Mobile data plans are increasingly pricey, and access to Wi-Fi isn’t always available. How can we manage our internet cravings while staying within our data limits? Here’s a list of tips to save money on mobile data and make the most of your internet usage on your Android device.
8 Ways To Save Mobile Data on Android
1. Disable Mobile Data When Idle
Turn off mobile data when not actively browsing. If you’re on the move or sleeping, there’s no need to keep your data on unless you’re anticipating urgent messages or emails.
2. Monitor data usage (and act)
Recent Android versions include built-in tools for monitoring data usage and setting limits on mobile data. Navigate to Settings and find the Data Usage section. Here, you’ll find real-time insights into applications consuming your data and can set alerts for exceeding specific limits.
Identify data-consuming apps, then either restrict their data access or uninstall them.
3. Reduce data-hungry applications
To lower mobile data usage, avoid data-hungry apps while on your mobile network. Seek alternative apps that require less data but still serve their purpose effectively.
For instance, Facebook Lite offers a lightweight and efficient alternative to the standard Facebook application, conserving battery life and data usage. Similarly, TweetCaster serves as a data-friendly substitute for the official Twitter app.
4. Opt for Opera Mini or UC Browser Mini for browsing
Opera Mini and UC Browser Mini, both excellent choices for browsing, employ data compression techniques to minimize data usage and enhance browsing speed. While not suitable for all tasks, such as transactions or form filling, they excel in casual browsing scenarios.
However, be aware that data compression may slightly reduce browsing quality, resulting in less sharp images. Nonetheless, the trade-off is worthwhile for reducing monthly cellular bills.
In my experience, Opera Mini compressed 394 Mb to 120 Mb (a 70% saving), while UC Browser Mini saved 84% of 2.61GB. Opera, UC Browser HD, and Google Chrome offer data compression services.
5. Update apps on Wi-Fi only
Disable automatic app updates to reduce data usage. Go to Google Play Store > Settings, and set app auto-updates to Wi-Fi only.
6. Restrict background data
Some apps consume data in the background without your knowledge. On Android 4.0 and up, check background data usage in Data Usage Settings.
Data consumption of the app is categorized into Foreground (when actively used) and Background (when inactive). Check app stats and restrict background data if necessary.
7. Disable Auto Sync
If you use apps that sync data in the background, consider disabling auto-sync for heavy files like photos or videos (e.g., Google Photos).
8. Compress Data with Onavo Extend and Opera Max
Both are data compression services that compress data before download. They operate in the background, routing data through their servers for compression before delivery to your device.
Every action results in quicker performance, faster downloads, and smaller webpages with Opera Max. Additionally, Opera Max compresses mobile video, renowned for its data consumption.
Opera Max is exclusively for Android, while Onavo Extend is available on both Android and iOS.
Conclusion
By following one or more of the actions above, you can conserve mobile data usage and stay within your monthly allowance. Feel free to combine tips for greater freedom to enjoy your Android device and save money.
If there are other overlooked ways to conserve data, please share in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
