6 ways to reduce your data costs
With so much exciting content out there, most of it as video, we use mobile data more than ever before. Here are 5 ways to reduce the amount of GB you use.
Use WiFi whenever you can
When you arrive at work or at home if you have it, get connected to the WiFi. Ever watched a few YouTube videos only to realise you were using mobile data? Double check that you can see that you're actually using the WiFi before you open a data heavy app like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Shopping at the mall? Many shops have free, limited use WiFi, so you may as well use it, but be wary, as you may put your personal information at risk
Limit your usage
Many Android devices allow you to limit the mobile data you use with a built in feature that warns you when you reach your preset limit. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Data usage > Data warning & limit (or Data limit & billing cycle) to set this limit.
Turn off mobile data for certain apps
Some apps are data hungry so turn off mobile data before it’s too late. For Android devices, this procedure may vary from device to device. Begin with Settings, then tap Wireless & networks > Data usage > Network access > Uncheck the apps you don’t want using mobile data.
Remove automatic updates
Updates of your apps should be done on WiFi only – this can eat through all your data in 30 min. On Android, go to the Play Store and tap Menu > Settings > Auto-update apps, then choose “Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.”
Remove background data usage
Many apps gather data while they’re not active and even when you are not using your device. This is often unnecessary. To switch it off go to Settings > Data Usage to see which apps are using the most data. Tap on the app you’d like to restrict and disable background data.
Switch off Smart Network Switch
Some Android models feature this function, which boosts your internet connection if your WiFi slows down. Go into Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Tap the three dots, select Advanced, and tap the slider for “Switch to mobile data.” This may vary from phone to phone.
