Beat Data Limits

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

1. 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.
2. iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data. Scroll down to see a list of apps and their usage.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. 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’.
3. 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

1. Top up: Buy a data add-on if you need extra data for a short period.
2. Change your plan: If you regularly run out of data, consider upgrading to a plan with more allowance.
3. SIM only deals: If you own your phone outright, look at SIM-only deals from different providers – they can be cheaper than bundled plans.