Do you often get absorbed surfing the internet only to discover that you’ve exceeded your data limit and generated additional costs? You’re not the only one. However, since you’re the one putting up with the additional costs, you should do something about it.
The best thing you can do is to take measures to reduce your mobile data usage and, thus, avoid additional charges. This is not as easy as you would think, considering the numerous and tricky apps available and running in the background nowadays, so we’ve prepared a few recommendations.
How To Reduce Your Mobile Data Usage To Avoid Additional Costs
1. Limit Your Data Usage From Your Phone’s Settings
The process is as simple as counting to three. All you have to do is access your phone’s settings and set the limit. When you reach the limit, your phone will let you know and you will be able to restrict your internet use or at least plan your budget according to the new expenses.Also, check your phone for data saving settings. Most phones have one and, when turned on, it compresses pages before downloading them. You will still be able to browse the internet but you will use less data while doing it.
2. Use Wi-Fi Connections When Available
Wi-Fi connections are usually available in public places, like parks, cafes, supermarkets, etc. Connecting to some networks may require your acceptance of their terms and conditions. Once you’ve connected to a network, your phone will recognize it and connect to it automatically the next time it gets in its range.It will take a little while for you to check for and access the available Wi-Fi connections in your area. However, it will be worth it. Moreover, many carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have their own hot spot networks and locator maps that you should look into. Just keep in mind that public Wi-Fi networks are easy to hack. You can protect your privacy by using a VPN.
Tip: Protect Your Personal Data While Using Public Wi-Fi
3. Turn Off Your Data When You Don’t Need It
You like being connected all the time but, if you cannot afford it, you should consider turning off your data now and then. You could do that at night, when you are driving, during work meetings, meals, or workouts and improve your sleep, focus, etc..4. Turn Off Any Unnecessary Apps Running In Ihe Background
Most apps nowadays are designed to keep running in the background unless you turn them off. Perhaps you would like to keep some of them, like your email, and, maybe, social media apps, but there are surely quite a few that you can live without or turn on when necessary.It is important to note that, although you’re not really using them, these apps keep collecting data about your activity and they also eat up your phone battery and slow down your phone. Turning them off and preventing them from running in the background will prove beneficial for your overall mobile experience. You can restrict all background data usage or review permissions for each app. The choice is all yours.
5. Use A Third-Party App To Track Your Data Usage
Depending on which app you use, there could be several important benefits at stake. You could:- Set daily, weekly, and monthly data usage limits and receive notifications when you reach them
- See which apps consume the most data and take measures to reduce data usage
- Clean your cache and RAM and close down apps running in the background
Some of the most popular data tracking apps these days are: My Data Manager, 3G Watchdog, Data Usage, and Data Monitor. Be sure to check their reputation before choosing which one to install.
6. Look Into Shared Data Plans
Some carriers offer attractive data plans for friends groups and families. Such a plan would allow more flexibility, meaning that plan subscribers can “borrow” data from one another when they need it. It will work especially well if your friends or family members have lower data needs and prefer the same network.7. Download Your Maps
If you depend on navigation apps to find your way around town and its surroundings, downloading the maps ahead of time could help you save tons of data. You can do that with Google Maps on both Android and iOS. Apple Maps not only allows you to export maps as PDF but it will also memorize them as cache and let you use them with your data turned off.8. Choose Streaming Services And Games with Offline Options
Online videos and games consume huge amounts of data. Luckily, some of them have options for when you are offline as well. For example, some games allow offline playing and sync your progress when there’s a data connection available. Some streaming services and apps allow you to create playlists and listen to your favorite music offline. Sure, you will need some space on your phone to store the playlists, but it will be worth it.9. Review And Improve Your Browsing Habits
There could be small things you can improve in your online activity, in order to reduce data usage. Here are a few examples:- If the websites you visit have both desktop and mobile versions, accessing the mobile version could help you save data.
- When your phone’s storage capacity allows it, your browser cache can prove useful as well. It will store images and data from the websites you visit more frequently and thus help you avoid downloading them every time.
- Some browsers, like Opera Mini, are designed to compress data and reduce usage. Using one could really help you stay within limits and budget.
10. Renegotiate Your Phone/Data Plan
Especially if you are a long-time customer and you have contracted several services from your carrier, you may be able to negotiate better terms. Before you go down the negotiations path, testing your internet speed could provide leverage.Many service providers fail to live up to their end of the deal. If you can prove that your service provider is one of them, it will be easier to convince them to lower your plan of increase their offering. Tools like Spectrum let you test your internet upload and download for free.
If your service provider lives up to their promises and refuses to negotiate, you may be able to find a better service plan with another carrier. Just do your homework and analyze and compare all options before making any decisions.
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