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Q. What’s the difference between using data and Wi-Fi? I’m confused and I hope you can help.
I was at home on my phone checking Facebook and my daughter scolded me that I was using data instead of Wi-Fi. We share a family data plan and she accused me of hogging our data.
I didn’t want to admit it to her, but I don’t understand the difference. She grabbed my phone (while she was rolling her eyes, as only teenagers can do!), pressed the screen a few times, gave it back to me and said, “There!”
I have no idea what she did, what I did wrong and what I should do next time. Instead of asking her to explain, I figured I’d ask The Wonder of Tech.
Can you explain what’s the difference between using data versus using Wi-Fi? (If you write an article on this, please don’t use my name.)
A. Great question! Many people don’t pay attention to whether they’re using Wi-Fi or data on their phones and tablets. But if when they run out of data at the end of the month or face big cell phone bills, they may wish they had used Wi-Fi more.
[note] Articles at The Wonder of Tech never use names of readers who ask questions. The best topics come from readers who ask questions and I want to preserve their privacy. [/note]
Wi-Fi allows your phone or tablet to connect to the Internet via a router. You need to be to be in the range of a router and connect to the network in order to access the Internet.
Cellular data allows your phone or tablet to connect to the Internet via a cell phone signal. You need to have a cell phone plan that includes cellular data and be in the range of a cell phone tower to access the Internet.
When you use your phone to access the Internet, without being connected to a Wi-Fi network, you’re using up the monthly allotment of data your cell phone plan allows. If you have a cell phone plan with a limit on monthly data, you may want to minimize your use of data by connecting to Wi-Fi when you access the Internet (especially if you have a shared plan).
Why You Should Care Whether You’re Using Wi-Fi or Cellular Data
Both Wi-Fi and cellular data allow you to connect to the Internet. But how you connect can make a difference in the speed of your connection, the cost of your monthly cell phone bill and the security of your information.
Many home and business accounts offer unlimited use of Wi-Fi while many phone plans limit the amount of cellular data you can use each month. Wi-Fi is often faster than data, under the right conditions.
When you’re at home, work or other place with a secure Wi-Fi network, you may want to connect to it when you’re using the Internet. If you’re using a lot of data, such as to stream or download videos, you probably should be connected Wi-Fi.
=> Learn more at Streaming vs. Downloading Videos — What’s the Difference?
Note that your phone or tablet may be using your cellular data without you realizing that it’s happening. Apps may update, you may receive notifications, and podcasts may download automatically. All of these use could your data, whether or not you think you’re using it, unless you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network.
[warning] If your only Wi-Fi option is public unsecured Wi-Fi, you may want to connect to the Internet using cellular data instead. See, How Free Public Wi-Fi May Cost You Dearly [/warning]
If you’re traveling internationally, use Wi-Fi to avoid expensive charges for international roaming. Even if you sign up for an international data plan, charges for cellular data outside your home country can be expensive.
How to Tell Whether Your Phone Is Connected to Wi-Fi
Look for the Wi-Fi signal icon at the top of your screen.
If you see the Wi-Fi signal icon, your phone is connected to Wi-Fi. Check your Wi-Fi and cellular signals to see how strong they are.
In Settings, go to Wi-Fi and make sure it is turned on. You can also see which Wi-Fi network you are connected to as well as any other Wi-Fi network options.
[note]iPhone and iPad users may want to turn off Wi-Fi Assist in Settings to be sure you stay connected to Wi-Fi.
=> Find out more at: The New iPhone Setting You Should Turn Off Now![/note]
When to Use Wi-Fi
In general, you may want to use Wi-Fi when:
- The Wi-Fi network is secure
- You are streaming video
- You are traveling internationally
- You need a faster connection
- Your phone has a strong Wi-Fi signal
- You have a limited cellular data plan and may exceed your monthly limit
=> Check out, Wi-Fi Calling: What It Is and Why You Want It
When to Use Cellular Data
You may prefer to use a cellular data connection when:
- The Wi-Fi network is public or not secure
- The Wi-Fi network is slow
- You aren’t in danger of running out of cellular data for the month
- Your phone’s Wi-Fi connection is weak
and you are in your home country.
Your Thoughts
Have you ever been confused whether you were connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data? Have you ever been surprised at exceeding your monthly data limit? Do you make sure to use Wi-Fi when you’re traveling internationally?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
* Phone and tablet image (edited) courtesy of Pix1861 via Pixabay and Creative Commons
** Wi-Fi signal image (edited) courtesy of Pix1861 via Pixabay and Creative Commons
*** Cell tower image (edited) courtesy of Clkr-Free-Vector-Images via Pixabay and Creative Commons
Hi Carolyn,
Great post! Very informative. I’ll be sure to forward this to my grandson who is
on my cellular plan and who uses the majority of my 10 GB every month.
Thanks, Carlo
Hi Carlo, Excellent point. The Wonder of Tech reader who asked the question was a parent, but a child could have the same issue, not bothering to make sure he/she was connected to Wi-Fi and running through a data plan.
You’re right, people do need to pay attention to whether they’re connected to Wi-Fi or cellular, unless they have unlimited data plans and are living in their home countries.
Hi Carolyn,
Happy Monday 🙂
I loved the question asked this time, as I can so well relate to it! Reminds me of the time when I started using the Internet and Wifi – yes, one has to be so careful initially to not use the data where we can use the Wifi. Loved the explaination you gave so well.
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Hi Harleena, Yes, this was a brilliant question by a reader. I always figure that if one person is asking a question, others must be wondering about it too.
Yes, many people don’t pay attention to whether they’re connected to Wi-Fi or not. I know I’ve turned off Wi-Fi when I connected to a slow network, then forgot to turn it back on again.
I used to have an unlimited data plan, but now am sharing data with my husband so I do need to pay attention to this now!
Very nice post and really helpful post. I have recommended this to my brother as well. He is having the most of the usage from everyone in our house. He uses the data in large amount. Thanks for sharing this for us.
Hi Adhinandan, I’m glad you enjoyed this post and found it to be helpful. I hope your brother does too so you can have more data to share when you need it!
Great post! Very informative. I’ll be sure to forward this to my grandson who is
on my cellular plan and who uses the majority of my 10 GB every month.
Data is limited and wifi is unlimited to watch movies, videos, using any app to download etc.
Hi Aini, That’s an excellent example of why we should strive to use Wi-Fi instead of cellular data. Streaming video can use up a lot of data. Streaming is best saved for when people are connected to Wi-Fi.
Hey Carolyn,
I have studied a lot of these things during my graduation. So I know about everything related to the Ethernet, wi-fi, and many other things related to the internet.
It’s really annoying when we accidentally use the cellular data instead of using the wi-fi.
Thanks for reminding me.
~Ravi
Hi Ravi, Yes, if we don’t pay attention, we may be stuck with big cell phone bills, or with family members angry that we used up all the shared data for the month.
By just glancing at the Wi-Fi signal to see if it’s on, we can save ourselves money and frustration.
This article reminded me fondly of my mom and aunt who are now both senior citizens. When I explained to them that using data can increase their monthly bill then they have asked me to turn cellular data off by default. I then taught them how to quickly turn on and turn off wifi on their phones. This works for them as they only use data for social media and mobile banking which they can both do at home. Admittedly, when teaching both of them, I really need to be more patient as they are not as tech savvy as most of us are, and yes, this also means that in most cases I have to repeat what I’ve already taught them before – such as opening email or posting in facebook. In the end, what matters is we get to empower them to use technology and gain the confidence to do things on their own and spending a little bit more time while doing this process is also plus, more than we think.
Hi Jen, Yes, it’s so important for people to be aware whether they’re using Wi-Fi or cellular data. That’s great you helped your mother and aunt use Wi-Fi so they don’t have expensive surprises at the end of the month with data overage charges.
Also be sure that they realize the dangers of public Wi-Fi, especially if they are using their phones for banking. Check out How Free Public Wi-Fi May Cost You Dearly. Cellular data is better than public or unsecured Wi-Fi for mobile banking.
Thanks for sharing this post. This is a very important topic that is understated today. Public WIFI is now becoming common and a lot of users may begin to think it is the new normal without knowing the risks.
However, I think my mom and aunt are spared of the dangers of public WIFI. They still forget how to connect to WIFI even today. hahaha. So I am not too worried about them but good to send a reminder. I have shared this post to all my friends specially some of them travel a lot. Thanks.
Jen, thanks for sharing this post. Excellent point. Sometimes it’s better not to connect to Wi-Fi, especially when you can’t be certain that you’re using a secure network. I’m glad your mom and aunt aren’t doing their mobile banking on open Wi-Fi networks. It sounds as if you’re guiding them well.