A method for adapting data retrieval polling in a mobile wireless device is disclosed. The mobile wireless device is configured in an adaptive pull mode and polls a remote server when a data retrieval polling timer expires. Data retrieval information is stored in the mobile wireless device and the data retrieval polling timer is updated to a value based on the stored data retrieval information. The data retrieval information includes time intervals between successive polls or time delay intervals between data arrival at and retrieval from the remote server. Updates are based on weighted moving averages of the data retrieval information.