Why brave uses data while idling?

Today I started brave but I did not use it. To my suprise it downloaded 400MB of data in the background. I have used less data browsing on FF during the same time. Can anyone explain why so much data used while idling?
Included my brave history which shows no browsing activity for today and my activity monitor showing how much data brave download today on this screen shot.

NOTE: I do not have unlimited data - so I’m very sensitive what my data is used for since i have to pay for every bit.

1 Like

Any built-in extensions in the browser as well as any installed 3rd party extensions all may download/apply updates or perform regular checks which add to this data. Additionally, any browser updates or updates to browser components are automatically downloaded. Also any sites that are left open may refresh (this is something you can combat against using the Memory saver feature) or fetch/download new data (depending on the site, obviously).

Thank you for your reply.
I did not have any webpage open and do not have any extension installed. Further more i turned off default features like background pics, news etc, any that would use data. However, on the “About” page in settings I see this:

Nearly up to date! Relaunch Brave to finish updating.
Version 1.64.109 Chromium: 123.0.6312.58 (Official Build) (arm64)

So I assume it was an update. But 400MB - that is a huge file? It seems like reinstall then an update to me. The mac download install file is half that size, maybe i should just reinstall on my own?

Also, according to issues 5576 on github users can not control auto update. Tthat is a bummer, since I do high data intensity task when I’m on fiber at friends, starbucks etc… And i rather control my own destiny when it comes to software updates.

Ohh wow, that’s great to know since I use my data on low mode

@terracivis,
All that being said, you should be updated even further than what is showing there — can you confirm that the browser updated to version 1.65.126?

FYI: My Samsung tablet experienced the same issue. Brave downloaded 431MB in the background. If you’re paying a lot for data based on usage, I recommend avoiding using Brave on a metered mobile internet plan until they allow users to choose when to perform software updates. This way, you can ensure updates are done when you’re connected to unlimited internet.

This topic was automatically closed 60 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.