Tips to Reduce the Feed of Your Data Hungry Device

Mobile data has made it possible for people to stay online no matter where they go as long as there is adequate mobile phone coverage. Whether 2G, 3G or 4G, mobile data users can surf, download and upload content from their mobile phones without having to use a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, cellphones can be data-hungry, especially if using 3G or 4G. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce data usage. Here are a few tips to save money on your mobile data.

Stop App Updates on Mobile Data

App updates over mobile data are usually turned on by default. The apps are updated whenever there is a new version so you won’t know about it until you get a notification. Some updates can be heavy and can eat into your mobile data quickly. In order to avoid this, go to Settings and select Automatic app updates. Choose the Wi-Fi only option so that the apps update only when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Restrict Background Data

This option limits apps from using mobile data unless necessary. It does have one pitfall in that some apps and services may not work as well without Internet connectivity. However, it allows you to retrieve data manually. For instance, instead of receiving notifications for new mails, you will have to go into your email account and reload it


Disable Auto-Play Videos

Some apps play videos automatically and while this is a convenience of sorts, it hogs mobile data. To keep this from happening, go into the app’s settings and select the option to auto-play videos over Wi-Fi only. 

Use Wi-Fi When Possible

Turn off mobile data and switch to Wi-Fi whenever there is a trusted source. For example, if you have WI-Fi at home, connect to it instead of using mobile data. If there is a public network, make sure you do not conduct any transaction. Wait until you are home to use your own WI-Fi or until you are within range of a trusted WI-Fi hotspot to done any transaction even easy recharge your mobile online.

Read Also: How to Stay Within Your Data Allowance & Budget

Use a Data Monitor

A data monitor is a handy feature that lets you keep a check on the amount of mobile data you are using. It shows how much each app consumes so you know which ones are data-hungry. Most Smartphones have built-in monitors but you can also download them if you want. 

Turn Off Push Notifications/Content

Push notifications/content use a significant amount of mobile data. The feature delivers or pushes content to your phone even when the app is closed or the screen is locked. Choose the apps whose content you want to be pushed and disable the rest. You’ll be surprised by how much mobile data usage you cut back on.

Turn it Off

This is a simple solution for people who don’t use their mobile data often. For instance, if you normally use it to check your mail and social media updates occasionally, you don’t need to turn on mobile data for hours at a stretch. Instead, you can turn it on when you want to check new mail or log into your social media accounts. Once you are done, you can turn it off until you need it next time. 

Compress Data

Some browsers now offer users the option of downloading compressed data. The quality of videos and images drops a little but the web-page loading time is faster and the amount of mobile data used is less. If the browser you use does not support this feature, you can always download an app for the same.

Save money and mobile data with these easy-to-follow tips. Whether you are using 2G, 3G or 4G you stand to gain plenty.

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