The average American uses about 2GB to 5GB of cellular data monthly. This continues to grow each year.
Have you been stuck with data overages on your phone bill? If so, don’t worry; you can bring your usage down to avoid these added costs. Check out these six tips on how to reduce data usage today.
1. Shut Off Your Apps
When you are done, make sure you close your apps. This will reduce data usage, especially if the app uses location services. Even if you aren’t actively using the app, it will continue to send and receive data even if your phone is locked.
This can also drain your battery. Make sure you completely close out of apps.
2. Limit Streaming Apps
When you stream videos and music, you use a lot of data. To try limiting your data usage, try storing your music and videos, and download when you are connected to WiFi.
Take advantage of using lower resolution when possible. Several streaming apps have the option to use less data when streaming by using the data saver mode when you are not connected to WiFi. The images are just lower quality and resolution, but you may not even notice.
You should only download large files when you are on WiFi, so this is a similar concept.
3. Cache Maps When Offline
You can save maps in Google maps and other apps. This lets you use less data when you are offline.
This is handy if you use these apps for travel, especially in places where you are unsure of network coverage. Download your regular areas when you have WiFi and that data will be available.
Select “Offline Maps.” Then choose “Select Your Own Map.” You can then zoom in or out.
4. Connect to WiFi Automatically
There are options on your devices to connect you to WiFi automatically. That way, when you connect without having to think about it.
Your device should also remember networks like your home and office and will then log in when in range.
5. Know Your Apps
Take a look at which apps are using the most data. Use those apps when you are on WiFi to limit data usage. You can also use this tool to calculate your usage and see where your data goes.
You can use alternatives to apps to use less data. For example, Facebook Lite doesn’t use as much data as the normal Facebook app. Twitter also has an alternative with the same premise called TweetCaster.
6. Manage Notifications
If you get notifications, they are using data when you are not connected. Some of them are necessary, while others you could probably do without.
How to Reduce Data Usage
Now, you know how to reduce data usage. Try limiting app usage until you are on WiFi. It’s important to know which apps use the most data, so you can control through settings.
Need any other tech help? No problem, keep checking out our site for more technology and app advice to make your devices work for you.