If you’re one of the many people who don’t have unlimited data through their Xfinity subscription, then you’re probably keeping a close eye on your data usage to avoid an overage fee. You might even be approaching your limit now, which is why it’s important to know when your Xfinity data cap resets.

The data usage meter for an Xfinity subscriber who does not have unlimited data will reset on the last day of each calendar month. Where the standard time is in effect, the reset times are as follows:

  • 7 pm Eastern
  • 6 pm Central
  • 5 pm Mountain
  • 4 pm Pacific

In this article, we will answer other relevant questions relating to Xfinity’s data cap, such as how much data this cap entails, how you can keep track of your data usage, and what happens if you exceed that cap. We will also discuss whether the Xfinity unlimited plans are worthwhile or if it is best to pay per GB.

What is My Xfinity Data Cap?

Xfinity with typically sends its subscribers a series of notifications when they are approaching their data limit, but it always helps to know what this limit is and how to keep track of it.

The data cap on your Xfinity subscription will depend on the type of plan you’ve purchased and the device associated with it. For example, Xfinity’s home internet plans have a data cap of 1.2 TB versus its mobile plans, which can range from unlimited to paying $15/month for 1 GB and everything in-between.[AW1] 

Deciding which of these plans is best for you will come down to your device needs and how much data you think you and anyone else sharing your contract will use on a monthly basis. The 1.2TB for home internet is usually much more than the average household needs, but phones can be a bit trickier to judge.

Statistically, the average person uses 2GB to 5GB of data with their smartphone, so if you aren’t sure which Xfinity plan is best for you, anything about 5GB should be sufficient for one device.

How Can I Check My Data Usage?

If you’re unsure of what your data limit is, the best way to find out is by logging into your Xfinity account. There are two ways you can do this, either online or through the Xfinity mobile app.

To see your data usage and history online, you’ll need to log into your Xfinity account and then open the “Monthly Data Usage” menu. Here, you’ll find all the information you need regarding how much data you’ve currently used in the month, how much is left, and your data history from previous months.

Finding your data usage on the mobile app works a little differently. Once you’ve downloaded and opened the app, you’ll want to tap the “Internet” icon on the top left menu bar or on the overview screen. Here, you’ll see all devices with an Xfinity plan and their data usage.

Both options will also detail your plan period, so you know when your data cap will be reset.

Using this app is arguably the best way to monitor your data usage to ensure you don’t exceed your cap. You’ll also receive notifications from Xfinity detailing the percentage of data you’ve used for the month to inform you whether you’re nearing your cap and need to reduce your data usage to avoid paying an overage fee.

What Happens If I Exceed the Data Cap?

The biggest concern people have with their Xfinity plans is what happens once they exceed their data cap. Again, the answer for this varies slightly depending on your device and plan.

Subscribers with Xfinity home internet, which comes with a data cap of 1.2TB, are given a courtesy month the first time they exceed their data. This means you will not receive an overage fee until you have exceeded your data a second time within a 12-month period.

Once that occurs, you will be charged an overage fee of $10 and provided 50 GB. After the 12-month period has passed from your last data overage, the complimentary month balance will reset, allowing you to use the privilege again.

It is unclear whether Xfinity offers the complimentary month to its mobile subscribers. If not, you will have to pay $15 for 1GB of data after exceeding your data cap.

These overage charges will then appear “on the billing statement following the last day of the month for which you exceeded your data usage plan.”

Is an Unlimited Xfinity Plan Worth It?

While the overage charges detailed above are minimal, they might be enough to entice you to switch to one of Xfinity’s unlimited plans. But is it worth it?

The answer to this question is pretty subjective. The upfront cost of an Xfinity unlimited plan is going to be more than any alternative, so if you want the most budget-friendly plan, then this isn’t the choice for you. However, if you frequently exceed your data cap and/or would prefer to not have to worry about how much data you can use, then an unlimited plan is the best option.

Of course, this also depends on which subscription you’re looking at. For example, the home internet plan comes with 1.2TB of data, which would be difficult to exceed, making an unlimited plan unnecessary for most homeowners.

Comparatively, if you’re looking at mobile plans and know you’re the type of person to be using their phone constantly for business and other purposes, then you might not want to worry about monitoring your data usage and paying fees. It all comes down to the individual’s needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts

The data cap on Xfinity plans isn’t ideal, but their associated GBs and overage fees are reasonable compared to competitors. Monitoring your data usage is a great way to ensure you avoid these fees, but if you find yourself constantly exceeding your data cap, it might be time to consider an Xfinity unlimited plan.