Jun 23, 2022
Use Less Data. Here’s How!
Reading time: 8 minutes
You love your mobile phone. You don’t go anywhere without it and you love all it allows you to do. Video chat with your kids or grandkids. Browse Facebook. Shop Amazon. Stream your favorite shows. Listen to your favorite music. And never, ever miss your preferred podcasts. (True crime anyone?)
But all of these activities, done on your cellular network, can blow through your data pretty quickly particularly if you don’t have an unlimited data plan. And we all know what happens when you run through your data – you get a surprise bill. And that kind of surprise is no fun at all.
That’s where this post comes in. We’ve got 10 easy ways to help you conserve your mobile data usage. Ready? Let’s go.
1.When You’re Home, Be on Your Wi-Fi
If you’re reading this on your phone in your home, it’s most likely that you are connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network. But if you’re not sure, or you’re sure you are not connected to it, turn it on now. Right now. Here’s how:
Go into Settings. You’ll see options like Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular, etc. Click on Wi-Fi. Then select the name of your network. When you’re done, tap Settings again and return to its main menu. If Cellular or Bluetooth are on, turn them off. Now that you are on your home’s Wi-Fi network, you don’t need them hiking up your data usage and having them on will drain the battery in your phone.
Connecting to your home’s Wi-Fi network can significantly reduce the amount of cellular data you use. And once you’ve connected to it as described above, whenever you’re home your device will recognize your Wi-Fi network and connect to it.
If you’re at home watching Netflix on your phone or FaceTiming with friends, even if you’re just browsing social media, being on your Wi-Fi network will save you on data usage.
2.When You’re on Wi-Fi in an Airport or Coffee Shop, Be Careful
When you’re watching your data usage, it’s crucial to be on Wi-Fi when you can. And your home Wi-Fi is the safest. But, should you find yourself in the airport or a coffee shop or somewhere there’s Wi-Fi you can access, go ahead – but be careful. These are public Wi-Fi networks and sometimes other users can see your information. It’s fine to browse social media, and read articles, etc., but stay away from anything that requires you to provide personal information. Even banking apps are best left unopened until you’re home.
3.Turn on Data Saver or Low Data Mode
When you’re not connected to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network, you’re using your mobile data. To save on data usage, you can disable background app functions like background data refresh and data syncs by turning on the mobile Data Saver if you use an Android phone, or Low Data Mode if you use an iPhone. It is easy to do and you’ll be glad you learned how to do it!
On iPhone, select your plan and do the following:
LTE/4G Cellular
Go to Settings. Tap Cellular
Tap Cellular Data Options, then turn on Low Data Mode.
5G Cellular
Go to Settings. Tap Cellular.
Tap Cellular Data Options, select Data Mode, then turn on Low Data Mode.
Dual SIM
Go to Settings. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
Tap one of your numbers.
Turn on Low Data Mode.
On Android:
Open Settings.
Go to SIM card and Mobile Data tab.
Tap Data Usage option.
Go to Data Saving option.
Turn on Data Saving.
4.Stop Your Apps from “Refreshing” Themselves
If you’re not on Wi-Fi and you don’t turn on your data saver or enable low data mode, your apps will keep working in the background collecting information and refreshing themselves while using your data. It's called Background App Refresh and to prevent it, do the following:
On iPhone:
Go to Settings. Tap general. Tap Background App Refresh. Here, you can choose to have this feature off, available only when you’re on Wi-Fi, cellular data connections or available when you’re on Wi-Fi and cellular data. (Not recommended when you’re trying to use less data!) You can also toggle this on or off for each individual app on your phone.
On Android:
Open Settings. Tap Data Usage. Here you’ll be able to see which apps are using the most data. Decide which app or apps you’d like to restrict and tap on it.
5.Control How Your Apps Are Updated
When your apps decide it’s time for an update, be sure they’re doing so while you’re on Wi-Fi. Otherwise, they might decide to do so over a cellular network. Eeek! To make sure your apps update only when you’re on Wi-Fi, do the following:
On iPhone:
Go to Settings.
Tap App Store.
Turn on or turn off App Updates.
On Android:
Go to the Play Store. Tap Menu, then Settings, then Auto-update apps. Select “Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.”
6.Disable Cellular Data for Certain Apps
If you know which of your apps eat up most of your data, it’s wise to get in and disable them from using a cellular network. And if you don’t which apps are using most of your data, it’s easy enough to find out and then disable them from using a cellular network. Here’s how:
On iPhone:
Go to Settings. Tap Cellular. Then scroll down to see which apps are using cellular data and toggle them on or off. You’ll also be able to see which of your apps use the most cellular data usage, and toggle those off.
On Android:
Open Settings. Tap Wireless & Networks, then Data Usage, then Network Access. Uncheck those apps you want not to use cellular data.
7.Disable Wi-Fi Assist / Smart Network Switch
Both iPhone and Android phones have programs built in to help enhance your Wi-Fi or cellular connection. If the program senses a slow or spotty connection, it will jump in to help by accessing your cellular data. Unfortunately, this results in using up a lot of data. To turn this off, do the following:
On iPhone:
Go to Settings. Tap Cellular or Settings, then Mobile Data. Next, scroll down and toggle the slider for Wi-Fi Assist.
On Android:
Open Settings. Tap Connections, then Wi-Fi. Tap the three dots that appear, tap Advanced, then toggle the slider for “Switch to Mobile Data.”
8.Use Wi-Fi to Backup Photos and Videos
Backing up your photos and videos is important. After all, they’re our memories! But because we don’t want our data allotment to become a memory it’s best to make sure the only times backups occur is when you’re on Wi-Fi. To do so:
On iPhone:
Go to Settings. Scroll to Photos, then Cellular Data. Toggle Cellular Data “off.”
On Android:
Open Google Photos. Tap the Account icon. Scroll to Settings, Backup & Sync, then Cell Data Usage. Select “None.”
9.Keep An Eye On Your Data Usage - iPhone
If you’re always on top of how much data you’re using, there’s less opportunity to be surprised by overages. Once or twice a month, check in and see how you’re doing. To see how much cellular data you’ve used on your iPhone, do the following:
Go to Settings. Tap Cellular then scroll to Cellular Data.
10.Keep An Eye on Your Data Usage - Android
With Android, you can avoid surprises by limiting your background data usage to a certain amount. Here’s how:
Open Settings. Go to Network & Internet, then Data Usage, and Data Warning & Limit. Here you can reduce data usage and set the amount of data you want to use for the month.
In closing
If you’ve tried all these ideas and still find yourself running out of data, it’s time to get yourself a plan with PureTalk.
Switch to PureTalk!
We’ve got budget-friendly individual and family plans that adapt to your needs and those of your family, plus great coverage at half the cost of those pricey wireless companies.
At PureTalk we’re proud to offer you phone plans starting as low as $20 a month for unlimited talk and text and 2GB of data, and tablet plans starting at just $10 a month with 2GB of data. Beyond that, PureTalk is on America’s most reliable 5G network – which delivers the best cell coverage of any network before it – but at half the cost of those overpriced wireless companies. And our customers reap the savings.
In fact, families of four who switch to PureTalk save $75 a month for an average of $900 a year. Plus, you can keep your phone and your phone number if you like.
More about PureTalk’s phone plans: They’re all flexible, flexible, flexible. If you need more data one month, you can simply go into your account portal and add more. When next month rolls around, if you need less data, you can go right back into your portal and reduce it. Simply log on to PureTalk.com, click on My Account, and select Manage My Data. Make your changes, save them, and log out. It’s that simple.
Why choose PureTalk?
When you choose PureTalk, you’re choosing to support a company whose values align with your own. You’re choosing to support a company whose CEO is a U.S. veteran. And you’re also choosing to support American jobs: 100% of our customer service is based right here in the United States. And yes, PureTalk offers active duty military personnel and Veterans a 15% discount.
Just as importantly, PureTalk offers a risk-free, thirty-day money back guarantee. That means you have absolutely nothing to lose. Sign up and give us a try for one month. We know you’ll love us – our coverage, our service, our flexibility! But if you don’t, simply call and cancel your service within thirty-days and we’ll return your money without any hassles or penalties. Plus, with PureTalk, you can bring your phone and keep your phone number or choose from our large selection of the latest iPhones and Androids.
More reasons to love PureTalk
PureTalk requires no contracts, no long-distance fees, no roaming fees, no additional handset fees, and no prepaid cards. All PureTalk phone plans include Unlimited Talk & Text with high-speed data with speeds up to 5G. All plans include voicemail, caller ID, call forwarding, conferencing, call waiting, and everything else you would expect from your carrier. There are no gimmicks with PureTalk. It’s just Simply. Smarter. Wireless.
What our customers are saying:
“Pure Talk may not be for technophiles, but it serves my needs perfectly at a terrific price. What I really love about them is how helpful and delightful their support people are.” Michael R.
"I am so glad I switched to PureTalk. The customer service is fantastic which is so rare these days. But most of all I live in a small apartment and I have my own internet and it didn’t matter where I was in the room, calls dropped constantly. But I have not had any problems since I switched to PureTalk.” Jennifer H.
"I was hesitant to leave T-Mobile though my cell phone bill kept increasing. But my brother insisted I try PureTalk. From the first conversation I had, I knew the customer service was first rate. PureTalk employs knowledgeable, well-spoken people who are patient and kind. I am so happy with PureTalk!" Lynellen C.
“When I called the company, they were so helpful and easy to understand. When I purchased a new phone and needed to activate the eSim, it only took a few minutes. Customer service and tech support were so considerate in assisting this non-techy person.” Brenda N.
“Your people are courteous, knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly. They fix my issues, port my numbers, and always sound happy to help. They speak American English and they are clear and easy to understand. Thank you all and don’t change.” Robert Z.
“It was very efficient to contact and set up the service with PureTalk. The website is easy to navigate, so one can both stay informed and keep their account information up to date. The price is much better than the larger major carriers (I had T-Mobile for almost 20 years) and the voice and data services are at least as good as any others. Plus, I got to bring my own phone. Looking forward to many great years of excellent service.” Michael S.
“We had a rough time switching from our previous carrier (T-Mobile), but PureTalk’s fantastic tech folks got us through the process. They all speak understandable English and had incredible patience with my lack of technical skills. Kudos to them. The coverage has been as good as or better than Verizon. Every time I look at our monthly bill, I am so thankful for Pure Talk.” Bert S.
“We switched from AT&T and we have not noticed any difference in coverage and it's great to save money. We have not needed to contact customer support often. When we do, it’s great that we can quickly talk to a live representative!” Tiffany M.
"Customer Service representative was outstanding. This is the second time I’ve had her. She’s thorough super helpful and patient. I love her and Pure Talk!" Davida C.
“Just made the switch from the T-Mobile networks to Puretalk. This was the easiest and most trouble free carrier change I have ever experienced. Number ported over flawlessly in less than 24 hours and with this change, I'm saving over $50 a month. Thank you PureTalk. Superb customer service. A+.” D.T.
"Customer help was very professional and the person was able to answer all questions. Love this mobile virtual network operator and would recommend Pure Talk to anyone. Thank you." Susan H.
"Great customer service and very responsive! Love the cell phone coverage!" Kimberly N.
“I took the jump from a big carrier to Pure Talk and won’t be going back. The service is absolutely all I need, works as I expect, and is cheap. I have my whole family on a plan with plenty of data that costs less than what I used to pay for my personal service with one of the big providers. On top of that, customer service and the actual switch itself have been great.” Delena D.
“I switched from ATT and have never regretted it. I live in the middle of a pasture with very little service and with a phone booster I have never missed a call or have any trouble calling when I need to. I recommend PureTalk to everyone. Customer service is great and patient and can actually speak English. Thank you for providing this service at a very reasonable price.” J.S.
Don’t wait. Pick a plan now that meets your needs, suits your lifestyle, and helps you save!
Posted 1 year ago