Going over your data limit can be painful. If you’re an AT&T customer, you have several tools to check your current data usage. You can dial a special number to receive a data usage report via text, use the myAT&T website, or download the myAT&T app. AT&T will also send automated text alerts when you are approaching your data limit. This article was reviewed by Luigi Oppido, owner of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California, with over 25 years of experience in computer repair.
How to check data usage on AT&T
Follow these detailed steps to monitor your usage and reduce consumption effectively.
Dial a code for a text message report
- Dial *3282# (*DATA#) from the phone whose usage you want to check. It may take a moment for the SMS message to arrive with your current data usage.
- Dial *646# (*MIN#) to receive your remaining minutes via text.
Use the myAT&T website
- Visit att.com/myatt.
- Click Register today if you don’t have an account, then enter your wireless number, billing zip code, username, and password.
- Log in and click Billing, usage, and payments to view a detailed data usage report.
Use the myAT&T app
- Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, then install it.
- Log in with your myAT&T account or create one in the app.
- View your data usage on the Overview screen; access detailed info on the Usage screen.
Manage automatic usage alerts
- Note that AT&T sends text alerts at 75%, 90%, and 100% of your data limit unless disabled.
- To re-enable, open the myAT&T app, go to Usage menu, select Manage alerts, and toggle them on.
Connect to Wi-Fi when possible
- Connect to Wi-Fi networks at home or public spots to save cellular data.
- Avoid sensitive activities like banking on public Wi-Fi. Warning: Public networks can be insecure.
Turn off cellular data when not in use
- Check your device type:
- If Android: Open Settings > Data usage and toggle off Cellular data.
- If iPhone: Open Settings > Cellular and toggle off Cellular Data.
Set a cellular data limit (Android only)
- Open Settings > Data usage.
- Set your billing cycle, toggle on Set cellular data limit, and adjust the limit on the graph. Note: Limits are device-based and may not be exact.
Limit data-hungry apps
- Avoid using apps like YouTube, Pandora, or Spotify on cellular data; use Wi-Fi instead.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular and disable cellular data for specific apps.
Why this matters
Monitoring your AT&T data usage helps prevent unexpected overage fees that can add up quickly on your bill. By regularly checking via texts, the app, or website, you gain control over your consumption patterns and can adjust habits in real time.
Implementing reduction tips like Wi-Fi priority and app limits extends your data plan further, saving money and reducing frustration. Ultimately, these steps promote better data management, ensuring smoother connectivity without interruptions.
