To Reduce Hidden Data Consumption

Once you know which apps are draining your data allowance, you can take specific actions to reduce your background data usage. Here are the most effective strategies for keeping your mobile data usage under control.

Restrict Background App Refresh

Apps refreshing themselves in the background — even when you’re not using them —  is one of the biggest culprits behind runaway data consumption. This feature allows apps to continually refresh their content, which means social media feeds, news apps, and your email inbox are constantly pulling new information over your cellular connection. 

You can disable this feature entirely in your smartphone settings or selectively turn it off for apps that don’t require constant updates.

Restricting Background Data on iOS

1. Go to “Settings” then “General” and tap “Background App Refresh.” 
2. There are three options:
   • WiFi & Cellular Data: Enables Background App Refresh without restriction.
   • WiFi: Will limit Background App Refresh to only when you’re connected to WiFi.
   • Off: Turns Background App Refresh off entirely.

Restricting Background Data on Android

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap “Network & Internet’ and then “Data Saver.”
3. Turn Data Saver on:
   • Data Saver restricts most apps and services’ background to WiFi only.

Disable Automatic Updates or Limit Them to WiFi

Automatic app updates can consume significant amounts of data, particularly when multiple apps update simultaneously or when large apps like games push out new versions. Both iPhone and Android let you disable or restrict app updates through their respective app stores, preventing your data plan from taking a hit every time a developer releases an update. 

Disable Automatic Updates on iOS

1. Go to “Settings” then “Apps” and open the App Store.
2. Turn App Updates off.

Disable Automatic Updates on Android

1. Go to Play Store and tap your profile to view the Settings menu.
2. Tap “Network Preferences."
3. Tap “Auto update apps.”
4. Configure to your liking:
   • WiFi or Mobile Data
   • Limited Amount of Mobile Data
   • WiFi Only
   • Don’t Auto-Update Apps 

Manage Streaming Quality and Offline Downloads

Streaming videos and music can demolish your data allowance faster than almost any other activity on your smartphone. Most streaming apps let you adjust video quality settings. Switching from HD to standard definition can reduce your data usage from 3 GB per hour to less than 1 GB per hour without drastically impacting your viewing experience on a smaller mobile screen. 

Better yet, you can take advantage of offline download features when you’re connected to a high-quality WiFi network at home, allowing you to enjoy your favorite content later without touching your cellular data at all. Having a reliable connection from the best Internet providers makes downloading content for offline viewing much more practical.

Set App-Specific Data Limits Where Available

Neither Android nor iOS has built-in systems that can limit the amount of data used by any one app; however, there are comparable workarounds. On Android, you can set up data usage limits for your device as a whole, and both operating systems allow you to turn off cellular data for specific apps and configure background app refreshes, as described above. 

One of the best ways to limit app data is to limit your time in the app. Android’s Digital Wellbeing feature lets you track how much time you spend on your phone and how long you use each app. Best of all, the feature lets you set app timers. You can customize your own time limit for each app, and once your time runs out, the app automatically closes, and the icon dims. 

Similarly, on iOS, you can control how and when you use your device with Screen Time on iPhone. The tool lets you schedule daily “downtimes” where only calls, messages, and certain apps are available. You can also set time limits for specific apps or app categories, and even customize your limits by day of the week, allowing you to give yourself more leeway on weekends and days off.  

How SmartMove Helps You Find Mobile Plans With Data Management Tools

Managing your mobile data usage becomes much simpler when you start with the right plan. SmartMove makes it easy to compare mobile providers and find plans that work with your data needs and budget. We can also test your Internet speed and determine your bandwidth needs to make sure that the Internet you rely on at home is suitable for your usage, interests, and lifestyle.

Instead of piecing together information from all corners of the web, you can use SmartMove to find Internet, TV, and mobile providers that meet your needs, whether you’re on the go and relying on cellular data or connected to WiFi at home. We’ll connect you with the best bundles and affordable unlimited data plans that eliminate overage concerns and give you a holistic, one-stop solution to your mobile data and Internet needs.

Turn to SmartMove to take control of your mobile experience today — and avoid surprise charges at the end of the month.