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.

Free Wi-Fi calling

You can make voice calls from Hangouts on Android and Hangouts on iOS to any number across North America. For free.

You may be thinking, “doesn’t Google Hangouts use data?” How can it be free?

In short, jump on a Wi-Fi connection and any call you make to any number across the US and Canada is entirely free. These calls won’t count toward your voice minutes and can help you lower your monthly bill if you’re with a pay-for-what-you-use provider like Ting.

The latest Hangouts 4.0 update brings caller ID to your outbound calls, too! No longer will you show up as “Unknown” – your friends and family now see your Ting number when you give them a ring.

Not familiar with Google Hangouts? It’s similar to Skype or iMessage (messaging, voice calls and video chat), except, as we’ve pointed out, Wi-Fi calling North American phone numbers through Hangouts Dialer costs absolutely nothing. Hangouts also supports animated GIFs… need we say more?!

It’s worth noting that you can lower your monthly bill even further by routing incoming calls (and texts) through Hangouts. Just remember that if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll be using your mobile data plan, not your voice minutes.

Set up 2FA quickly and easily with our Authy review

Authy | Android | iOS | is an app that lets you easily set up and store two-factor authentication tokens for multiple accounts like your Google, Facebook, Twitch, Amazon and more. We’ve previously covered 2FA for the Google Authenticator app here on the Ting blog, and in this Authy review, we’ll talk a bit about how it’s different, and why you might pick one over the other.

Family game night revamped

Struggling to get in that quality time with your family? What you need is a good old-fashioned family game night — except instead of breaking out the board games, you’ll be huddled around a TV trying to crush your competition. Or, like, fostering family togetherness. Same difference.

There are plenty of couch co-op games that the whole family can enjoy. Your mobile device becomes the controller. Technology really is amazing, isn’t it? Here’s a look at just a few of your options for family-friendly smartphone gaming.

Use your phone to file taxes online this tax season

The best tax season apps let you file taxes online right from your phone and keep you organized all year long.

Take a look at what’s out there and choose the app that’s right for you. Know that in the world of taxes, these services are rarely free. When you file your taxes in person you’re typically charged a fee for the service, right? A couple of the options below are no different, but we did find one free service you might want to check out.

We’ll point out some features of each and let you know where one app might get the edge up on another. Always read the app descriptions thoroughly so there aren’t any surprises in terms of fees.