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A lot of people keep complaining about having to splash tons of data every now and then, and many are always quick to point accusing fingers at their network providers. So, it is a common thing to hear things like “So and so network usually zap data”
However, don’t be surprised that it has nothing to do with your network provider, but with you (your phone). Today, there are many apps that have become more data-hungry and are usually pushing new versions for an update. Since video streaming has become the new cool, it has become tougher to reduce data usage on one’s smartphone.
Nevertheless, here are some effective ways you can save Android data. Let’s get started:
1. Limit your data usage in Android Settings.
It is possible to set a limit to your monthly data usage. This is even the easiest thing one can do to avoid using surplus amounts of data without one’s knowledge.
Simply do this via the Settings app, and then set the maximum amount of data you intend to use in a month.
2. Restrict App background data
One of the core issues (as far as the constant depleting of your data is concerned) is that there are apps that keeps consuming mobile data even when the smartphone is not in use.
Background data allows us to keep our apps monitored and updated while multitasking or when the screen is off. Nevertheless, it is necessary to know that every app doesn’t actually need to use background data at all times.
When you open your Settings App, check Data Usage to know the statistics for which app is consuming how much of data. Open an app, and then check both the foreground and background data usage of that particular app.
Talking about foreground data usage, this is simply the data consumed by the app when it is actively used by you when open. On the other hand, background data is the data used when one is not using the app, and the app is running in the background.
So, when you discovered that an app is using too much background app, you can easily click on “Restrict app background data.” By so doing, the app will use data only when it is opened and you will get to save data too.
3. Update apps over Wi-Fi only
Actually, one of the best ways you can reduce mobile data consumption is by disabling automatic app updates in Play Store.
Simply head to the Play Store and click on Menu>>Settings >>Auto-update apps. Choose “Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.” When you do that, your apps won’t be automatically updated with your data, rather, when you are connected to a Wi-Fi somewhere. This is cool though. Because, many people are not aware that one of the major reasons for the unusual decline of their data is due to the fact that their apps are being automatically updated.
4. Limit your use of streaming services
As you should know already, streaming music and videos is the new cool. Nevertheless, you must realise that they are actually the most data-hungry content.
If you are trying to be a minimalist, then it is advisable that you avoid them when you are using mobile data, but that you should rather store music and videos locally in your storage or download them when you are connected to WiFi.
The likes of YouTube also allows you to lower the video resolution when using mobile data on Android.
5. Keep An Eye On Your Apps
There are tons of data-hungry apps out there, and they can really affect your data consumption while on your mobile network. The likes of facebook and instagram consume a lot of data. YouTube is also one of the most popular apps out there, but they also consume a lot of data. So, if you are a minimalist, then it is advisable that you should avoid watching videos and GIFs in those apps.
You can seek mild alternatives to some apps that will still perform the required functions while consuming fewer data.
6. Cache Google Maps For Offline Use
Well, in case you don’t know beforehand, you can actually save maps in the Google Maps app. Indeed, caching Google maps for offline use can save both time and data. As soon as you download a map, you can also navigate when the phone is offline simply by using your GPS.
Of course, if you are someone who travels occasionally (or who is usually on the move), you can take advantage of this without having to splash a lot of data to know what next to do.
So, when next you are on Wi-Fi, simply open Google Maps, move to Menu, and then click “Offline Maps.“. Afterwards, select “Select your own map“ and zoom in or out to select the area you want to be available offline.
Once you have decided upon the area, simply press “Download.”
7. Optimize Account Sync Settings
Finally on this list is to optimize account sync settings. Actually, your account sync settings are set to auto-sync by default. We always recommend that you keep auto-sync disabled for data-hungry apps such as Facebook that use sync services to sync files like photos and videos, consuming a lot of data in the process. Marilyn, background sync service affects both your data consumption and battery life.
So, to adjust your sync setting, simply move to Settings>>Accounts. There, you can fine-tune sync settings for different apps, and turn off the options you don’t require.
In conclusion, there are some other things you can do to avoid the high usage of data if you are trying to minimize how much data you use. You can however start with the above highlighted points, and think towards moving to other things after doing those. It is possible to save reasonable amount of money you would have used to get data
