There are many factors that can lead to a device on your WiFi network consuming a high amount data.

• Someone joining your WiFi network: If you have an open WiFi network (with no password) or an easily guessable WiFi password, people may join your WiFi network and consume a lot of data. To address this, make sure your set a strong WiFi password.
• Background updates: Some devices (such as mobile phones or game consoles) may download large software updates or may update apps automatically over WiFi. Check your device's settings for a "Low Data" mode to limit background data usage over WiFi.
• Other updates or large downloads: Movie downloads and updates to video games can be very large, sometimes over 100 GB. Quality of streams can dramatically change data usage as well; Standard Definition (SD) uses ~0.7 GB per hour, High Definition (HD) uses ~3 GB per hour, and 4K can use ~7 GB per hour if not more.
• Speed tests: Depending on network speeds, each speed test may consume up to ~1 GB or more. Data downloaded and uploaded during speed tests will be counted towards data usage totals.
• Devices using excessive data: There are some cases where certain devices (e.g. smart TV's or security cameras) quietly send diagnostic data to servers in the background.
• Devices with malware: In some rare cases, a device on your network may be infected with malware. This can lead to extended periods of very high data consumption for a compromised device.
• Starlink router background activity: Even without connected devices, your Starlink router may use a small amount of data each month (typically 1-5 GB) for essential software updates and health monitoring. This is normal network-level traffic and will be counted toward your monthly data usage totals.

Use the Starlink app to identify suspicious devices on your network. Open the "Network" screen and look for any unrecognized devices.

If you have an open WiFi network or your password can be easily guessed, consider setting a new WiFi password in "Settings."