Deals
iPhone deals
Samsung Galaxy deals
Gift Ideas
Business employee
AARP
Military
First responders
Nurses & physicians
Teachers
Union
Credit card
Explore wireless
Plans & prices
Phones & devices
Upgrade
Bring your own
Add a Line
Switch and save
Trade in your device
International options
Shop new iPhones
iPhone 16
Samsung Galaxy S25
Why AT&T Wireless
Wireless help
More resources
Explore Internet
Plans & prices
Fiber
All-Fi (Wi-Fi)
Check availability
AT&T Internet Air
Moving services
Bundles
Gaming
Home business
Internet help
Internet Speed Test
More resources
Access from AT&T
Explore DIRECTV
TV bundles
DIRECTV help
U-verse help
Explore AT&T PREPAID
Prepaid plans
Phones
Bring your own phone
Prepaid deals
Prepaid account
Activate your service
Lease-to-Own
Home Phone Services
AT&T Phone
AT&T Phone – Advanced
Landline Phone
Lifeline
Phones & accessories
Digital phone help
Landline phone help
Bundles
Internet + DIRECTV
Internet + Wireless
Internet + Phone
Home office
Smart watches & devices
Smart home
In-car Wi-Fi
All accessories
Headphones
Cases
Chargers
Screen protectors
Speakers & smart home
Internet & TV equipment
PopSockets & more
Gadgets & gaming
Accessory deals

Common reasons for high data use

Over your limit? Learn how to track and manage data. Plus, find out which activities (like video and music streaming) use the most.


Be aware of what uses data

Activities that use a lot of data

Many devices on your plan—smartphones, tablets, and even AT&T Connected Car™—use wireless data that can count against your monthly allowance.

These activities can consume a lot of data:

  • High definition video streaming (900MB per hour)
  • Video conferencing, like FaceTime®  and Skype® (480MB per hour)
  • Standard-definition video streaming (240MB per hour)
  • Online interactive gaming (60MB per hour)
  • Streaming music (30MB per hour)
  • Downloading movies and large data files

Good to know: Data usage varies by device. These examples are based on averages and are estimates only. The actual amount of data used can vary.

App syncing, updates, notifications, and autoplay

Many apps sync to the cloud, update themselves, and send notifications automatically. These functions can use data in the background.



Good to know:

  • Some apps may use wireless data even when your device is connected to Wi-Fi.
  • You can go to Device help or check with your manufacturer to get specific instructions for your device. Search for details on how to disable auto-update, automatic sync, and manage notifications.

Know your data usage options

Make sure you’re on the best plan

If you regularly go over your plan’s data limit, consider changing to one of our unlimited plans.

Manage your usage

Learn about ways to manage your data use.

Keep track of your usage

  • Sign in and check your usage. Then select View usage by category under the data usage graph (primary account users only).
  • Call *3282# (*DATA#) from your AT&T wireless phone. For Spanish, dial *3285#. We'll send a text message with your data and messaging usage.
Last updated: April 29, 2025

Browse topics

Did you get the help you needed?


Did you get the help you needed?