How to Check Your Mobile Data Usage (and Avoid Bill Shock)
- Etel Marketing
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
We've all been there, that sinking feeling when you receive an unexpectedly high mobile bill, or worse, when your phone slows to a crawl because you've hit your data limit without realising it.
The good news? Monitoring your mobile data usage is easier than ever, especially with tools like the new E.Tel mobile app. Let's walk through everything you need to know to stay on top of your data and avoid those nasty surprises.
Why Monitoring Your Data Matters
Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about why keeping tabs on your data usage is so important:
Avoid Bill Shock Many plans charge overage fees when you exceed your included data allowance. These can range from $5-10 per extra gigabyte, costs that add up quickly if you're not paying attention.
Prevent Speed Throttling Some providers slow down your connection once you hit your data cap. By monitoring usage, you can pace yourself or upgrade your plan before experiencing frustrating slowdowns.
Understand Your Habits Tracking your data helps you choose the right plan. Maybe you're paying for 40GB but only using 15GB. Or perhaps you're constantly running out because you actually need more than your plan includes.
Control Costs While Traveling International roaming charges can be eye-watering. Monitoring data becomes even more critical when you're overseas.
The Easiest Way: Use the E.Tel Mobile App
E.Tel recently launched a mobile app for both iOS and Android that makes checking your data usage incredibly simple. Here's what makes it so useful:
Download the E.Tel App
For iPhone users:
Open the App Store
Search for "E.Tel Mobile" or download here
Download and install the app
Log in with your E.Tel account details
For Android users:
Open the Google Play Store
Search for "E.Tel Mobile" or download here
Download and install the app
Log in with your E.Tel account details
What You Can Do with the App
Once you're logged in, the E.Tel app becomes your mobile management hub:
Monitor Data Usage in Real-Time
See exactly how much data you've used this billing cycle
Check how much data you have remaining
View your usage broken down by day
Get a clear picture of when you're using the most data
Manage Your Mobile Plan
View your current plan details
Upgrade or change plans anytime (no lock-in contracts!)
Pay Bills Easily
View your billing history
Make quick payments to avoid late fees
Set up automatic direct debit
Access digital bills
Get Fast Support
Contact E.Tel's friendly Australian-based customer service team
Access help articles and FAQs
Submit support requests directly through the app
Get responses from real humans, not bots
Track Your Home Internet Too If you also have E.Tel NBN home internet, you can manage and monitor that service through the same app.
Checking Data Usage on Your iPhone (Built-In)
Your iPhone also has built-in tools to track data usage, though they won't be quite as specific to your billing cycle:
Step 1: Open Settings
Tap the Settings app (the grey icon with gears).
Step 2: Navigate to Mobile Data
Scroll down and tap Mobile Data (or Cellular on some iPhones).
Step 3: View Your Usage
You'll see:
Current period usage at the top
A breakdown of which apps are using the most data
The option to turn off mobile data for specific apps
Step 4: Reset Statistics
To track usage for your current billing cycle, scroll to the bottom and tap Reset Statistics at the start of each new billing period.
Pro tip: Reset your statistics on the same day each month that your E.Tel plan renews for the most accurate tracking.
Checking Data Usage on Android (Built-In)
Android phones have similar built-in tracking, though the exact location varies by manufacturer:
For Most Android Phones:
Open Settings
Tap Network & Internet or Connections
Tap Mobile Network or Data Usage
You'll see your usage for the current cycle
For Samsung Phones Specifically:
Open Settings
Tap Connections
Tap Data Usage
View your current usage and set data warnings
Setting Data Warnings and Limits
Most Android phones let you set automatic warnings:
In the Data Usage section, look for Set data warning or Data limit
Choose a threshold (e.g., warn me at 80% of my plan)
Your phone will notify you when you're approaching the limit
What's Using All Your Data? Common Culprits
Understanding which apps consume the most data helps you make smarter choices:
The Top Data Drainers
1. Video Streaming (Netflix, YouTube, TikTok)
HD video can use 3GB per hour
4K video can use even more
Short-form video apps (TikTok, Instagram Reels) add up quickly
Solution: Download shows over Wi-Fi before traveling, or lower video quality settings.
2. Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
Autoplay videos drain data in the background
High-resolution photos add up
Stories and Reels consume more than you think
Solution: Disable autoplay for videos in app settings.
3. Music Streaming (Spotify, Apple Music)
High-quality streaming uses more data
Listening for hours daily accumulates quickly
Solution: Download playlists over Wi-Fi for offline listening.
4. Video Calls (Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp)
Video calls use significantly more data than voice calls
Group video calls use even more
Solution: Use Wi-Fi for video calls whenever possible.
5. App Updates and Cloud Backups
Apps updating over mobile data
Photos auto-backing up to iCloud or Google Photos
Large file downloads
Solution: Set apps and backups to update only over Wi-Fi.
Tips to Reduce Your Mobile Data Usage
Enable Wi-Fi Calling
When connected to Wi-Fi, your phone can make calls and send texts without using any mobile data. This is especially useful:
At home or office
In cafes and restaurants
At hotels while traveling
Use "Data Saver" Mode
Most phones have a data saving feature:
iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Low Data Mode
Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Data Saver
This reduces background data usage from apps.
Download Content in Advance
Before road trips or flights:
Download Netflix shows and movies
Save Spotify playlists offline
Download Google Maps areas for offline use
Save important documents
Connect to Trusted Wi-Fi Networks
Use Wi-Fi whenever it's available and secure:
Home and office networks
Friends' and family's networks
Cafes and restaurants (but be cautious with public Wi-Fi for banking)
Disable Background App Refresh
Stop apps from using data when you're not actively using them:
iPhone: Settings → General → Background App Refresh
Android: Settings → Apps → Select app → Mobile Data → Background data
Setting Up Data Usage Alerts
Never be caught off guard again by setting up proactive alerts:
Through SMS
E.Tel will notify you via tet message/SMS when you have reached your data limit by 50%, 85% and 100%. Make sure you lookout for these messages.
Through Your Phone
Set custom data warnings (as mentioned in the Android section above) to get alerts at specific thresholds like 50%, 75%, and 90% of your allowance.
Calendar Reminders
Set a monthly reminder to check your data usage mid-cycle. This simple habit can prevent overage charges.
What to Do If You're Consistently Running Out of Data
If you find yourself constantly hitting your data limit, you have a few options:
1. Upgrade Your Plan
E.Tel offers flexible plans with no lock-in contracts. You can upgrade to a larger data allowance anytime through the app or by contacting support.
2. Analyse Your Usage Patterns
Use the E.Tel app or your phone's built-in tools to identify which apps are the biggest data hogs. You might discover:
An app running in the background unnecessarily
Automatic video playback you can disable
Settings you can adjust to reduce consumption
3. Use Wi-Fi More Strategically
If you're working from home or spending most of your time in places with Wi-Fi, you might not need as much mobile data as you think.
Data Usage While Travelling
Travelling whether interstate or overseas requires extra attention to data usage:
Interstate Travel
Your regular E.Tel plan works seamlessly across Australia on the Optus network. However, you might use more data than usual due to:
Relying on maps and navigation
Looking up restaurants and attractions
Less access to familiar Wi-Fi networks
Overseas Travel
International roaming can be extremely expensive. Consider:
Travel eSIMs: Affordable data specifically for your destination
Portable Wi-Fi devices: Shared data for multiple devices
Local SIM cards: If you're staying in one country for an extended period
E.Tel offers travel eSIMs that can save you hundreds compared to traditional roaming charges.
Understanding Your E.Tel Plan
E.Tel offers several advantages when it comes to managing your data:
No Lock-In Contracts Change or cancel your plan anytime without penalty fees. This flexibility means you can adjust based on your actual usage.
Uncapped Speeds E.Tel plans include uncapped 4G speeds (where available on the Optus network), so you won't experience frustrating slowdowns.
Transparent Pricing No hidden fees or confusing terms. You know exactly what you're paying for each month.
Easy Plan Changes Upgrade, downgrade, or change plans through the app or with a quick call to customer service.
Common Data Usage Questions
Q: Why does my phone show different data usage than the E.Tel app? Your phone tracks all data, including Wi-Fi usage. The E.Tel app shows only mobile data used on your plan. Also, timing differences (your phone resets at different times than your billing cycle) can cause discrepancies.
Q: Do apps use data even when I'm not using them? Yes, many apps refresh in the background. Disable background app refresh for apps you don't need constant updates from.
Q: Will I be charged if I go over my data limit? It depends on your plan. Check your E.Tel plan details in the app or contact support to confirm whether you have overage charges or if your data simply stops until the next billing cycle.
Q: Can I share my data allowance with family? E.Tel currently offers individual plans. However, you can set up multiple plans and manage them all through the E.Tel app.
The Bottom Line: Stay in Control
Monitoring your mobile data doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the E.Tel mobile app, you can:
Check your usage anytime, anywhere
Set up your account for automatic monitoring
Make changes to your plan in seconds
Avoid bill shock and unexpected charges
Download the E.Tel app today and take control of your mobile data. It's free, easy to use, and puts all your account information at your fingertips.
Ready to get started?
Stay connected, stay informed, and never worry about data usage again!
