By: Vincent Totino
Read Time: 6 min
January 30, 2025
Managing your mobile data effectively is essential—especially if you're on a limited plan or want to avoid throttling on an unlimited one. Mobile data usage can add up quickly whether you're streaming, browsing, or using apps on the go.
With mobile networks offering high-speed connectivity almost everywhere, it’s easy to lose track of how much data you use as you scroll through social media, stream music, or video chat with friends and family.
Even if you have an unlimited plan, you might still want an idea of how much data you’re using (in case you switch off an unlimited plan in the future).
Even if you have an unlimited plan, you might still want an idea of how much data you’re using (in case you switch off an unlimited plan in the future).
The good news is there are practical ways to monitor and decrease data usage across Android and iPhone devices. In this guide, we'll walk you through actionable steps to help you take control of your data and decrease data usage effectivel
To avoid overages or unexpected charges on your phone's data plan, it is important to know how much data each app consumes. Whether you use a Samsung, Pixel, or iPhone, follow this step-by-step guide to monitor data usage.
Check Data Usage On Other Android Devices
To reduce your mobile data usage, you have to be smart about using WiFi, managing background processes, and disabling unnecessary apps and features. Follow these general tips to lower your data consumption on your phone effectively.
Prioritizes WiFi over mobile data for internet activities.
Apps running in the background may consume data even when you aren’t actively using them.
Turning off GPS prevents apps from accessing your location unnecessarily, saving both data and battery life.
To turn off Location Services on iPhone:
To disable GPS on Android:
Airplane mode disconnects your phone from mobile networks, ensuring no data is used.
To enable airplane mode:
To turn on WiFi while in airplane mode:
There are some additional steps you can take to figure out how to decrease data usage on an iPhone.
1. Activate Low Data Mode:
Follow these steps on Android to save data, whether you use Samsung, Google Pixel, or another Android phone.
1. Turn on Data Saver Mode:
If you have a Samsung Galaxy:
2. Limit App Syncing to WiFi Only
Some apps automatically sync in the background, which can consume a lot of data.
To set sync to WiFi-only for Samsung devices:
To disable auto-sync on Google Pixel phones:
To sync apps manually over WiFi:
3. Use Apps in Offline Mode Where Possible
Switching to offline mode in apps can save significant amounts of data. To use video and music apps offline:
Some older phones don't support newer features like Data Saver mode, Low Data mode, or offline maps. If you've followed the steps above but still struggle to manage your data usage, your phone or mobile plan may be holding you back.
If this is the case, it might be time for you to get a new phone or upgrade your data plan.
Thinking of trying out an unlimited plan so you don't have to worry about your data usage? Check out Optimum Mobile’s unlimited plan options.