Google Android figure on grey background. Google Android is the operating system for smartphones, tablet computers, e-books, game consoles, and other devices.
Image: prima91/Stock Adobe

We are growing ever more connected to our mobile devices — so much so that many users have shunned the desktop. To that end, we’re using data by the GB, so it’s nice to be able to see how much data you are using at a glance and control what’s using the data.

SEE: BYOD Approval Form (TechRepublic Premium)

Jump to:

How to view mobile data usage

If you want to check cellular data on your Android device, open Settings, select Connections and tap Data Usage.

From that page, you can tap Mobile Data Usage and view the specifics of what apps and services are using your data (Figure A).

Figure A

If you want to check cellular data on your Android device, open Settings, select Connections and tap Data Usage. 
Image: Megan Crouse/TechRepublic

Look at a device that uses cellular data — that’s most mobile devices — and tap Mobile Data Usage to see a quick graph of data usage.

Scroll down to see what apps are using the bulk of that data (Figure B).

Figure B

Scroll down to see what apps are using the bulk of that data.
Image: Megan Crouse/TechRepublic

You can tap any one of those apps and customize how the app uses data (Figure C). For instance, you can enable and disable Background Data, Unrestricted Data Usage, Wi-Fi and/or Data Usage.

Figure C

You can tap any one of those apps and customize how the app uses data.
Image: Megan Crouse/TechRepublic

So far we only looked at cellular network data usage, though you can also view Wi-Fi data usage and then configure apps to act accordingly.

The way you view Wi-Fi data usage will depend upon which version of Android you are using. Since the majority of Android users are working with Android 6.0 or newer, I’ll focus on that iteration of the platform and later versions.

How to view Wi-Fi data usage

Scroll down on the Data usage tab to view Wi-Fi data usage.

Figure D

Scroll down on the Data usage tab to view Wi-Fi data usage.
Image: Megan Crouse/TechRepublic

You can view your Wi-Fi data usage in the same way as cellular usage.

Figure E

You can view your Wi-Fi data usage in the same way as cellular usage.
Image: Megan Crouse/TechRepublic

Now you’re able to view and control Wi-Fi data usage on your Android device. Knowing how much data you are using on a wireless network, and how to curtail data-hogging apps, could go a long way to keeping your business network free from bottlenecks and other issues.

For more on Android, see our cheat sheet for Android 13, Android’s current accessibility options for hard of hearing and blind users, and our guide to transitioning from iPhone to Android.