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.

Protect your wallet and your phone this summer: avoid data shock with these summer saving tips

Every year, we see mobile data use spike in the summer. That’s because more people are away from Wi-Fi. Most of us are out and about, at the beach or on a road trip, enjoying the warm weather. The problem is, we bring our phones with us, and are more likely to use Google Maps to navigate and stream our favorite playlists on Spotify.

The same way you wouldn’t go outside in the summer sun without sunscreen, a hat and water, there are a few simple saving tips and tricks you can take with you to protect your phone and your bill too.

Save data in six simple steps

• Save data in Google Chrome
• Save data in Google Maps
• Save data in Gmail
• Save data in music streaming apps
• Save data in Facebook
• Save data usage with compression

You don’t have to sacrifice the convenience of a connected smartphone just to save money on mobile data. Here are six things that’ll take you five minutes to do and can save you a ton of money each month.

Your smartphone is indispensable. There are a ton of varyingly data-hungry apps that improve your mobile experience. Cloud storage, audio and video streaming, rich browsing, turn-by-turn navigation and so on can put a heavy demand on your mobile data connection. Fortunately, though, it’s easy to cut down on mobile data use without hindering your mobile experience.

If you have already figured out that “unlimited” and, high-cap plans are a ploy, you’ll love these simple tips that will teach you how to save data usage each month.

How to use Google Maps offline

Navigating with Google Maps over a mobile data connection can rack up a ton of data usage over time. Most of Google Maps data use is incurred when initially searching for the destination and charting a course. Fortunately, Google Maps for iOS includes a feature that lets you download entire regions of the map for offline use later.

By downloading your routes over a Wi-Fi connection, you can save big on the amount of mobile data used during navigation. Turn-by-turn navigation, location searches and establishment info can all be accessed without a data connection.

Knowing how to use Google Maps offline also makes sure you have a consistent experience through areas with low reception. Taking a wrong turn due to a network delay will be a thing of the past.