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Question

Data going down when phone not being used

  • June 12, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 6 views

I have noticed odd occasions when my data seems to go down more than expected so I started to track my usage. Last night, just before I went to sleep, the ID app showed I had 41.2gb left on my allowance. When I woke up, first thing I checked was allowance which now showed 40.6gb. As I said, I went to sleep, so I didn’t use anything that takes data. My phone is on low data mode and the hotspot is off. How is the data going down like that?

2 replies

WelshPaul
Platinum 
Contributor
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  • Platinum 
Contributor
  • June 12, 2026

It doesn’t update instantly or provide live tracking. I think it can take up to 24 hours for your account to reflect any usage, which explains this. Your itemised bill will show the exact date and time of usage.


Gemma M
iD Mobile Employee
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  • iD Mobile Employee
  • June 13, 2026

Hi ​@En Bee,

 

We understand why that might seem confusing.

 

Even when you're not actively using your phone, it can still use small amounts of mobile data in the background. This is completely normal and can happen for a number of reasons, including:

  • Apps checking for new notifications.
  • Emails syncing.
  • Cloud services backing up photos or files.
  • Apps refreshing their content.
  • System services communicating with Apple or Android servers.
  • Automatic app or security updates (if enabled).

 

Low Data Mode helps reduce background activity, but it doesn't stop it completely, so some data usage can still occur overnight. Another way of reducing data usage is by turning off automatic updates or manually turning the data off for the apps that you do not use often. 

 

It's also worth noting that the iD Mobile app isn't always updated in real time. Usage can be processed in batches, so the amount shown in the app may reflect data used slightly earlier rather than only while you were asleep.

 

If you'd like to see what's using your data, you can check your phone's data usage:

  • iPhone: Settings > Mobile Service (or Cellular)
  • Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage

 

This will show which apps and services are consuming your mobile data.

 

Regards,

 

Gemma M

The iD Mobile Social Media Team