Here are some tips on how to save and use less data.
- Monitor your data usage - Check your phone settings to see how much data you are using and which apps are consuming the most data. You can also set data usage alerts or limits to help you stay within your data plan.
- Connect to Wi-Fi - Where possible connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network to avoid using your mobile data. This can be particularly useful when streaming video or downloading large files.
- Limit background data usage - Some apps use data in the background even when you are not actively using them. To limit this usage you can disable background data for specific apps or set your phone to limit background data usage in general.
- Use low data mode - Both Apple and Android devices have built-in functionality to help in making data last longer. When travelling you do not want your data being used up for iOS or App updates, so each device type provides a feature to prevent these occurring.
- Apple - Low Data Mode
- Android - Data Saver Mode
- Disable auto-play videos - Videos that auto-play when you scroll through social media apps like Facebook and Instagram can consume a significant amount of data. You can disable auto-play videos in these apps to save data.
- Compress data - Some apps and browsers offer data compression features that can reduce the amount of data used. For example, Google Chrome has a data saver feature that can reduce data usage by up to 50%.
- Download content for offline use - Some apps, such as Netflix and Spotify, allow you to download content for offline use. This can be a useful way to save data when you are traveling or in areas with limited internet connectivity.