That’s why it can be frustrating when you run out of data, so it’s always handy to know how much data you have left, instead of wondering if you’re about to be left high and dry without the internet. In this Canstar Blue guide, we’ll take a look at how to check your data usage and balance across multiple phone operating systems and telcos.
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Prepaid offers you might like
The following table shows a selection of sponsored SIM Only plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners.
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $20) SIM Only Prepaid
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UnlimitedGB Data/month |
$20.00 Cost/month |
Go to site |
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365 Day Contract (365 days min. cost $149) SIM Only Prepaid
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140GB Data/expiry period |
$149.00 Cost/expiry period |
Go to site |
How to check data usage
There are several options for checking your mobile data, with options ranging from signing into your account, using the provider’s app and texting special numbers for more information, although this is dependent on which provider you are with. Read on to find out more on how to check data for some of the major providers in Australia, as well as checking your mobile data on iPhone and Android devices.
How to check data usage on iPhone
You can check your data usage on your iPhone, although it may not be as accurate as your provider’s information, with iPhone generally giving you information over your ‘current period’, which can be for as long as you’ve used your phone. To check your data usage on an iPhone, follow the steps below:
- Step one: Open the Settings app
- Step two: Tap ‘Mobile’ or ‘Mobile Service’
- Step three: Select ‘Mobile Data’ to see your data over the current period
You can also reset the tracking statistics for a more accurate reading going forward, with options to also disable data if you’re getting close to going over your limit.
How to check data usage on Android phones
You can check your mobile data on Android phones, although it may vary from brand to brand and model to model, especially between Pixel phones and other Android devices. To check data usage on Android phones, follow the steps below:
- Step one: Open the Settings app
- Step two: Go to ‘Network & internet’ then ‘SIMs’ for Pixel phones or ‘Internet’ for other Android phones
- Step three for Pixel phones: For Pixels, you’ll see your total data usage at the top, with more details under ‘App data usage’
- Step three for other Android phones: Where your carrier is listed, go to ‘Settings’, with your total data usage at the top and more details under ‘App data usage’
How to check data usage on Telstra
You can check your Telstra data balance using the My Telstra App, Telstra account, phone browser search or via text.
Check data on My Telstra App
The My Telstra App is the easiest way to manage your data. Through the app you can recharge, check your data balance, pay bills, track orders, update account details, check outages and receive help. You can download the app on iOS and Android devices.
Check data with Telstra account
You can check your data balance by logging into your Telstra account. Sign into My Account using your Telstra ID to see all of your account information, including data usage. You can also recharge and check your billing information from this page.
Check data on phone web browser
You can use the web browser on your phone to check your data without using any data at all, provided you are using the SIM card attached to the plan you are checking. Type ‘m.telstra.com’ into the URL bar to be taken straight to your account page, where you can check your balance without needing to log in.
Check data through Text 176
You can check your data balance via text message. Text the word ‘USE’ to 176 and you will receive an SMS telling you how much data you have remaining.
How to check data usage on Optus
You can check your Optus data balance using the My Optus app or via My Account.
Check data on the My Optus App
The My Optus app is the easiest way to manage your data. Through the app you can recharge, check your data balance, pay your bills, set up direct debit payments, unsubscribe from paper communication, check out rewards and deals, update your personal details and contract details, and chat with an Optus representative. You can download the app on iOS and Android devices.
Check data through My Account
You can check your data balance and expiry date by logging into your Optus My Account. Log into My Account using your registered details from any web browser. From the Dashboard, select your phone number to view your service summary.
Big data prepaid plans
Find yourself checking your data too often? Why not opt for a larger data plan? Check out some of the options in the table below.
The following table shows a selection of prepaid SIM-only plans with over 40GB data on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
How to check data usage on Vodafone
You can check your Vodafone data balance using the My Vodafone app, the My Vodafone account or via text.
Check data with My Vodafone app
You can check your data balance through the My Vodafone app. Through the app you can recharge, check your data balance and usage history, get add-ons, update your account details, update your settings and pay your bills. You can download the app on iOS and Android devices.
Check data with My Vodafone account
You can check your data balance by logging into your My Vodafone Account. Log into My Vodafone account using your registered details, with your balance displayed on the My Vodafone dashboard.
Check data via Text or Call
You can check your data balance by messaging or calling Vodafone. Call 1512 from your phone using the registered SIM card to hear your balance, or alternatively, you can text BAL to 1511 to receive your data balance via text.
How to check mobile data usage with other telcos
If you’re not with Telstra, Optus or Vodafone, you should still be able to check your data usage easily. Generally you’ll find this information available when you log into your account with that telco. That can either be through the telco’s website, or through the telco’s app (if available).
Many popular telcos will have an app that’s available to download for Android and iOS devices, otherwise you’ll usually need to log into your account via the provider’s website to access your account information.
Here are some of the telcos with apps available — if you’re unsure if your telco has an app, you can always check on the provider’s website or reach out to their customer support.
- AGL
- ALDI Mobile
- Amaysim
- Boost Mobile
- Belong
- Circles.Life
- Everyday Mobile
- Felix
- Moose Mobile
- TPG
Related: What to do when you run out of mobile data
How can I use less data?
It can be incredibly tricky to not use data when you’re out-and-about, but there are a few ways to help reduce your data usage. The most obvious way is to use WiFi whenever possible. This can obviously be difficult if you’re away from your home, but many businesses have accessible WiFi, although you’ll want to exercise caution when using public WiFi networks and maybe limit usage to secure networks of places like libraries. Limiting background app refreshes, push notifications and outgoing emails can also help alleviate the strain on your data, as well as limiting the amount of videos and photos you load while using mobile data. You can always download any music or videos to your device (if available) so you can still enjoy watching Netflix and listening to Spotify when on the go.
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