Mobile data

Mobile data is the data included when you purchase a SIM only plan, prepaid plan, or mobile broadband. You need a certain amount of mobile data to browse the web and use apps or services that require an internet connection.

Why do you need mobile data?

Mobile data is essential for staying connected when you’re away from home or office WiFi. Whether it’s for background tasks like security updates or everyday essentials like navigating with Maps and looking up a phone number while you’re out and about, data keeps your phone “smart.”

Info! Mobile data is measured in gigabytes (GB). Usually, the main difference between a provider’s various plans is the amount of GB included. Generally, the more data you choose, the higher the monthly cost or recharge fee will be.

Exactly how much data you need depends on your online habits. While scrolling social media is relatively light, streaming high-definition video or gaming on the go eats through your allowance much faster. This is particularly relevant now that 5G has become the standard across Australia. While these lightning-fast speeds make for a seamless experience, they also make it easier to consume large amounts of data in a very short time without even realising it.

Because of this shift toward higher consumption, most 2026 SIM only plans now include very generous data allowances as standard. However, if you prefer to pay only for what you use, a prepaid plan still offers the best flexibility.

What is the difference between mobile data and WiFi?

Both mobile data and WiFi allow you to get online, but they work differently. When you use mobile data, your device connects to a mobile network, such as 4G or 5G. Mobile data works anywhere there is network coverage, and using it consumes the data allowance included in your plan.

If you use a WiFi network, your device receives signals from a router instead. Most Australians pay for a home broadband connection (like the NBN) and use a router to create a WiFi network at home. You pay for that broadband separately, and when you use your mobile on WiFi, it doesn’t use any of the data from your SIM only or prepaid plan.

How to check your mobile data usage

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your usage each month. This helps you decide if you’re on the right plan or if you should switch to a different data tier.

In your phone settings 

If you have a SIM only or prepaid plan, you can check your usage directly in your settings.

  • On iPhone: Go to Settings > Mobile Data to see your total usage and a breakdown of which apps are using the most data.
  • On Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Data usage. You can view your total consumption for a specific period and see which apps are the “data hogs.” Note that these steps might vary slightly depending on whether you have a Samsung, Google Pixel, or another brand.

Via your provider’s website or app

  • Website: You can usually log in to your “My Account” or member portal on your provider’s website to see your remaining balance.
  • App: Most Australian telcos have their own apps. Downloading your provider’s app is usually the easiest way to check your data balance and manage your plan on the go.

By SMS 

Many providers allow you to check your balance by sending a quick text (e.g., texting ‘BAL’ or ‘DATA’ to a specific number). You’ll get an immediate reply showing your remaining data.

Should mobile data be on or off?

If you have a limited data allowance, it’s a good idea to turn off mobile data when you aren’t using it. Some apps can run in the background and “sip” data even when your phone is in your pocket.

However, if you have a plan with a high data limit or “endless data” (where speeds are just slowed down after you hit your limit), you can safely leave it on all the time.

How to turn off mobile data

  • iPhone: Go to Settings > Mobile Data and toggle the switch off.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Data usage > Mobile data and toggle it off.

What is data banking?

Data banking (sometimes called data rollover) allows you to save your unused data from one month and use it later. In Australia, this is a very popular feature. Some providers allow you to keep your unused data for just a month, but many Australian MVNOs (smaller providers) now allow you to “bank” hundreds of gigabytes indefinitely as long as you stay on your plan.

Please note! While some providers still have a limit (e.g., 500 GB or 1 TB), many Australian plans now offer unlimited data banking, meaning your data never expires as long as you maintain an active subscription.

Data banking is a great safety net if your data needs change from month to month. However, if you notice your data bank is constantly full and never gets used, you might save money by switching to a cheaper plan with a smaller data allowance.

Are there prepaid plans with data banking?

Yes, many Australian prepaid plans now offer data banking, provided you recharge your credit before the expiry date.

What to do if your mobile data isn’t working

  1. Check your settings: Make sure Mobile Data is actually turned on.
  2. Check coverage: If you are in a remote area or inside a thick-walled building, you might have no signal. Check the bars at the top of your screen. Keep in mind that since the 3G network shutdown in 2024, you must have a 4G or 5G compatible device to access any mobile data in Australia.
  3. Check for outages: Sometimes the network goes down. Check your provider’s website for a “Network Status” page to see if there is an outage in your area.
  4. Check your balance: You may have simply run out of data. Log in to your app to check. If you have run out, you can usually buy a “data top-up,” though these can be more expensive than the data included in your regular plan.

Using mobile data overseas

When you travel outside of Australia, you can’t connect to your local provider’s towers. To use the internet, you have to use International Roaming, which allows your phone to “borrow” a network in the country you are visiting.

Unlike in some other countries, roaming for Australians is rarely free.

This is how mobile data overseas works with each service type

  • SIM only plans: Most major Australian telcos offer International Roaming Passes. For a flat fee you get a set amount of data to use in specific countries. This is often the most convenient option for short trips.
  • Prepaid plans: On a prepaid plan, roaming is often disabled by default. You usually need to buy a specific Roaming Pack or Add-on via your provider’s app before you leave. If you don’t buy a pack, your data simply won’t work overseas.
  • Mobile broadband: Most mobile broadband plans are restricted to use within Australia. If you need mobile broadband while travelling, you will usually need to buy a local SIM card or a dedicated travel device at your destination.
  • Pay as you go (PAYG): This is the “default” rate if you haven’t purchased a daily pass or a roaming pack. PAYG rates charge you for every single megabyte (MB) you use. These rates are incredibly high and are the most common cause of “bill shock.” We strongly recommend avoiding PAYG roaming altogether.

Before you hop on a plane, always check your provider’s app to see which roaming options are supported for your destination. Most savvy travellers now opt for a travel eSIM. This allows you to download a digital SIM card and access local data rates instantly upon arrival, bypassing the expensive roaming daily-pass fees charged by major Australian telcos.