Best ways to Reduce Mobile Internet Data Usage On any Android device

Best ways to Reduce Mobile Internet Data Usage

In recent years, mobile data usage has skyrocketed. Apps are becoming more data thirsty and constantly pushing new versions to be updated. Earlier, web browsing was mostly in text. Now, video streaming services are gaining wide popularity and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have incorporated video services as a mainstream attraction. It is becoming increasingly difficult to reduce data usage on Android. Here we have compiled some of the most effective and Best ways to Reduce Mobile Internet Data Usage on any Android device

1. Limit your data usage in Android Settings.

Setting a monthly data usage limit is the easiest thing you can do to avoid using excessive amounts of data without your knowledge. You can restrict your mobile data usage on Android via the Settings app.

Head over to the Settings and tap on Data Usage>>Billing Cycle>>Data limit and billing cycle.

There you can set the maximum amount of data you intend to use per month. Additionally, you can also choose to auto-disconnect from the network once the data limit is reached.

Best ways to Reduce Mobile Internet Data Usage
Best ways to Reduce Mobile Internet Data Usage

2. Restrict App background data

Some apps continue to consume mobile data even when the smartphone is not in use. Background data allows you to monitor and update your apps while multitasking or when the screen is off. But not every app needs to use background data at all times.

Go to Settings >> Data usage and you can see the stats for the app that is consuming how much data.

Best ways to Reduce Your Mobile Internet Data Usage

Click on an app, and you can see the foreground and background data usage for that specific app. Foreground data usage is the data an app consumes when it is actively used by you when you open it. Background data is the data consumed when the app is not being used, and the app is running in the background. It requires no action and occurs automatically. This can include things like automatic app updates or syncing.

If you find that the background data for an app is too high and you don’t need the app to stay in the background at all times, tap on Limit app background data. This ensures that the app will only consume data when opened and therefore use less data.

Best ways to Reduce Your Mobile Internet Data Usage
Best ways to Reduce Mobile Internet Data Usage

3. Update apps over Wi-Fi only

One of the most effective ways to reduce mobile data consumption is to disable automatic app updates in Play Store.

Go to Play Store and tap on Menu>>Settings >>Auto-update apps. Make sure that you select “Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.” Alternatively, you can choose “Do not auto-update apps,” but it’s not recommended since you’ll have to remember from time to time to update your apps manually.

4. Limit your use of streaming services

Streaming music and videos are the most data-consuming content, as well as high-quality photos. Try to avoid this when using mobile data. You can choose to store music and videos locally in your storage or download them when you are connected to WiFi.

While streaming on mobile data, you can lower the streaming quality to reduce data usage. Youtube consumes a lot of data, so make sure to lower the video resolution while using mobile data on Android.

5. Keep an eye on your apps.

Use of data-hungry apps can seriously affect your data consumption while on your mobile network. You may not realize that Google Photos app might be syncing your photos in the background every time you click one. Social media apps like Facebook and Instagram consume a lot of data.

Try to avoid watching videos and GIFs in those apps. Try to use alternatives to some apps that will still perform the required functions while consuming fewer data. For example, Facebook Lite is a highly lite alternative to the Facebook app. Moreover, it saves battery life and data usage. TweetCaster is a similar option for the Twitter app.

Bonus Tips and Tricks to reduce mobile data usage on Android:

  • Download large files when you are on Wi-Fi.
  • Do not clear your System Cache unless you have no other way to free your space.
  • Turn off mobile data when not required.
  • Turn off notifications for apps that you don’t need to be notified.
  • Set longer update intervals for home screen widgets that are frequently updated.

Did you find these ways to reduce data usage on Android to be helpful? Share your reviews and suggestions in the comments below.

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Desamparata
Desamparata's savvy business and technology writing stems from his unique experience in the tech and games industry. Starting at age 22, Desamparata has worked with different online platform and now She is Ujuzitz part time writer.