I hope I'm posting this in the proper category.
Namely, I'll be leaving my home country very soon and travel abroad and I will most certainly need to occasionally do SSH connection to my server over 3G, which leads me to data roaming. Now, data roaming at my carrier is super expensive, so I was wondering if there is a way to completely disable data while in roaming, but still be able to connect to 3G and EDGE when I explicitly tell the phone to do so (eg. for SSHing somewhere or checking in on Foursquare, refreshing Twitter timeline, etc).
I saw that there's an option to uncheck Data Roaming in Wireless & Network settings, but I would say that will completely turn off all data connections and NOT allow me to manually and explicitly initiate data connections. Is that true? Is there a way to make it connect to 3G only when I explicitly tell it to while remaining disconnected otherwise?
Allow all phone data settings on. Download APNdroid or similar (APN on off widget) from the market. Open app and set any preferences, then add widget to home screen. Activate by tapping on off on (or something like that). Green on, red off.
All it does is rename the APN settings so it "fails" to connect.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
petarpetrovic said:
I hope I'm posting this in the proper category.
I saw that there's an option to uncheck Data Roaming in Wireless & Network settings, but I would say that will completely turn off all data connections and NOT allow me to manually and explicitly initiate data connections. Is that true? Is there a way to make it connect to 3G only when I explicitly tell it to while remaining disconnected otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your quite correct in that it will stop data connections, but why not turn it back on when you want to connect?, the other possibly cheaper option would be to, as long as your phone is not networked locked, buy a local PAYG sim with data and use that in your phone when you want to use 3G
Buying local sim would be wise option....
Sent from my Desire HD
A local prepaid SIM is a good idea, far cheaper than using data roaming.
Additionally, to avoid background data usage, you might want to install Droidwall and allow only the SSH app to connect to the internet.
ghostofcain said:
Your quite correct in that it will stop data connections, but why not turn it back on when you want to connect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I want only that one application to use the data connection when I want it to, without all other apps opening their own connections for sync and other stuff, since I have a lot of apps and accounts that sync in certain periods of time (this is an Android device, after all ).
frosty_ice said:
Additionally, to avoid background data usage, you might want to install Droidwall and allow only the SSH app to connect to the internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I needed! Many thanks for the suggestion, I'll try it out!
Related
I recently received a T-Mobile Touch Pro 2 cell. I'm NOT paying for web service and would like to only use Wi-Fi. If I disable my data connection under the communication manager, would this mean that I will not be using T-Mobiles web service and only my Wi-Fi? Can I still receive calls/text messages when the data connection is set to off? Do I have to worry about the data connection setting automatically turning on by itself for whatever reason?
DADDYDC650 said:
I recently received a T-Mobile Touch Pro 2 cell. I'm NOT paying for web service and would like to only use Wi-Fi. If I disable my data connection under the communication manager, would this mean that I will not be using T-Mobiles web service and only my Wi-Fi? Can I still receive calls/text messages when the data connection is set to off? Do I have to worry about the data connection setting automatically turning on by itself for whatever reason?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Flipping that switch manually turns off your phone's 3G connection, and you can still make/receive calls/sms. However, as soon as some app or process needs a data link (ones that don't/won't use the wifi connection), it will flip that connection right back on.
sirphunkee said:
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Flipping that switch manually turns off your phone's 3G connection, and you can still make/receive calls/sms. However, as soon as some app or process needs a data link (ones that don't/won't use the wifi connection), it will flip that connection right back on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which apps do I have to worry about flipping the connection on? I only plan on surfing the web and I don't plan on setting up my e-mail account. I only want to text and browse the web using my TP2. Thanks for the response.
DADDYDC650 said:
Which apps do I have to worry about flipping the connection on? I only plan on surfing the web and I don't plan on setting up my e-mail account. I only want to text and browse the web using my TP2. Thanks for the response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well Google Maps for one, it insists on downloading through your 3G data connection even if you're connected to wifi. There may be others that will ignore a wifi connection and fall back on 3G, I don't know off the top of my head, you can dig around here some to see if there's any reference to that (I know I've seen it, just don't have it bookmarked)
Yes, some apps are automatically enabling the data connection.
My solution:
go to Settings > Connections >
and delete the 'data connection' for your provider.
Their you could also go to advanced and choose which networks will be used for what type of connection; play with it.
The data connection isn't used for 'calls', only if you are calling over IP (skype e.g.)
With a program like SPB wireless monitor, you can see which connection has used how many bandwidth.
HTH,
Fossie
fossieniel said:
Yes, some apps are automatically enabling the data connection.
My solution:
go to Settings > Connections >
and delete the 'data connection' for your provider.
Their you could also go to advanced and choose which networks will be used for what type of connection; play with it.
The data connection isn't used for 'calls', only if you are calling over IP (skype e.g.)
With a program like SPB wireless monitor, you can see which connection has used how many bandwidth.
HTH,
Fossie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I go about deleting the data connection from my provider? I'm lost!
There is an easier way. Use the Modoco NoData cab and it turns off the data connection until you turn it back on. This way if you decide that you want to use the data later you dont have to find out and enter your settings again.
It works very well.
For those who want to restrict the data to thier home carrier ie: no roaming the Dynamic+ NoDataInRoaming is ideal as it automatically switches on and off when you enter and leave your home area.
When I read the HTC Desire user manual, it said that I need to turn on the "Data Connection" setting to have internet connection.
Well, this is understandable ... but, does it has automatic connection on demand?
On Windows Mobile, I dont have to specifically turn on data connection. Whenever an app is trying to reach the internet, it will turn on the data connection automatically.
And of course, it will turn-off the data connection automatically as well, when there is no internet network activity.
Does this also the same in Android?
It should turn on automaticly when you try to use online services...
But you can turn it on in Wireless & Network
You have to option to turn mobile data off, that is why it specifies that you need a data connection.
If you do not turn it off, apps that require internet access will use it with no further interaction.
By default MENU -> Settings -> Wireless & networks -> Mobile network was off on my device, meaning it would not connect to internet via 3G (I could still make/receive calls). However, I chose to use WiFi for set-up when I first started the phone, so maybe that's why.
Anyway, I guess that is the setting they are talking about.
Thanks for your information, but that raise a question:
When I switch off the data connection and also switch off the background data option.
Will the HTC Weather widget (and other similar widget) still work with auto-updating periodically?
Zappza said:
You have to option to turn mobile data off, that is why it specifies that you need a data connection.
If you do not turn it off, apps that require internet access will use it with no further interaction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gogol said:
Thanks for your information, but that raise a question:
When I switch off the data connection and also switch off the background data option.
Will the HTC Weather widget (and other similar widget) still work with auto-updating periodically?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO... they need either 3G or WiFi connection to update...
So, that means ... those apps cannot wake up (turn-on) the data connection automatically if needed (on-demand) ...
pantera70 said:
NO... they need either 3G or WiFi connection to update...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do remember the old days of the HTC Hero which had the option of background data usage. I think that was more to do with the version of Android than anything else. I recently had the Nexus One and on the new 2.1 version of Android, you can either switch data on or off, no automated connections on data usage.
When the phone is sleeping (screen off) nearly everything is powered down anyway, even if the data connection is 'on'. Apps will wake the device (an power up radios as required) to do their updates when they need to.
gogol said:
So, that means ... those apps cannot wake up (turn-on) the data connection automatically if needed (on-demand) ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The whole idea of being able to turn your mobile data connection off is to disable mobile data completely. This is a very good option if you are roaming in a foreign country or don't have a fixed data plan.
If you leave the mobile data connection to enabled, applications will "turn-on" the data connection if needed (on-demand). In other words, if the mobile data connection is enabled, the mobile data connection will be in standby, waiting for applications to request use of the connection.
Hope this clarifies it for you, as you appeared to misunderstand my last post.
Ok then
I think it has different meaning compared to the Windows Mobile.
In the COMM MANAGER, there is "Data Connection" toggle which normally is OFF. And this does not mean that the device cannot use 3G data connection.
While on Android, its data connection toggle setting means to enable or disable 3G data connection completely.
I think that is the difference, if we look from Windows Mobile point of view.
Thanks.
Zappza said:
The whole idea of being able to turn your mobile data connection off is to disable mobile data completely. This is a very good option if you are roaming in a foreign country or don't have a fixed data plan.
If you leave the mobile data connection to enabled, applications will "turn-on" the data connection if needed (on-demand). In other words, if the mobile data connection is enabled, the mobile data connection will be in standby, waiting for applications to request use of the connection.
Hope this clarifies it for you, as you appeared to misunderstand my last post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooo er...that sounds like a raunchy novel title.
Going to Romania for a couple of months, and don't want to get a massive data roaming bill. Is it just a case of turning off Mobile Newtworks?
cheers
PS - I'm on UK Orange Network.
The phone disables roaming by default, you have no enable roaming to use data so there's no need to do anything
I thought roaming refers to using your phone abroad - as opposed to accessing data.
If I was you, to be on the safe side I'd delete my APN's. That way it cannot possibly use data. Not even if your tempted to just check emails for a minute
J-Zeus said:
I thought roaming refers to using your phone abroad - as opposed to accessing data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are right roaming do mean accessing other networks with the possibility of additional prices.
This is not disabled by default. Data roaming is though, so you should not bother about changing anything. I always turn the 3g off anyways, when going abroad just to be safe.
mortenmhp said:
Yes you are right roaming do mean accessing other networks with the possibility of additional prices.
This is not disabled by default. Data roaming is though, so you should not bother about changing anything. I always turn the 3g off anyways, when going abroad just to be safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply turning 3g off will not stop data roaming. It will still connect to data but at 2g speeds. You need to disable data, but to be on the safe side deleting the APN's would ensure that no data connections can be made.
Is there a way to be 100% sure whilst roaming that the data connection doesn't send or receive any data?
I realise there's a setting to disable the mobile network whilst roaming but does this make sure not even 1byte is sent?
I'm more than happy to use WiFi when available but can't afford any roaming charges. Could some widgets force data use even when disabled? Possibly beautiful widgets clock and weather?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App on LeeDroid v2.2b
As far as I'm aware, it doesn't sent any data, but if you're that worried about it, turn mobile network off via the widget or the power menu.
Regards,
Dave
I've used the phone in several far-flung corners of the world with roaming data turned off and have never incurred any kind of charge
That's good to know guys. I didn't want the phone slowly trickling my bank account dry whilst I'm in Abu Dhabi. Hopefully there's plenty of free WiFi about.
I use Juice defender. It has a data toggle widget. So I can fast turn it on and off. Works great.
Eph.
Or just use the HTC widget if you're running a Sense ROM!
Regards,
Dave
I would be fairly confident in trusting the Android setting. But if you want to make doubly extra sure, delete your APN settings. OFC you will have to add them again once you get home.
I'm in France on my holls right now, I can confirm that un-ticking the 'Data Roaming' selection works just fine, no mobile data is being used. However I'm unable to send picture messages on the French network but I doubt that's connected.
UKseagull said:
I'm in France on my holls right now, I can confirm that un-ticking the 'Data Roaming' selection works just fine, no mobile data is being used. However I'm unable to send picture messages on the French network but I doubt that's connected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is connected! MMS requires a data connection.
Regards,
Dave
As I mentioned in my earlier thread I recently bought a Motorola Defy. Like many other users that I read about before purchasing my first android smartphone I was not able to open Google Market app after a factory reset.
My hint is based on my own experience and I hope it serves someone else well with similar issue.
As I write this message I have no data plan on my contract and I intend to use wireless connection for emailing, internet browsing, and the Market app. Once I completed the initial setup I put my handset's network mode to 2G only. I was worried to be charged for accessing data on 3G.
I had no problem using the Market app initially over the wireless connection until I did a refactory reset to re-setup my handset properly second time round. It was then the Market app stopped working and not even a master reset resolves the problem and then I was considering to root the handset to remove certain folders as a solution to the problem.
Everytime I laucnhed the Market app it stuck at Terms and Services page. It then occurred to me to change the network mode to Automatic and switch off the wireless connection to see what would happen. Next time I laucnhed the Market app it took me straight to the market's home page. It took me two days to figure this out : (
Once I was in the market I switched the network mode back to 2G only and turned on the wireless again. Everything is working just fine now. For the porpose of this thread I powered off the handset and turned it on again to see if my last settings i.e. 2G only still launches the Market app successfully or not. I can confirm that the Market app works just fine over the wireless connection just fine with 2G only network mode.
BTW, the batter life of this handset is so impressive. I used it one and half day very extensively (over 20 times of restarting the handset alone) and I was very surprised lasted that long. On moderate use and proper battery management (no widgets, no 24 wireless connection), and putting it on air plane mode at nights I would get over 2.5 days before charging is required.
I can't wait for Android 2.2 release to make this handset even more productive for me : )
CSharpHeaven said:
As I write this message I have no data plan on my contract and I intend to use wireless connection for emailing, internet browsing, and the Market app. Once I completed the initial setup I put my handset's network mode to 2G only. I was worried to be charged for accessing data on 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you may have a misconception of 2G versus 3G. They are different technologies. When your phone is in 2G mode, it uses one type of network for both voice and data. In 3G mode it uses another type which provides better voice quality and faster data speeds.
Either way your phone will still try to access data unless you turn off mobile data. If it's in 2G mode and you see the little "E" icon up in the notification area, it's still accessing mobile data - just at a slower rate.
cmstlist said:
I think you may have a misconception of 2G versus 3G. They are different technologies. When your phone is in 2G mode, it uses one type of network for both voice and data. In 3G mode it uses another type which provides better voice quality and faster data speeds.
Either way your phone will still try to access data unless you turn off mobile data. If it's in 2G mode and you see the little "E" icon up in the notification area, it's still accessing mobile data - just at a slower rate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your inputs. I'm very new in the world of smartphones but learning fast.
I searched around to find out how to disable Mobile data and chosen this method *#*#4636#*#* and changed my network type to GSM for best coverage and battery life now. I can confirm the Masrket app still works with wireless connection.
Changing to GSM only does not disable mobile data.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
cmstlist said:
Changing to GSM only does not disable mobile data.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disabled the Mobile Data option by pressing the Settings button then More>Disable Mobile Data. It was then I noticed the options for changing my network type beyond just 2G and 3G.
CSharpHeaven said:
I disabled the Mobile Data option by pressing the Settings button then More>Disable Mobile Data. It was then I noticed the options for changing my network type beyond just 2G and 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did that work then? You no longer connect with mobile date, I'm asking because I have now ordered my Defy but like you don't have a network plan so need a workaround.
CSharpHeaven said:
I disabled the Mobile Data option by pressing the Settings button then More>Disable Mobile Data. It was then I noticed the options for changing my network type beyond just 2G and 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right ok, thanks for clarifying
In Froyo there is a mobile data toggle in the regular menus, and on all Sense phones too. Is there one on Blur phones? I guess not.
Another way to block data is to go to your APN list and fudge the entry (e.g. change epc.tmobile.com to epc.tmobile.com.nodata).
jk1234 said:
Did that work then? You no longer connect with mobile date, I'm asking because I have now ordered my Defy but like you don't have a network plan so need a workaround.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way I can assure you I have successfully disabled Mobile Data by looking at the reception icon in notification bar that no longer displays G, H, E, and 3G at anytime.