If you’re a Philip DeFranco fan, you probably know that he’s a friend of Ting. Last month, he asked his Twitter followers to share their best data-saving tips for a chance to win $100 in Ting credit. Using the hashtag #smartermobile, we saw some great responses from users. If you’d like to lower your mobile data usage (and subsequently your monthly phone bill with Ting), here are some useful selections of the bunch:

#smartermobile Always, Always, Always make sure you check that you’re on the wifi the minute you get home. Check that the minute you park the car. The minute you set down your keys whatever you have to do, never waste data at home. https://t.co/nZFJ1WGBy5

— Steph (@helinoftroy) October 30, 2018

Ting is the phone provider that helps you lower your mobile data and save money

There are many different ways to reduce smartphone mobile data usage without having to limit yourself or switch up your smartphone routine. At Ting, we only charge people for what they actually use. That means the less you use, the less you pay. And you can save even more when you restrict your mobile data usage.

There are data saving toggles and features in popular apps (including Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat) that help you cut your mobile data use. There are also controls built right into your smartphone operating system to do the same.

The more you connect to Wi-Fi on Ting, the more you save. We encourage people to lower their monthly mobile bills by cutting and controlling their mobile data use. You can spend less than $20 per month for one phone with Ting. It all comes down to lowering your mobile data use.
Take a look at our broad list of articles that will help you lower your cellular data usage. If you’re with a pay for what you use provider like Ting, this means a lower monthly bill.

Comprehensive guides

Check out some of our longer-form articles that will teach you everything you need to know about smartphone mobile data.

From the basics to the bonus features, the guides below have it all.

Get the free Cut Your Data ebook to reduce mobile data usage

Do more with your smartphone without paying more for data

Six simple tips to save money on smartphone mobile data

Six (more) simple tips to save money on smartphone mobile data

Read more

What is mobile data?

If you’re new to tracking your minutes, texts and mobile data, you might find yourself asking, what is mobile data? I mean, what is it really?

On Ting, you don’t pay a hefty monthly fee for unlimited texts, minutes and data. We do things a little differently, and our customers only pay for what they actually need. Ting charges rates on usage, for texts, minutes and data. Everyone can understand quantities of texts and minutes, but understanding mobile data in terms of megabytes and gigabytes can be something new to wrap your head around.

We’re going to break down mobile data, cover how mobile data works and when your phone uses it. We’ll also go over some tips and tricks for using less mobile data on your iPhone or Android device.

Reduce mobile data usage and save this summer

In the summer, when we’re out and about using our phones more than ever, it’s not hard to rack up a few accidental megabytes every now and then. But over the summer months, with all those trips to the beach, park and picnics, those one-off downloads can start to add up.

We could all use a refresher every now and then when it comes to making the most out of Wi-Fi and curtailing mobile data usage. Use these summer data saving tips so you can enjoy your phone all year long without ever getting a surprise bill.

Don’t forget, Ting lets you set caps and alerts on all your usage. Track your data and set limits on how much you use.

How to restrict background data usage

1. Open Settings and tap Data usage.
2. Scroll down to view a list of your Android apps sorted by data usage. Tap an app to see detailed usage statistics.
3. Tap the app(s) you don’t want to connect to mobile data and select Restrict app background data (see example below).
4. Save data, save money.

Restrict background data and save money

At Ting, we like to think that anyone can save on their mobile bill by changing their mobile habits. One big way to save is to ask yourself if you can restrict background data and limit how much mobile data you use every month.

It’s worth knowing that despite your best efforts, some apps continue to use data in the background even while you don’t have them open. There are many Android apps that, without your knowledge, will go ahead and connect to your cellular network even when the app is closed.

Background data usage can wrack up quite a bit of MB. The good news is, you can reduce data usage. All you have to do is turn off background data. We’ll show you how to restrict background data on your Android phone and cut any lingering data usage.

Wrangle your usage and save big. Some people spend as little $20 a month on one phone. Now there’s a smartphone plan that makes sense. Reducing background data is a great place to start.

How to download Google Maps

1. Search for the location you want to save in Google Maps
2. Tap the bottom info bar and tap Download
3. Choose the size of the region
4. To view, tap the top left menu button then tap Offline areas

How to download and use downloaded maps

Navigating with Google Maps over a mobile data connection can rack up a hefty amount of usage over time. Most of Google Maps data use is incurred when initially searching for the destination and charting a course. Fortunately, Google has hooked us up with a feature that downloads entire regions of Maps over a Wi-Fi connection, letting you complete your journey without having to connect to a cellular network.

The previous version of offline Google Maps would only let you view downloaded regions of a map, which was useful but still required you to connect to the Internet to start a navigation or search for a specific location. Google’s latest update offers a much better offline experience for users. Turn-by-turn navigation, location searches and establishment info can all be accessed without a data connection.

Once you know how to download Google Maps for offline use, you’ll be able to have a smooth, uninterrupted experience even when traveling through a low reception area.

Keep in mind that you can’t save the whole world. That’s Superman’s job. While there’s a limit on the amount of data you can cache, you can save a pretty large area before you hit the max.