Tell me more ×
Windows Phone Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for enthusiasts and power users of Windows Phone OS. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 12 down vote favorite

When downloading apps, I prefer using a Wi-Fi connection over a mobile data conection. So I switch off the mobile data connection and switch on the Wi-Fi for the duration of the download and revert back when done.

If I were to switch both Wi-Fi and mobile data connections on, and either download an app or browse a site, how would Windows Phone prioritize which connection should be used to retrieve data?

My guesses would be that it'll try to connect to the first connection turned on or it will always look for one of them internally set as the default connection when both are on. But I can't find a way to tell how this works.

share|improve this question

3 Answers

up vote 12 down vote accepted

Windows Phone should and does always prioritize wifi over your mobile 3g data connection if wifi is enabled when you are using your phone.

When the phone is not used and the screen is turned of wifi will be turned off asswell. Unless the power adapter is connected then wifi will not be switched off and the phone will keep using wifi

share|improve this answer
I'll take your word for it. – Thomas Apr 25 '12 at 17:52
1  
It is not the complete story. – Vitor Canova♦ Apr 26 '12 at 11:14
Victor i improved the answer with missing part – GeertvdC Apr 26 '12 at 16:54
Surely wifi is still used intermittently when the screen is turned off and wifi is available? How else would the phone check for new emails? Or are email updates always pushed through 3G? – paradroid Apr 28 '12 at 9:20
@paradroid As I mention in my answer here there is a big story about that. – Vitor Canova♦ Apr 29 '12 at 17:58
show 2 more comments
up vote 10 down vote

There are many situations

  • Plugged out and the screen is unlocked: It will prefer Wifi oever 3G.
  • Plugged out and sleeping (display off): If your phone is sleeping in your pocket and you have 3G and WiFi turned on it will not use Wifi. It because when sleeping the phone automatically turn of Wifi.
  • Plugged in: The phone will prefer Wifi even when sleeping.
share|improve this answer
Do you have a reference for the second point? – Matthew Read Apr 25 '12 at 23:22
1  
I asked to official Windows Phone Support on Twitter. Take a look: twitter.com/#!/WinPhoneSupport/status/190568653417234432 – Vitor Canova♦ Apr 26 '12 at 2:06
Awesome, +1 then! – Matthew Read Apr 26 '12 at 2:39
@VitorCanova Thanks. I'll do some tests to verify all options. Till then +1. – Thomas Apr 26 '12 at 13:04
up vote 2 down vote

Along with the OS preferences, each app can prioritize network connection. In my apps I always check to see if the user is connected to wifi before sending or receiving large amounts of data.

For instance, in one of my apps that handles recorded video, I firmly warn the user that they are not connected to wi-fi. If they are already connected to wi-fi the app will upload video without alerting the user about the connection.

The phone does this as well. It will not let you download large apps, video or podcasts over the cellular data connection. It will wait until you've connected to wifi to start the download.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.