How to Save Mobile Data
Twelve practical ways to make a data plan last longer on iPhone and Android, starting with the few changes that make the biggest difference.
7 min readUpdated
The short answer
Lower the video quality in the apps you watch most, turn off autoplay, and stop updates and photo backups from running on mobile data. Those three changes cover most of the savings for most people.
The rest of this guide goes from the biggest wins to the smaller ones.
The changes that matter most
1. Lower video quality in each app
Video is where most mobile data goes, and quality decides how much each minute costs. Set YouTube's quality on mobile networks to Data saver, and turn on the data saver in TikTok and Instagram. Guides for each: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram.
2. Turn off autoplay
Videos that start on their own use data whether you wanted them or not. Most social and video apps let you turn autoplay off, or limit it to Wi-Fi.
3. Turn on your phone's own data saver
iPhone: Low Data Mode pauses automatic updates and background tasks. Open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and turn on Low Data Mode (on 5G phones it is under Data Mode).
Android: Data Saver stops most apps using data in the background. Find it under Settings > Network & internet > Data Saver, or search settings for "Data Saver".
4. Keep app updates to Wi-Fi
iPhone: in Settings > App Store, turn off automatic downloads over mobile data. Android: in the Play Store, open your profile, then Settings > Network preferences, and set auto-update to Wi-Fi only.
5. Keep photo backups to Wi-Fi
Backing up photos and videos can use more data than anything you do on purpose. Check that iCloud Photos (Settings > Photos) or Google Photos (backup settings) is not allowed to use mobile data.
6. Watch what your hotspot is sharing
A laptop on your hotspot uses data like it is on unlimited Wi-Fi. Turn the hotspot off when you are done, and on Windows mark the hotspot as a metered connection. How to See Which Device Is Using Your Wi-Fi Data shows how to see what each device used.
Smaller changes that add up
7. Stop automatic media downloads in WhatsApp
In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Storage and data and set media auto-download on mobile data to nothing, or photos only. You can still tap to download anything you want.
8. Download on Wi-Fi, use later
Music, podcasts, maps and many video apps let you save content for offline use. Download at home and play it anywhere without touching your bundle.
9. Limit background activity
iPhone: Settings > General > Background App Refresh lets you switch it off per app, or limit it to Wi-Fi. Android: open an app's data usage screen and turn off background data.
10. Turn off Wi-Fi Assist on iPhone
Wi-Fi Assist switches to mobile data when Wi-Fi is weak, which can quietly use your bundle while you think you are on Wi-Fi. The switch is at the bottom of Settings > Cellular.
11. Set a warning before you run out
Android lets you set a data warning and a hard limit under Data warning & limit. It helps to know your daily pattern too, so a heavy day stands out before the bundle is gone.
12. Buy the bundle that fits how you use data
Once you know your real monthly usage, you can pick a plan that matches it instead of topping up in a hurry. Check your balance and expiry date regularly; in Nigeria, *323# works on every network.
On MTN or Glo? See How to Save MTN Data and How to Save Glo Data for network-specific tips.
Summary
- Lowering video quality and turning off autoplay save the most.
- Use Low Data Mode on iPhone or Data Saver on Android.
- Keep app updates and photo backups to Wi-Fi.
- Watch your hotspot, WhatsApp auto-downloads and background refresh.
- Know your real usage so you can buy the bundle that fits.