Google is Hogging my Data Allotment

[5thwheeleroldma]

I got a new Verizon hotspot and was trying it out last night, so I was watching internet data closely. We used 3 GB of data out of our 5 GB monthly allowance, during a period of 6 hours. We used the browser perhaps a total of two hours, that's all; no movies, videos, photo downloading, etc.

The Verizon tech found that virtually all the useage was to 3 Google IP's, 2607:f8b0:4000:19:: c, 2607:f8b0:4012:802::100b, 2607:f8b0:4012:802::100a. He gave me a number to call Google IP Administrator, but of course you might as well try to reach the president---no luck, just the recorded idiot messages.

Can anyone tell me what Google is doing to me? We are old folks, no facebook, no twitter, no movies, no videos; just a little surfing and a couple of emails per day.

[5thwheeleroldma]

I did change the password on the hotspot, but it is confusing. It changed the administrative password that I log into my Verizon account on the computer, but did not change the password on the hotspot itself. Don't see any way to do that.

I downloaded the free malware bytes and ran it. It turned up 88 problems even after my scan with Norton. Don't know if that will help.

I'm seriously thinking of changing the browser from Chrome to Firefox, but realistically I know most everything I do will still involve Google. They have a hand in everything.

[Shipper]

accsys wrote:
To use that much data in that amount of time without streaming, I would suspect malware.

Several months ago I had 3GB disappear out of a 5 GB Verizon plan in a 4 hour period. My average monthly usage was about 2.5GB with no streaming video nor audio. I use a secure jetpack and after 3 calls I got Verizon to give me a credit on my account for the usage. I have no idea what caused it but I changed all my passwords. No problems since.

[gotsmart]

Does the OP have the WiFi password enabled on the hotspot? If not, someone else within range could be connecting to an unsecured hotspot and running up the OP's data usage.

[accsys]

To use that much data in that amount of time without streaming, I would suspect malware. It wouldn't hurt to download and run Malwarebytes just in case.

[ChooChooMan74]

Adblock plus will block the ads.

[wa8yxm]

A lot of sites are advertising supported, and GOOGLE is a major ad service, so a lot of internet activity goes to Google servers serving up the ()(#$)@ Ads, I suspect if you check the ads here you will find they are provided via google.

Google also operates a DNS service. When you type something like www.rv.net Your computer says HEY DNS service, where do I find rv.net and the DNS replies with the numeric address... From there on it's all protocol.

[powderman426]

Are you certain that it used 3 gig and not .3?? A half gig an hour is using some serious data. You really need to check for a virus. Also is the mifi locked down good? It could be someone saw your modem and used the opportunity to download some stuff. I can do a lot of surfing using Facebook, eBay, and a lot of other things for a month and come in under 3 gigs. Just saying.

[5thwheeleroldma]

I tried several IP lookup sites. It just says those IP's are "neighborhood". Whatever that means.

No, we have no devices, just prepaid gophones, no fancy Ifones, etc.

[Bill_Satellite]

Don't forget that your phones look for wifi connections (the assumption being wifi is free) to download all their updates as well. If you set your phone to connect to your MiFi the phone will download at will. If you have a Win8 computer or tablet they all come with many "live tiles" which continually download data whether you like it or not so you have to go through every tile both in the start section and the "hidden tiles" and ensure you have all of the live tiling turned off.

[MrWizard]

you do not loose your Gmail

access your google email by going to https://mail.google.com/mail
with any browser

instead of google home page

[darsben]

5thwheeleroldman wrote:
If I go to Firefox browser, do I lose my google email? Everyone wants you email these days and I'd have to do a lot of changing.

No you just have to go to your Google email through your firefox browser

[5thwheeleroldma]

If I go to Firefox browser, do I lose my google email? Everyone wants you email these days and I'd have to do a lot of changing.

[5thwheeleroldma]

Hey, downtheroad, where do I go to find "settings". Sorry, not very techy. Disregard, I found it.

[downtheroad]

Go into Settings. > Data Useage....then scroll down to Google and turn off background data.

This will force Google to use only WiFi.....not your data allowance.

[kgarrett9999]

Try using the FireFox browser with the NoScript add on. It automatically disables all of those extras sites that seem to be prevalent when surfing the web. I frequently see google sites on the list of what it blocks automatically.