Verizon iPhone 5 Carrier Update Fixes Inadvertent Cellular Data Usage while on WiFi

Apple has pushed out a Verizon-specific carrier update (HT5526) that addresses an issue with Wi-Fi connectivity on the iPhone 5 where Verizon cellular data is consumed while the iPhone 5 is connected to a Wi-Fi network.

The update was issued after a number of users took to Apple’s Support Communities to complain that their iPhone 5 on Verizon network were eating up data usage despite being connected to Wi-Fi network. Verizon’s own forums are also filled with such requests and commiserations but they never answered to such requests.

Ideally, when you connect to WiFi, the LTE must automatically be turned off so it won’t be using any data. But if you’re out of range of the WiFi or have turned it off, the LTE should automatically come back to connect to the Verizon Wireless network. One of the Verizon customer care executive, however, admitted that it as a known issue and suggested furious user to turn off the cellular data.

I am in an WiFI zone most of the time and have only averaged 300 MB of data use for past six months. I’ve already used 80 MB in just a few days with the iPhone 5 even though I haven’t used my phone much at all while outside WiFi. I called Verizon and they said it is a known issue. In the meantime, I was advised to make the following change to my setting when connected to WiFi:

Settings > General > Cellular > Turn Cellular Data OFF

In order to fix an issue in which, under certain circumstances, iPhone 5 may use Verizon cellular data while the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, Apple has suggested users to follow the instructions below to install the update. Verizon iPhone 5 carrier settings update is delivered over-the-air and all Verizon users must install this update.

1. Tap Settings > General > About.
2. Wait for the following alert to appear: (top right)
3. Tap OK to install the update.
4. Hold the Sleep/Wake button down until you see “slide to power off”.
5. Slide to power off.
6. After the device powers off, hold the Sleep/Wake button to turn your phone back on.

Note: To finish the installation of the update, your iPhone 5 must be turned off and then on again.

After your iPhone 5 restarts, tap Settings > General > About, then scroll down to Carrier and verify that “Verizon 13.1″ is displayed.

Apple has yet to announce what exactly caused the issue and it is unclear whether Verizon will be refunding the affected users for inadvertent cellular data usage.

Were you affected by the issue?