There are many different ways to reduce smartphone mobile data usage without having to limit yourself or switch up your smartphone routine.
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 controls built right in to your smartphone operating system to do the same.
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
Understanding your data usage
Want to reduce your mobile data usage but not sure where to start? You’re in the right place.
Learn where mobile data is typically used on your smartphone and find out how to handle apps that take advantage of your data plan without having to sacrifice your smartphone experience.
How many megabytes are in a gig? Understanding mobile data usage
Control which Android apps use background mobile data
Control which iOS apps use cellular data
Take control of how your apps use data with NetGuard
Reduce and manage mobile data usage
There are controls built right into your smartphone operating system that will help you reduce your data usage. Here are some general apps and settings within Android and iOS smartphones that will lower your cellular data usage.
Block ads while browsing to lower data usage
Limit background data usage with Data Saver
Reduce your cellular data usage with Wi-Fi Assistant (Select devices)
Disable Wi-Fi Assist to save your mobile data
Compress your data with Onavo Extend
Reduce your cellular data usage by up to 50% with Opera Max
Turn your computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot
Lower data use in popular apps
Most popular apps include a built-in data saving toggle or feature. There’s no need to stop using an app entirely, just take a look through the icons below and find the apps you recognize to lower your monthly mobile data usage.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Google Maps are just a few of the apps listed below.
Turn off Facebook’s video auto-play feature (Android)
Turn off Facebook’s video auto-play feature (iOS)
Reduce data usage in Facebook (Android – select devices only)
Enable Travel Mode to save data in Snapchat
Use Snapchat Memories to save your mobile data
Reduce data usage in Instagram
Turn off Twitter’s video autoplay feature
Reduce data usage in Google Chrome (Android)
Minimize mobile data usage in YouTube
Minimize mobile data usage in the Netflix app
Download Netflix shows and movies for offline use
Automatically download podcasts over Wi-Fi (Android)
Automatically download podcasts over Wi-Fi (iOS)
Back up Google Photos over Wi-Fi only
Update Google Play apps over Wi-Fi only
Download music for offline use
Download Google Maps for offline use
Browse reddit on your phone without using mobile data
Can you think of any other data saving features that we’ve missed? Please let us know in the comments below.
