To reduce one’s mobile data usage is to save costs and maximize device usage efficiency – we all need it! In recent times, overall mobile data usage has been increasing significantly. Apps are requiring more data in order to be able to run properly and are continually putting out new versions, requiring users to install regular updates.
In addition, video-streaming has become a large part of everyone’s daily lives. We consume more and more shows, movies and documentaries than ever before, and this is partly due to the ease of access to them! Moreover, social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have also integrated video viewing in their functionality, make it further difficult to effectively reduce our data usage.
So, how exactly can I reduce my mobile data usage on my android device?
1. Set data alerts and limits
In case you are unaware of this functionality, you can set data alerts and limits on your android device, as shown in the image below. This will help you avoid receiving a surprise bill! Additionally, it will effectively save your battery life if you set data limits on a daily basis.
Go to Settings, and under Wireless & Networks, tap on Data usage or Mobile data> Mobile Data Limit> Daily Mobile Data Limit (this will look different for different Android phones). There, you can set the maximum amount of data you intend to use in a month. Additionally, you can also opt for automatic disconnection from a network once the data limit has been reached.
2. Limit background data usage
This should not come as a surprise to you. Background data (when apps run without active use) is a major source of data draining. Background data usage can wrack up quite a significant portion of your MB.
To further explain, background data refers to data used when an app is running in the background – that is, when you’re not active using it. Occasionally referred to as background syncing, background data can keep your apps updated with the latest activities like status updates, social media stories and new incoming mail. Nonetheless, turning it off will help save a lot of your data for the month.
3. Take your maps offline. Cache Google Maps for Offline use!
Navigation apps such as Google Maps surprisingly use up a great amount of mobile data. Thus, try using it offline! You can easily save/ transfer a region’s information from Google Maps to your phone or iPad and refer to it it when you’re offline.
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app
. - Make sure you’re connected to the internet and signed in to Google Maps.
- Search for the location you are headed to.
- At the bottom, select the name or address of the place
Download Download. If you searched for a place like a restaurant, tap More Download offline map Download.
Download 
Please take note that offline maps are downloaded on your device’s internal storage by default, so ensure that you’ve got enough storage space for this functionality to work.
Other useful tips to save on mobile data
- Turn off mobile data when not required – for instance, while you are occupied and need phone silence, or while you sleep!
- Turn off notifications for apps that you don’t need to be notified about. App updates and push notifications use up a great deal of data, so turning them off when not needed is an easy way to save mobile data.
Did you find these tips on reducing your mobile data usage on your Android device helpful? We would love to see more of your suggestions and feedback in the comments below!
On eSIMs and mobile data saving
When you travel, staying connected might require you to use roaming data from your local line – which can be quite costly! eSIMS, which are embedded SIMs, allow you to easily access foreign data without needing to buy a new phone or interact with a phone provider. Just purchase one online, receive a QR code, and install it to your phone! We highly recommend looking into one, as it is the perfect way to save money and stay connected while in a foreign country.
To check if your Android device can support eSIM use, click here.
