Some providers have data caps and exceeding them can lead to extra charges, but even if you have truly unlimited data, it can still be useful to keep an eye on things.
Tracking your usage can help you learn whether your broadband deal is delivering the best value, ensure your Wi-Fi is secure and also monitor your children's behaviour online
Even "unlimited" broadband contracts can come with fair use policies, where excessive use may lead to speed restrictions or warnings from your ISP.
A ‘fair usage policy’ is the small print that clamps down on customers from exceeding what providers see as acceptable data usage. Customers share internet connections and if one person is excessively downloading, it might slow down the connection for other users. These restrictions are put in place to make sure that everyone has ‘fair use’ and access to the best broadband quality available.
Even if you have an unlimited data plan you could still be limited. Especially during peak times when more people want to connect and there is typically less bandwidth in the wider network. So, to manage congestion, providers can implement these fair usage policies.
The term ‘truly unlimited broadband' is now used to make it clear that there are no limitations at all on usage, so no fair usage policy.
Find out more about broadband fair use policies >>
Here’s a look at some popular devices and the data usage they consume so you can compare your own. These numbers can vary depending on settings (e.g. video resolution) and how frequently the device is used too.
One of the best ways to see data usage per device is through your router’s web user interface. This is basically a web browser that lets you manage and configure your router’s settings and features.
Most routers offer per-device data monitoring via their web user interface.
You’ll need your router’s IP address to do this. Every device we connect to the internet gets an IP address, even the device from which we get our internet connection – the router.
How to find your router’s IP address using a computer
Most won’t have a clue what their router’s IP address is, so to find it:
Once you have the IP address
Step 1: Open a browser and enter your router’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
Step 2: Log in using the credentials (often on a sticker on the router).
Step 3: Look for a section like "Device List," "Traffic Monitor," or "Bandwidth Usage."
Step 4: View data usage per device over time.
Some routers include daily/monthly stats.
A lot of broadband providers offer data usage stats via an online account or dedicated app. With this you can get:
Check with individual providers for more details.
If you want to have a look on a particular device such as a laptop or a mobile phone, here are a few ways to monitor your usage.
If you're reaching your broadband data limits, try:
If you're consistently hitting your limit, it might be a good time to compare broadband deals and switch to a plan that doesn’t have data limits or fits your household’s needs better.
