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How to Check Data Usage on a Router

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Updated August 9, 2022

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If you are experimenting with your wireless network setup, you may wonder how to check data usage on a router. The best routers out there, after all, typically allow users to check on data usage via a variety of means. Keep reading to learn how to check your data usage.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

There are many ways to successfully and easily check your overall data usage, Internet traffic, and bandwidth consumption of a wireless router or entire network.
You can access the Wi-Fi router’s firmware or dashboard via a web client, as long as you know your IP address.
You can also contact the ISP, or use third-party software for computers, tablets, or smartphones.

Checking Data Usage on a Router

There are a number of ways to check data usage, just like when learning how to clear a cache from a router. Getting a handle on your overall data usage can provide plenty of actionable information, so you can decide if you need to learn how to extend your WiFi range or perform other actions, such as boosting your wireless router signal, and disabling IPV6, or checking the signal strength.

Insider Tip

If your Internet is acting sluggish, you should always attempt to suss out any connected devices that are hogging up the bandwidth.

Method 1 – Router Dashboard

Head to your router dashboard via a web browser or dedicated firmware.
Look for data usage information.
This data usage should be split up via all connected devices.
You should be able to force unknown connected devices off of the network at this time.

Method 2 – Use Smartphone and Tablet Apps

There are plenty of smartphone and tablet apps available that monitor your data usage in real-time.
Find your favorite, install the app, run it, and look for information regarding data usage.
Be sure to run the app at regular intervals to develop an idea of data usage patterns.
Delete any applications that are using too much data and force-quit any connected devices that are unknown.

Method 3 – Contact Your ISP

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will be able to furnish any and all data usage metrics.
Give them a call and do not hesitate to ask any pertinent questions.
In addition to monitoring data usage, your ISP can also help you set up a data limit cap, helping to save money.
They may be able to mail you a paper copy of all pertinent data usage statistics.

Method 4 – Use Web Apps or PC Software

There are also numerous web-based applications that check on overall data usage, in addition to dedicated software suites.
Find one that suits your needs, download it, and it.
Pay special attention to overall data usage and any devices that may be acting as resource hogs.
Feel free to disable applications or connected devices that are using up too much data.

F.A.Q.S

How to find your router’s IP address?

To find the IP address of your Wi-Fi router, you’ll have to access the router firmware, which differs depending on your router model.

How to track router history and monitor Internet activity?

This depends on the make and model of your Wi-Fi router and whatever firmware the wireless router uses. There is usually a way to access a network monitor for network statistics and other network traffic monitoring tools.

How to access your router settings?

Accessing Wi-Fi router settings will depend on the wireless router itself and any necessary firmware software. You’ll likely need your default password and an active network connection, but then you’ll get all kinds of information, including Internet usage, a bandwidth monitor, and more.

STAT: Traffic metering allows you to monitor the volume of Internet traffic that passes through the router Internet port. (source)

REFERENCES:

Lawrence Bonk

Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.