An increasing number of users need instant internet access to fuel their mobile apps, especially when you are not located where there’s Wi-Fi, which means connecting to a mobile data network. Nowadays, a lot of network providers in the UK provide fantastic mobile data plans. Whether it’s on pay-as-you-go, sim only or a fixed-term contract, it’s sensible to try and reduce the amount of mobile data allowance used when possible.
Being able to keep track of the amount of data used can be daunting, especially when you constantly must check your network providers mobile application. As a result, it often leads to consumers “buying” enough mobile data to ensure they don’t get extra charges but in hindsight, it’s just an unrequired cost/add-on.
We’ve come up with four tips and tricks to minimise your data allowance and your monthly spend.
1. Disabling Background Refresh App
Mobile phone giants share a similar operating system feature. The background application refresh, which simply allows current or non-current applications to run in the background while the phone is in use. For Apple users, open the Settings application> General>Background App Refresh >Background App Refresh’> Disable. And for Android users, choose Settings application>Apps>All>Choose the app you want to Stop or Disable.
In hindsight, it takes up a fair amount of your data, but luckily the operation system allows you to restrict the background data function in seconds via settings. Your phone will continue to function by prioritising applications that are currently in use. A good tool if you’re reaching the limit of your data allowance towards the end of the month.
2. Updating Apps via Wi-Fi only
One of the most effective ways to reduce mobile data allowance is to disable the automatic app date functions in the App Store (Apple) or Play Store (Android). Simply, go to Play Store and tap on Menu>Settings>Auto-update apps. Make sure that you select Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only. And for Apple, open your iPhone Settings>iTunes & App Store>>Updates>Use Mobile Data>OFF.
3. Limit your use of streaming service
Streaming data-hungry content such as music and videos can take up a lot of data. In turn, will result in extra charges once it has reached over the allowance. In order to avoid these when you’re travelling using your mobile data, you can upload music and video content in your storage or download them when you’re connected Wi-Fi. Additionally, you can, for instance, decrease the quality of the stream to lower the data allowance. YouTube gives you an option to lower the video resolution as it consumes a lot of data.
4. Turning off mobile data when not required
Disabling your mobile data in public places is a huge bonus. In that way, you can safely browse wherever there is Wi-Fi Available. It sadly means that you won’t be able to access email, update social networking channels, or get maps if you’re in an unknown surrounding. Alternatively, it will encourage you to take in your surroundings, enjoy some peacefulness and watch the world go by. On iOS, go to Settings>Mobile Data and switch off the slider beside Mobile Data. And on Android, go to Settings>Data Usage and slide Mobile data to off.
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