How To Minimize Mobile Internet Data [6 Methods]

Mobile Internet Data plans are not cheap. And they are also limited, Irrespective of the volume of data you purchase. With the new era of smartphones and the internet, mobile internet data usage cannot be over-emphasized. Therefore, the question is, how do you reduce mobile internet data usage and as a result reduce your bills while still getting the best value from your smartphone and the internet?

The answer is to be smart with your smartphone.

Here are a few things you can do to reduce mobile internet data usage on your smartphone. As a result, you get to save some money too.

Restrict Background Data Usage

With Android 7.0 and Up, this can easily be done by using the Data saver mode. However, for a more thorough restriction (and for Android 7.0 and down), you can restrict the background data for individual apps. This method can affect the performance of the app. For example, you may not get messages from the app until you manually open the app.

To restrict background data by app:

1. Go to your device’s setting
2. Tap Data usage
3. Tap Cellular data usage
4. To find the apps, scroll down
5. Tap on each app to see more details about it

Turn off Auto Synchronization

When Automatic synchronization is turned on Google apps and other apps associated with accounts on the phone refresh at time intervals. As a result, your device gets notifications about updates and others. Turning off auto-sync helps you reduce mobile internet data usage.

To turn off Auto-sync

1. First, open the settings on your device
2. Tap on accounts

You can manually Sync your account later whenever you want

1. Open the settings on your device
2. Tap on accounts
3. choose the account you want
4. Tap more : sync now

Manage Your Internet Browsing with Data Saving Apps

Many Mobile internet browser comes with data saving Technology. Hence, these browsers compress web pages while you surf the internet and help reduce mobile internet data usage. First on the list is Google Chrome. It usually comes pre-installed on android devices.

On the Google Chrome browser, go to settings > data saver. Switch it on if not already.

Another good browser is Operamini which is built around low data usage. Data saving is enabled by default.

Use Alternative Apps with Less Data Usage

Social Media and Messaging apps require a higher rate of internet data. Gladly, these social media are making a lite version of their conventional apps. Consequently, these alternative lite versions help reduce mobile internet data usage as they require little internet data, while still giving the same functionality as the conventional. Why not take advantage of these alternatives to reduce your mobile internet data use? For example,

• Facebook lite
• Messenger lite
• Twitter lite

Use Wi-fi for Auto Update

Choose the “Update over wi-fi only” option in your play store. Use the same option for your cloud storage applications as well. E.g Google Drive

Switch off Your Data to reduce mobile internet data usage

When there is no need for internet usage, you can save more by simply putting the mobile data off

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