When you are using a smartphone, it’s easy to get confused between data and WiFi.
You will naturally assume turning WiFi on is enough.
This is a common misconception because that is not how things work when you have a data plan. You may be left wondering, why am I being charged for data when using WiFi?
The reason a person is charged for data when using WiFi is due to the data acting as a backup. When the WiFi is out of range, the smartphone immediately switches to data. This causes the data to get used up slowly.
When this occurs, it’s best to make sure data has been turned off on your phone.
This will ensure the smartphone does not go back to data when WiFi is not working as required.
The most important thing to do in a situation such as this is to be proactive. This includes understanding your data usage and existing plan. The more you look into this, the better your results are going to be as time goes on.
It is also important to learn how to use your smartphone in a situation such as this. It will allow you to toggle data on and off as required. The same goes for the WiFi setting.
This guide will show you more about what to do if you are being charged for data when using WiFi.
Tips If You Are Being Charged For Data When Using WiFi
1. Turn Off The Data On Your Smartphone
The first thing you will want to do is turn off the data on your smartphone.
It doesn’t matter whether you have an unlimited data plan or not.
If your usage goes up because the data on your smartphone is on, this will create a situation where the speed is throttled.
Your best option is to turn off the data on your smartphone when WiFi is on. This will ensure the phone only uses the WiFi connection.

2. Go Closer To The Router
How close to the router are you on-site?
It’s important to remain close to the router or you are going to have a situation where the WiFi connection will drop. This is one of the biggest concerns people have when it comes to the data being used.
If you are not close to the router, it’s easy for the connection to drop.
The best option in a situation such as this is to look at a short-term fix such as moving closer to the router.
For the long-term, you are going to need to relocate the router.
3. Know Your Data Plan
A lot of people are unaware of what their data plan says.
This is a mistake because you should know when you’re getting close to the 100% usage mark with the data plan. These metrics are often stated in your agreement with the provider.
You will also want to make sure to consider an upgrade if this is something you don’t want to deal with in the future.
By increasing your limits, you will end up having fewer issues even when the smartphone switches to data on its own.

4. Look At The Strength Of Your WiFi Connection
Your goal should be to look at the strength of the WiFi connection.
This is something a lot of people don’t do.
To do this, go to the most frequented spot in the location where the WiFi tends to drop. You will want to connect to the WiFi and then look at how strong the connection is.
Your smartphone will tell you.
It’s important to maintain a strong connection to ensure it doesn’t switch to data again.
The best strategy is to relocate the router or change it to a stronger one. This will increase the router’s range and ensure you have a strong connection throughout the property.
Final Thoughts
Why am I being charged for data when using WiFi?
You are being charged for data when using WiFi because data is still turned on. To fix this issue, turn off the data through the settings. This will ensure the device only uses WiFi. It’s also recommended to test the WiFi’s strength, relocating the router, and make sure you are aware of what the data plan has to say about usage.
This is pertinent information that will help when it comes to staying within your data usage limits.
It’s easy to think you are not going to be charged for data but it can happen. Be careful and make sure you are aware of how to turn the data on or off. It will save you a lot of time.
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