Downloading music/data usage

[kolbegroup]

I am still trying to understand what is and is not data usage.  If I download music from a free WI-FI ( like at home) will that cause data usage?  When I play that music in Free WIFI will that use data?  Or if I play that music outside of free WIFI will that use data on my Iphone?  I guess my real question is when will playing or downloading music cause data to be used on my Iphone?  Thank you for your time.......

[youngjm ACE - Master]

When on wifi, your are not using cellular data. If the music is on your phone, you are not using data. If you are listening to music from a source not on your iPhone and you are NOT on wifi, you are using cellular data.

[Max69 ACE - Professor]

Playing music will never use data if the music is on the phone.

Downloading will only use data if you're not on wifi.

[wingrider01 ACE - Expert]

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kolbegroup wrote:

I am still trying to understand what is and is not data usage.  If I download music from a free WI-FI ( like at home) will that cause data usage?  When I play that music in Free WIFI will that use data?  Or if I play that music outside of free WIFI will that use data on my Iphone?  I guess my real question is when will playing or downloading music cause data to be used on my Iphone?  Thank you for your time.......

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If you have a wifi connection it does not go against your data allocation, if no wifi it is counted against your allocation.

For example if you are connected to your home wifi and are running something like Pandora, as long as your wifi does not disconnect you are not charged. If you take the phone to the park or in your car and start streaming Pandora you are utilizing your data plan

[sandblaster]

The easiest way to determine whether your phone is using cellular data or not for music (or for any data app) is to turn cellualr data off. If the music still plays or downloads, then you are not using cellular data.

[johninsj ACE - Professor]

Anything you do where the media is already ON the phone doesn't use any wireless data. This includes playing audio and video you sync to the device via iTunes.

Anything you do when connected to wifi (network symbol next to AT&T upper left isn't 3G/4G/E, but is the "wifi waves" symbol*) doesn't use cellular data.

If you want to be sure you are NOT using cellular data, turn it off in Settings->General->Network.

* note if you are "connected" to a wifi hotspot that requires authenticaion thru a web portal, such as "pay" based wifi in hotels/airports, you might see the wifi symbol but still be using cellular data until you authenticate with the portal...