PDF download Download Article
Using your mobile data plan to browse the web on the go
PDF download Download Article

Most cellular plans these days come with mobile data, transferred through your cellular signal. This allows you to surf the web, download music, stream video, and do anything else that would normally require an internet connection. Mobile data can be turned on and off to prevent you from going over your monthly limit.

  1. You can find this in your App Drawer or on your Home screen. The icon looks like a gear.
  2. This should be located towards the top of the menu.
    • Older versions of Android may have a "Mobile Networks" option instead.
    Advertisement
  3. This will toggle your mobile data ON. On older versions of Android, check the "Data enabled" box. [1]
    • Note: Your plan will need to support mobile data in order for you to enable it. You will also need a cellular signal in order to use your mobile data connection.
  4. Next to your reception bars in the Notification bar, you may be able to see either "3G" or "4G". Note that not all devices display this when you have a data connection, so the best way to test is to open your web browser and try to visit a website.
  5. Advertisement

Troubleshooting

  1. Airplane Mode will turn off your mobile data connection. You can toggle Airplane Mode from the Settings menu, or by pressing and holding the Power button and tapping the Airplane Mode button. [2]
  2. Most devices will disable data by default if you are roaming outside of your network. This is because roaming data is typically much more expensive than in-network data. If you need your data connection while you're roaming, you can enable it. [3]
    • Open the Settings app and select "Data usage.
    • Tap the Menu (â‹®) button button in the upper-right corner.
    • Check the "Data roaming" box.
  3. Depending on your mobile plan, you may have a hard limit for data per billing cycle. If you exceed this limit you may be throttled or cut off completely from your mobile data connection. [4]
    • You can see your mobile data usage in the "Data usage" menu, but it won't display your carrier limit.
  4. If you've checked everything but still can't get a data connection, a quick reboot will usually fix the problem. Make sure to power the device off completely, and then start it back up again. [5]
  5. Your device connects to Access Point Names (APNs) when it gets data signal. If these APNs have gotten changed somehow, you won't be able to connect to your network. You'll need to contact your carrier's customer service department to get the proper APN settings.
    • You can adjust your APN settings by opening the Settings app, and selecting "Mobile networks", and then tapping "Access Point Names". On older phones, "Mobile networks" may be located under "More..." within the Settings menu.
  6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I avoid mobile charges?
    Community Answer
    Mobile charges will come in after you have used all your monthly data on your mobile plan. These charges are unavoidable if you go over your allotted amount of data.
  • Question
    Where can l find a data app?
    Moiz Rajput
    Community Answer
    If you are asking how you can see your data usage, download the official app provided by your Sim/Telecom service provider to see about data usage.
  • Question
    What does it mean to download over a cellular network?
    Moiz Rajput
    Community Answer
    It means that anything you're downloading is being downloaded on a cellular network. This notification appears as a warning for users who want to limit the cellular data and prefer wifi data, which is often unlimited.
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • You may be able to access the "Data usage" section from your Notification bar. The ability to do this depends on your device and carrier.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 227,926 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement