How Much Data Do I Need?

Would everyone benefit from unlimited data? Unlimited plans have their benefits, like larger cellular data caps, but everyone’s wireless plan needs are different. Don’t buy into the hype before understanding your data usage. In this article, we’ll explore how mobile data works and follow where it goes when you use your smartphone. No matter the data allotment, your wireless plan should never keep you from connecting to your loved ones. 

What uses data on a cellphone?

Fact: Accessing the internet on your smartphone uses cellular data. Also known as mobile data, cellular data refers to the wireless communication service that allows your mobile device to connect to the internet without a Wi-Fi network. These daily activities all use cellular data and count toward your data plan:

• Checking email
• Posting and scrolling on social media
• iMessaging 
• Using Google Maps and other GPS navigation
• Browsing the Internet
• Music & video streaming
• Downloading and using mobile apps

So is there a way to check emails without using data? Yes! Your phone prioritizes Wi-Fi. Even if your cellular data is set to ‘on’, your phone will always connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, if a network is available. We recommend saving your home and workplace Wi-Fi network credentials. You’ll connect automatically when you step into range.

How Many MB in a GB?

There are over 1,000 megabytes in a gigabyte! If you’ve ever asked ‘is 5GB a lot of data?’  Let’s look at just how much you can do with 1GB, respectively: 

• 4 hours of video calling
• 2 hours of streaming standard definition video
• 12 hours of internet browsing
• 200 songs streamed

For somebody who has steady access to a Wi-Fi network, 5GB is plenty of cellular data for monthly usage. But there’s one more piece to the data puzzle we need before you commit to a wireless plan.

How to Check Data Usage

Now that we know how data is measured, it’s time for the main event, checking your data usage. If you already know where your data goes every month that’s Ultra-impressive. For the rest of us, we can rely on our smartphones to tell us how much data we’re using and which apps use the most. 

How to check data usage on iPhone

• Open the Settings app 
• Select Cellular  
• Tap Mobile Data 

How to check data usage on Android

• Open the Settings app 
• Select Network & Internet 
• Next to your carrier, tap Settings 
• At the top you’ll see how much total data you use

Surprised? Knowing your actual data usage and where it goes is a big step in the right direction. If the amount is lower than expected, you may have been overpaying for data you didn’t need at your last carrier. At Ultra Mobile we don’t take the one-size-fits-all approach to mobile data. We make it easy to quickly add more data and even change your plan entirely. That way, you’ll always be connected to your loved ones at our best value.

What is the right data plan for me?

With all the different plan options, it is very easy to get overwhelmed and hesitant as to which plan would suit you best. Below are some of the most commonly offered data plans from a wide range of providers. The further you read down the list, the more expensive these plans generally get. If you want an easy side-by-side comparison chart of all our plans, check out How Ultra Mobile Plans Work.

How much is 250MB of data?

With 250MB of data, you can browse the internet for about 3 hours, stream 50 songs or watch 30 minutes of video in standard definition.  Check out our 250MB plan. 

How much is 3GB of data?

With 3GB of data, you can browse the internet for about 36 hours, stream 600 songs or watch 6 hours of video in standard definition. Check out our 3GB plan.

How much is 5GB of data?

With 5GB of data, you can browse the internet for about 60 hours, stream 1,000 songs or watch 10 hours of video in standard definition. Check out our 5GB plan. 

How much is 10GB of data?

With 10GB of data, you can browse the internet for about 120 hours, stream 2,000 songs or watch 20 hours of video in standard definition. Check out our 10GB plan. 

How much is 15GB of data?

With 15GB of data, you can browse the internet for about 180 hours, stream 3,000 songs or watch 30 hours of video in standard definition. Check out our 15GB plan. 

How much is Unlimited data?

Unlimited is the largest data plan most carriers offer, but not every unlimited plan is created equal. What’s “limited” is the amount of high-speed 5G • 4G LTE data in the plan. Carriers cap this amount at around 40GB. Once reached, data speeds will be slowed. Check out our Unlimited plan. 

So to Recap…

Cell phone data usage varies from person to person. Every internet-reliant activity uses cellular data unless you’re connected to Wi-Fi. Check your Settings app on your Android or iPhone to determine where the bulk of your data usage goes. Before you buy, do these quick checks and find out just how much data you really need.
Now that you’re an expert on data usage, it’s time to hook you up with a plan. Based on your responses, our quiz matches you with the best plan for your data needs. Start saving on wireless today with your perfect Ultra Mobile plan.