Our current phones have become true pocket computers that we use in our daily lives both to enjoy games and to work with applications. The problem is that if you don't keep track of your Android's mobile data plan, you'll run out of megabytes before the end of the month.
So we have prepared a complete compilation where you will find the best tricks and tips for optimize data usage on Android.
Essential tips to save mobile data on Android
As you will see later, These tips and tricks to optimize data usage on Android are very easy to follow, and they will help you save megabytes so you can enjoy whatever you want, whether it's social media or music, without worries.
Control consumption with the app
To begin with, Controlling data usage is essentialYou can do this by checking your carrier's app or using Android's native settings. We recommend adding a widget to your home screen to see how much you've consumed in real time.
WiFi is your friend, never ignore it
One of the most common ways to consume data on Android is forgetting to turn on WiFi. Or maybe you go to someone's house and don't ask. Have you ever forgotten to turn on WiFi when you get home? Set reminders with apps like Google Keep that trigger when your location is detected. This way, you will receive an automatic notification to connect your device to known networks and avoid unnecessary data usage.
And don't be shy: whenever you can, ask if there is Wi-Fi available to avoid using up your mobile data plan.
It greatly limits downloads
One of the reasons you may run out of mobile data on your phone has to do with the downloads you make. Please note that downloading large images or files while using mobile data can quickly consume your plan.
Avoid these downloads unless absolutely necessary, and prefer to save files when you are connected to a WiFi network. For example, You can cancel automatic downloads on WhatsApp and other platforms to save space.
Watching Netflix streaming is almost better than not watching Netflix streaming
Watching series or listening to music via streaming can consume data. Pre-download your favorite episodes and playlists when you're on WiFi. Remember that Netflix and Spotify offer download options for offline use, so you can enjoy content without affecting your data plan.
And if you have a plan that doesn't allow these offline downloads, the best thing you can do is wait until you get home. Keep in mind that a Netflix movie can consume 1 GB without any problem...
And if you must watch streaming content using your mobile data, adjust the quality to lower options. YouTube, for example, allows you to activate a data saving mode. Although the visual or sound quality is lower, the savings in data consumption are significant.
Set up WhatsApp and other messaging platforms
Please note that, as we mentioned before, WhatsApp and other platforms often download files automatically, which consumes data. Go to WhatsApp settings (or similar) and select that downloads only occur when you are connected to WiFi.
Bye Bye, automatic updates
One of the most common problems that causes you to run out of data is data updates. Updating apps with mobile data is basic, but always with a WiFi connection.
To avoid data drain, you can set Google Play to only perform updates when you're on Wi-Fi. To do this, simply go to Settings > Network Preferences in the Play Store and select the appropriate option for your downloads and updates.
Bet on Google Maps offline
If you regularly use a GPS navigator, you should know that they consume much more power than you might imagine. In addition, Google Maps allows you to download map areas for offline use. This is useful if you plan to travel or move around areas with poor coverage and save data. To do this, follow these steps:
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app.
- Make sure you have an Internet connection and are signed in to Google Maps.
- Look for a specific location, like Tarragona.
- At the bottom, tap the name or address of the place, then tap More More and then Download Offline Map. If you searched for a place like a restaurant, tap More More and then Download Offline Map and then Download.
Save offline maps to an SD card
By default, offline maps are downloaded to your device's internal storage, but you can download them to an SD cardIf your device is running Android 6.0 or higher, you can only save maps to an SD card that is set to portable storage.
- Insert an SD card into your Android phone or tablet.
- Open the Google Maps Maps app.
- Tap your profile picture or initial Account Circle and then Offline Maps.
- At the top right, tap Settings Settings.
- In “Storage Preferences,” tap Device, then SD Card.
Activate data saving mode
Nowadays, every phone has a data saving mode that restricts background data usage.This prevents apps such as social networks or emails from updating without your consent, significantly reducing unnecessary use of your plan.
So don't hesitate and look for this option on your phone. And by the way, to have more precise control over your data, set a monthly or daily limit in your phone's network settings. This allows you to receive alerts when you approach the limit you have set and prevent additional charges.
Bet on GO apps
Google has a number of Android apps optimized for devices with limited resources or data. For example, Google Maps GO consumes much less resources.
Better 4G than 5G
Keep in mind that it will be slower, but you will use less data. Although 5G offers faster speeds, it also tends to consume more data and energy. If you don't need the maximum speed, manually switch the connection to 4G in your device settings.
Hello, Opera browser
Finally, you should opt for a browser that has a data-saving option. And here Opera is king, with a data system that compresses web pages before loading them. So don't hesitate to try this browser.
