There could be several reasons your data usage increases when you're not using the Internet. Here are the most common, along with recommended solutions to help you avoid excessive data consumption:
- An Unsecured Wi-Fi Router – To prevent unauthorized use of your home network and consumption of your data, encrypt and password-protect your home network.
- Oversharing of Wi-Fi Passwords – Only give your home network password to those you trust. If you think your network is being accessed by unauthorized users, change your password to improve your security.
- Streaming Video Players (e.g. Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, PlayStation, etc.) – Pause or stop the program you’re streaming in order to stop your video player from consuming data. Simply turning off your TV will NOT stop the player, which will continue to consume data unless it is specifically stopped (or paused).
- File Backup Programs (e.g. iCloud, Dropbox and Google Drive) – Always set automatic backups to occur during non-peak usage hours (12 a.m.–6 a.m. CT).
- Operating System Updates – Schedule these updates to occur during non-peak usage hours (12 a.m.– 6 a.m. CT).
- File-Sharing Programs (e.g. BitTorrent) – Beware: these types of programs share files from your personal computer with other Internet users. As a result, you are unable to control when or how much of your data is consumed.
