---
title: "Why is my data running out so fast?"
description: "Find out what uses mobile data on your phone and how to reduce photo backups, automatic updates, and background activity."
url: https://help.wonderconnect.com/pl/articles/67-why-is-my-data-running-out-so-fast
collection: "Zarządzanie kartą eSIM i pakietem danych"
updated: 2026-11-05
language: pl
alternates: [en]
---

# Why is my data running out so fast?

Find out what uses mobile data on your phone and how to reduce photo backups, automatic updates, and background activity.

> **Error:** Your phone can use mobile data even when you are not actively using it. Photo uploads, backups, and automatic downloads may use a large part of your allowance without you noticing.

Common causes of fast data consumption include:

-   **Cloud backups and photo syncing:** uploading photos, videos, and other files to iCloud, Google Photos, or OneDrive.
    
-   **Automatic downloads:** downloading app updates, videos, or other content.
    
-   **Video and social media:** streaming, video calls, and videos that play automatically.
    
-   **Hotspot sharing:** other devices using your phone’s internet connection.
    

## Check how iPhone uses your data

iCloud Photos and backups can use mobile data if allowed, especially when syncing a large photo library after setting up a phone or enabling iCloud Photos. **Allow More Data on 5G** can also enable larger downloads and automatic iCloud backups.

**Check what is using data and stop Photos from using mobile data**

1.  Open **Settings** and go to **Mobile Service** or **Cellular**.
    
2.  Scroll down to see data usage by app. Tap **Show All** if needed.
    
3.  Check **Photos.**
    
4.  To keep Photos on Wi-Fi only, turn off the mobile data switch next to **Photos** in the app list.
    

**Turn off iCloud backups over mobile data**

1.  Open **Settings** and tap **your name**.
    
2.  Tap **iCloud > iCloud Backup**.
    
3.  Turn off **Back Up Over Cellular**, if available. This lets automatic backups continue over Wi-Fi.
    

**Turn on Low Data Mode**

1.  Open **Settings** and go to **Mobile Service** or **Cellular**.
    
2.  Select your **WonderConnect eSIM**.
    
3.  Tap **Data Mode** and select **Low Data Mode**. On some phones, the switch appears directly in the line’s settings.
    

Low Data Mode reduces background activity and pauses automatic downloads, backups, and iCloud Photos updates.

## Check how Google Pixel uses your data

**Check which apps use data**

1.  Open **Settings** and go to **Network & internet**.
    
2.  Tap **SIMs** and select your **WonderConnect eSIM**.
    
3.  Tap **App data usage** and check the apps using the most data.
    

**Reduce background data**

1.  Open **Settings** and go to **Network & internet**.
    
2.  Tap **Data Saver**.
    
3.  Turn on **Use Data Saver**.
    

Apps you are actively using can still use mobile data. Some background updates and notifications may be delayed.

## Check how Samsung and other Android devices use your data

**Check usage and restrict background activity on Samsung**

1.  Open **Settings** and go to **Connections**.
    
2.  Tap **Data usage > Mobile data usage** to check which apps use the most data.
    
3.  Tap an app you want to restrict and turn off **Allow background data usage**.
    
4.  To reduce background usage more broadly, return to **Data usage**, tap **Data saver**, and turn on **Turn on now**.
    

Restricting background data may delay notifications. On other Android phones, look under **Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > your eSIM > App data usage**, and search Settings for **Data Saver**.

## Stop photo backups and app updates on Android

These steps apply to **Google Pixel, Samsung, and other Android phones** using Google Photos and Google Play.

**Stop Google Photos backups over mobile data**

1.  Open **Google Photos** and tap your **profile picture**.
    
2.  Tap **Photos settings > Backup > Mobile data usage**.
    
3.  Select **No data**, if available, and turn off **Back up videos over data** and **Back up while roaming**.
    

If these options are unavailable, temporarily turn off **Backup** and turn it back on when connected to Wi-Fi. If you use another backup app, such as OneDrive, check its upload settings too.

**Keep automatic app updates on Wi-Fi**

1.  Open **Google Play Store** and tap your **profile picture**.
    
2.  Tap **Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps**.
    
3.  Select **Update over Wi-Fi only**.
    

## Hotspot sharing can use your data quickly

When you share your connection through a **hotspot**, everything the connected phone, tablet, or computer uploads and downloads uses your WonderConnect data.

> **Error:** The connected device joins your hotspot through **Wi-Fi**. It may treat this like a regular Wi-Fi network without recognizing that it uses your mobile data allowance. Even with **“update over Wi-Fi only”** enabled, it may start downloading updates, uploading photos, or backing up files.

**Data-saving settings on your phone do not automatically apply to devices connected to your hotspot.** Someone using your connection may use a large amount of your data without either of you noticing.

To reduce usage:

1.  Ask anyone connected to pause automatic updates, cloud backups, and large downloads.
    
2.  On the connected device, enable **Low Data Mode** for the hotspot’s Wi-Fi network if available.
    
3.  Turn off your hotspot when you finish sharing.