Mobile data is a technique which enables mobile users to gain wireless access to internet. Data enabled devices provide on-the-go access to the information in any corner of the world. However, we all have been in a situation where we have been the victim of loss of connectivity and data. Nevertheless, there are end numbers of ways to optimize smartphone mobile data usage without having to limit your data usage.
Advanced technology has helped in developing toggles and features in popular applications (Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat) that help to cut down mobile data loss. Even the Smartphone’s operating system has in-built controls to do the same.
10 Ways to Reduce Data Usage on Android and IOS:
Optimize data usage by using some of the ways mentioned below which will help to curb unnecessary usage and maximize the data plans
1. Set data alerts and limits:
To check data usage on iOS devices go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data usage (shown under cellular). A data stats image will appear which needs to be reset after payment of bill for a certain period of time. To reset the stats, go to Settings> Cellular > Reset Statistics (found by scrolling to bottom of the page).
Data usage on Android can be checked in a similar manner but also set limits and alerts. Go to Settings> Wireless & Networks> Data Usage, a table will appear showing your data usage for a specific period. Tap on Set mobile data limit and move black & red lines to set alerts. Black line will trigger a notification on reaching the limit whereas the red line represents the threshold where device shuts off cellular data.
2. Change browsing habits:
To mitigate the unnecessary use of data use the mobile version of the website and avoid using the desktop version of a site on phone. Browser cache is a helpful tool as by preserving it one does not have to download images from frequently visited websites. Opera Mini is a recommended browser for Android as it’s designed to compress data and reduce usage while using.
3. Compress mobile data:
To save big on monthly bills, make use of data compression apps. These apps decrease the loading time within the applications connected to mobile network. Onavo Extend is a free compression app that runs in the background of the smartphone and significantly reduces the amount of data sent across mobile network giving a wonderful experience at reduced costs.
4. Use only Wi-Fi to update apps:
Do not use cellular connection to update applications as it consumes large sums of data. If apps get auto-updated then there is the way to stop it. Open the app store and tap on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines parallel to one another)>Click on Settings> Auto-update apps and then select ‘Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only’.
5. Use Cache wherever possible:
Certain popular apps like Google play store and Google Play Music accumulate data locally. Make a habit to cache as much content as possible while on Wi-Fi network so that when browsed later, it does not consume any more data.
6. Optimize data in G-mail:
Google allows to automatically download e-mail attachments over a Wi-Fi network. This toggle will be of a great use to those who make use of Gmail app on regular basis. To enable this follow this process: Gmail menu> Settings > @gmail.com (your email) > (Data Usage) Download attachments.
7. Use Google chrome efficiently:
Google has designed a feature that can greatly reduce the amount of data used by chrome browser. While using Google servers Chrome compress images and files to optimize page sites on mobile phones. They give a comprehensive view of data saved over a month in from of line graph. To enable the “Reduce data usage’ feature, do the following:
- Settings>advanced settings>privacy>Content settings>Images>check “do not show any images”
- Settings>advanced settings>privacy>Content settings>plugins>check “click to play”
- Settings>advanced settings>privacy>Content settings>popup>check “do not allow any site to show popups”
8. Customize location settings:
Many apps by default consistently check exact locations using techniques like GPS, Wi-Fi networks within the radius and cellular data networks. To overcome this issue disable location services on mobile phone and through phone settings allow access to apps that need to track precise location for security purposes when required.
9. Disable Auto-play for videos on facebook newsfeed:
Videos streaming on newsfeed consume a lot of mobile data. To optimize the use of data adjust the auto-play settings by following these steps:
- Open facebook app> tap on hamburger menu>App Settings>Video auto play>Wi-Fi only/Off (select one option).
10. Enable Doze mode:
Smartphones with Android and iOS systems provide access to Doze mode. This feature of Smartphone puts installed application to sleep when screen is off or after certain period of inactivity. This feature does not allow apps to use data from background and even extend phone’s battery life.
So this is all you need to know to reduce unnecessary data consumption. By using these simple techniques you can enjoy all the app services on smartphones and spend data responsibly at the same time.
