TL;DR
You’ve run out of data? Here’s how to get around it – temporarily or permanently. We cover checking usage, finding free Wi-Fi, using data saving modes, and looking at alternative plans.
1. Check Your Data Usage
- Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Data Usage. You’ll see how much you’ve used this month and which apps are using the most data.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data. Scroll down to see a list of apps and their usage.
- Contact your provider: Most mobile networks have an app or website where you can check your data allowance and remaining data.
2. Find Free Wi-Fi
Using Wi-Fi is the easiest way to avoid using your data.
- Public hotspots: Cafes (Costa, Starbucks), libraries, train stations, and some shops offer free Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi Finder apps: Apps like WiFi Map show you nearby free Wi-Fi spots.
- Be careful! Public Wi-Fi isn’t always secure. Avoid doing anything sensitive (like online banking) without a VPN.
3. Use Data Saving Mode
Data saving mode reduces the amount of data apps use.
- Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Data Usage > Data Saver and turn it on. You can also allow specific apps to use unrestricted data if needed.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data > scroll down to Low Data Mode and toggle it on.
4. Reduce App Data Usage
- Background app refresh: Turn off background app refresh for apps you don’t need updating constantly.
- Android: Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Mobile data & Wi-Fi > toggle off ‘Background data’.
- iPhone: Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it off for specific apps.
- Auto-play videos: Stop videos from automatically playing in social media apps (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
- Check the app’s settings – usually under ‘Videos’ or ‘Media’.
- Download over Wi-Fi: Set your apps to only download updates and large files when connected to Wi-Fi.
- Google Play Store > Settings > Network preferences > App download preference > select ‘Over Wi-Fi only’.
- Apple App Store > Settings > App Store > toggle on ‘Automatic Downloads’ and ensure it’s set to use Wi-Fi.
5. Use a Web Browser with Data Compression
Some browsers compress data before sending it to your phone, saving you data.
- Opera Mini: This browser is designed for low-data connections and compresses web pages.
Download from your app store.
6. Consider Alternative Plans or Add-ons
- Top up: Buy a data add-on if you need extra data for a short period.
- Change your plan: If you regularly run out of data, consider upgrading to a plan with more allowance.
- SIM only deals: If you own your phone outright, look at SIM-only deals from different providers – they can be cheaper than bundled plans.