Living from hotspot to hotspot? Here’s how to save data on the go.
You never want to get caught without data. Your mobile data balance can be the difference between navigating to a destination successfully and getting lost. Running out of data could mean missing an important text or email, not being able to check into your gym workout, or being stuck unable to call an Uber. Thankfully, more and more places (from colleges to coffee shops and workplaces) are offering free Wi-Fi these days. But what happens between hotspots? Use these tips to save data so you never run out.
1. Change your settings
There are various general settings on your device that you can toggle on and off to help save data.
Low data mode: If your phone is equipped with this function (look under Settings), this is an easy one-stop way to reduce background activity and automatic updates that use data.
Background app refresh: Also in Settings, you can disable some or all apps’ ability to check for new content while you’re not using the app.
Disable mobile data: While you’re there, disable mobile data for non-essential, data-heavy apps like social media and gallery cloud back-up. You can always toggle it back on when you’re feeling flush.
2. Save data by saving downloads for Wi-Fi
Planning to watch a series or listen to music? Instead of streaming, which uses data, download the content to your device when you’re on Wi-Fi so you can watch or listen offline.
3. Turn off automatic downloads
One minute your data balance is healthy, the next you get a WhatsApp on the family group with a five-minute video of your niece playing peek-a-boo and it’s over. Save your data from moments like these by tweaking your WhatsApp settings. You can choose to disable automatic download for different types of media (videos, pictures, etc) entirely or enable it on Wi-Fi only. You can also choose to use less data for calls and reduce the quality of media you send and receive to help save data.
4. Disable mobile data for the store
App downloads and updates often take a lot of data, so you definitely want to save those for Wi-Fi. Disabling mobile data for the App Store or Play Store will make sure you don’t accidentally spend your whole data balance on “bug fixes and improvements”.
5. Turn off autoplay
Any app that plays videos (Facebook, Instagram and even X) is going to use a lot of data. To save data, disable autoplay in the app’s settings. You’ll have to go old-school and press play on the videos you want to watch but it will help save you from sudden data death. TikTok and YouTube have data-saver settings. On Netflix, reduce video quality so you can still watch but without using as much data.
6. Use lite apps
Some popular apps – notably TikTok, Facebook and Instagram – have lite versions that use less data. These streamlined versions have the same core features, but data-heavy extras are stripped away.
7. Disable mobile data for Outlook
It’s convenient getting emails to your mobile device, but you may be shocked to see how quickly your data disappears. If you must have Outlook on your phone, stick to emailing in Wi-Fi. It will save your data and your mental health too!
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Visit our #DataWyze page to learn more data savvy tips.
