Sending emails is using my data allowance

[Rusty3639]

I have only had my iphone 7 for 3 weeks - my first smartphone and I am over 80 years old.

I have downloaded the gmail App and can receive and send emails - no problem. Trouble is as soon as I start typing an email to send my data allowance remaining figure drops. The O2 Shop said this was wrong but did not know why. I have Wi-Fi on on my phone and can use WhatsApp very well without charge.

My desk top computer does not use Wi-Fi but uses broadband - could this be the problem or am I doing something else wrong. I know little about IT matters or terms

[Cleoriff]

Hi @Rusty3639 

Turn mobile data off and check WiFi Assist. Sometimes if the wifi signal isn't strong, mobile data will be used instead.

Edited to ask if you are on a contract or PAYG?

[MI5]

@Rusty3639 

Can I ask how you know your data allowance is dropping whilst writing an email?

[KGB55]

Hello Rusty, if your phone is on phone data i.e. not connected to WiFi and your data allowance is being used. Then here are a few things you can do to possible solve the problem.
1. Check if you have turned on ‘Background App Refresh’ in iPhone settings. Turn it off for Apps where you don’t need it.
2. Double tap home button on iPhone 7 and you can swipe applications to close them
3. Your Gmail App while typing an email could be downloading email in the background consuming data.
4. If all of the above is not resolving your problem. Then go to your ‘Mail’ or Gmail App settings on your iPhone and turn off ‘Mobile Data’ under ‘Allow Mail to access’ category and see if that helps.

These are some of the things that could be consuming data and may help alleviate the issue

[Rusty3639]

I have turned mobile data off but cannot find WiFi Assist and what should I do with it if I find it?
I am on a contract

[Rusty3639]

Before I start writing I check My O2 and note figure for data remaining. Start writing the email but do not send it leaving it as a draft. Recheck My O2 data remaining

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

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@Rusty3639 wrote:
Before I start writing I check My O2 and note figure for data remaining. Start writing the email but do not send it leaving it as a draft. Recheck My O2 data remaining

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So how much has been used?

The email app is constantly checking for new emails so it's probably just polling the server rather than data being used to write an email unless you use an online spell checker at all?

[Rusty3639]

Having turned off Mobile Data as instructed I can now send emails without using any of my Data Allowance. Sincere thanks to O2 Community for the help. Problem resolved.

[Cleoriff]

@Rusty3639 

Good news

[MI5]

You’re welcome