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Post-paid customers use around 19GB of data a month on average

The average post-paid mobile customer in Australia uses around 19GB of data a month, according to the ACCC. That’s a handy starting point, but how much you need really depends on how you use your phone, especially how much video content you stream when you’re away from wi-fi.

The easiest way to work it out is to look at what you actually do on your phone.

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What uses the most data?

Video, by a long way. Netflix says its app uses about 1GB every 4 hours on the Automatic setting, while HD streaming in a web browser can use up to 3GB an hour.

Music is much lighter. Spotify uses roughly 43MB an hour on Normal quality and 72MB on High. An hour of Netflix on the app’s Automatic setting uses around three and a half times as much data as an hour of Spotify on High.

How long does 1GB of data last?

1GB of data gets you about 4 hours of Netflix on the app’s Automatic setting, or around 23 hours of Spotify at Normal quality.

One gigabyte can last a long time if you’re mostly messaging and listening to music. If you’re watching videos, it can be gone in an afternoon.

1GB a day is more than the average post-paid customer uses.

How many GB of data do I need a month?

Think about how you use your phone when you’re not on wi-fi, then pick the size that covers it with a bit to spare. Not sure where to start? Use the table below to match the way you use your phone to a plan size.

If you mostly…	Suggested plan
Use wi-fi most of the time, and mobile data for messaging, maps and music	30GB
Watch video on your commute or lunch break most days	60GB
Stream for longer stretches away from wi-fi, or hotspot a laptop	120GB
Use your phone as your main internet connection	250GB

30GB sits comfortably above the 19GB average. It’s also the plan that won Swoop the WhistleOut Editor’s Pick for August 2026, as the best SIM only plan with at least 30GB.

If you’re still unsure, start with the size that feels right and adjust once you’ve seen a month or two of real usage.

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How to check how much data you have left

If you’re with Swoop, the easiest way is the Swoop Mobile app, which shows your usage for the month. Your phone also keeps its own tally, which is handy for seeing which apps are using the most.

On an iPhone

Open Settings and tap Mobile Service (Mobile Data on older iOS versions).
Scroll down to see how much mobile data you’ve used and how much each app has used.
To stop an app using mobile data, turn it off in the same list. That app will then use wi-fi instead.

Your iPhone doesn’t automatically reset its usage statistics each month. If you want to track your usage by billing period, tap Reset Statistics at the bottom of the screen when your plan renews.

Keep in mind that your iPhone’s usage count may not exactly match your provider’s records. For the most accurate figure, check with your mobile provider.

On a Samsung Galaxy

Open Settings and tap Connections, then Data usage.
You’ll see how much mobile data you’ve used during the period being tracked.
Tap Billing cycle and data warning and set the start date to the day your plan renews. You can also set a data warning to get an alert before you reach the amount you’ve chosen.

On a Google Pixel

Open Settings and tap Network & internet, then SIMs. Depending on your Pixel and Android version, you may instead find these options under Internet.
Your Pixel will show your total mobile data usage. Tap App data usage to see which apps are using the most.
Tap Data warning & limit to set a warning when your usage reaches a certain amount. You can also set a data limit that automatically turns off mobile data when you reach it.

Other Android phones work in a similar way, but menu names can vary by manufacturer and Android version. If you can’t find the setting, search for data usage in your Settings app.

Tips to make your data go further

The simplest ways to stretch your data are to download shows and playlists over Wi-Fi before you head out, and to switch Netflix to Save Data, which gives you about 6 hours per GB instead of 4.

For more ideas, read our guide on how to save mobile data.

Why switch to Swoop?

Award-winning value. Our 30GB plan won the WhistleOut Editor’s Pick for August 2026.
No lock-in contract. Move to a bigger or smaller plan if your data needs change.
Vodafone 4G and 5G. The network covers 99% of Australians.
Keep your number. Around 95% of our customers do, on a physical SIM or eSIM.
Unlimited standard talk and text in Australia, plus wi-fi calling.

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Frequently asked questions

How much data do I need?

It depends on how much you use your phone away from wi-fi. 30GB suits everyday use, 60GB if you stream video on your commute, 120GB for longer streaming or hotspotting a laptop, and 250GB if your phone is your main internet connection.

How much data does the average person use?

Around 19GB a month, if you’re on a post-paid plan, according to the ACCC. GlobalData expects the average across all mobile users to climb from 16.4GB a month in 2025 to 27.4GB by 2030.

How much is 1GB of data?

1GB is enough for about 4 hours of Netflix on the app’s Automatic setting, or around 23 hours of Spotify at Normal quality.

How much data does Netflix use?

Netflix says its app uses about 1GB every 4 hours on the default Automatic setting. HD streaming in a web browser can use up to 3GB an hour, and 4K up to 7GB an hour.

How much data does Spotify use?

Spotify uses around 43MB an hour at Normal quality and 72MB an hour at High quality, based on Spotify’s published streaming rates.

How do I check how much data I have left?

On an iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular). On most Android phones, search “data usage” in Settings. Swoop customers can also check in the Swoop Mobile app.

Can I change my Swoop plan if I need more data?

Yes. Swoop Mobile plans have no lock-in contract, so you can move to a bigger or smaller plan whenever your needs change.

Switch to Swoop and keep your number

Call the Swoop Mobile team on 1300 66 55 75, 9AM to 7PM weekdays and 10AM to 5PM weekends (AEST).