Use of Data Plan or WiFi
May 18, 2012, 1:39 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: NorCal
Programs: UA 1K [ex-GS],1+MM, SPG PLAT
Posts: 361
Use of Data Plan or WiFi
I have an iPhone. When the data plan is on and WiFi is connected, does the iPhone "draw" from one over the other?
In other words -- when I am at home (or hotel or Starbucks), should I turn off the data phone and only use WiFi to keep down my data charges?
In other words -- when I am at home (or hotel or Starbucks), should I turn off the data phone and only use WiFi to keep down my data charges?
May 18, 2012, 1:42 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA Silver, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 21,551
In the Android world, wi-fi, when available and connectable, always trumps the data connection. I can't imagine it being different in the iOS world.
May 18, 2012, 1:56 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
What the others say is correct.
If you really want to be sure, go to www.ipchicken.com in Safari. If you're connected over wifi, it will show that you're connecting from the ISP connected to that wifi network. If you're connecting over 3G, you'll see your service provider's domain.
If you really want to be sure, go to www.ipchicken.com in Safari. If you're connected over wifi, it will show that you're connecting from the ISP connected to that wifi network. If you're connecting over 3G, you'll see your service provider's domain.
May 18, 2012, 2:40 pm
#6
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
From Apple:
When you use an iOS app or feature that uses the Internet, your iPhone, iPad, or iPod attempts to connect to the Internet as follows:
When you use an iOS app or feature that uses the Internet, your iPhone, iPad, or iPod attempts to connect to the Internet as follows:
- Your device connects to your current Wi-Fi network if available.
- If not available, your device attempts to connect to any nearby Wi-Fi networks you have previously used.
- If there are no previous Wi-Fi networks in range, a list of available Wi-Fi networks appears. You can tap to join a Wi-Fi network, and if necessary enter the password to join it. Note: Wi-Fi networks that require a password are indicated by a padlock icon next to them.
- If no Wi-Fi networks are available or if you choose not to join one, iPhone and iPad (cellular models) connect using an available cellular data network.
May 21, 2012, 2:59 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 634
Though it is interesting to note that the Facebook app for Android sometimes seems to connect to the 3G network briefly when launched even if Wifi is in use. I'm not sure why - maybe to assist GPS in getting the location?
May 21, 2012, 3:50 am
#9
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 634
Simple cure for this: either use encrypted application level protocols such as HTTPS and IMAPS for all sensitive information, or use a VPN.