Data limits are the worst—here’s how to stay under yours

This updated post, originally published March 2, 2017, explores how to manage mobile data usage on Android and iOS devices. Running low on data can severely impact your smartphone experience. This guide offers solutions for users with limited data plans or those traveling outside their network coverage.

The key is to adjust settings both within the phone's operating system and within individual apps.

Managing Data Settings on Android

Android provides detailed data usage information. Navigate to Settings, then Network & Internet, and finally SIMs. Select your SIM card and access App data usage (or a similar option). Here, you can view data statistics and set data usage alerts. Configure the alert threshold based on your monthly data plan.

The app list shows which apps consume the most data, which is crucial for later individual app configuration.

[Related: A beginner’s guide to using Android]

Within the Network & Internet menu, activate Data Saver. This restricts background data usage, preventing apps from downloading or uploading information (like email syncing) when not actively used, unless connected to Wi-Fi.

To control background data usage for individual apps, access the App data usage list and adjust settings for each app.

To prevent app updates over cellular data, open the Play Store app, tap your profile icon, go to Settings, then Network preferences, and finally Auto-update apps.

Lastly, in the SIMs menu, disable data roaming to avoid extra charges when traveling internationally.

Managing Data on iOS and iPadOS

iOS and iPadOS offer similar data management features. In the Settings app, tap Cellular (or Mobile Data). This screen displays individual app data usage.

[Related: The 5 best new features in the iOS 15 update]

To restrict an app's cellular data usage, toggle its switch to off. You can also completely disable mobile data using the top switch next to Cellular Data. The Cellular Data Options submenu allows you to disable data roaming.

Disable Wi-Fi Assist (found at the bottom of the app list) to prevent your device from automatically switching to cellular data when Wi-Fi is weak.

Prevent automatic app updates over cellular data by going to App Store in Settings, finding Cellular Data, and toggling off Automatic Downloads.

To control background app data activity, go to General, then Background App Refresh, and disable it for individual apps or entirely.

Managing Data in Individual App Settings

While system-wide settings help, many apps have their own data usage settings. For example, in Instagram, you can disable location access, reduce notifications, and prevent background refresh. The settings menu structure may vary between iOS and Android, but these options are generally easy to find.

Google Chrome for Android features Lite mode, which compresses web pages before downloading, saving data. Enable it in the app's main Settings menu.

Review your apps, especially data-intensive ones like music and podcast apps, to restrict syncing and downloads to Wi-Fi only.

Pre-download content like music playlists and offline maps (in Google Maps) while connected to Wi-Fi to reduce data usage while on the go.

Finally, maximize your use of Wi-Fi networks whenever possible to conserve mobile data.

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