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4 Simple Ways to Reduce Mobile Data Usage

Save your data allowance with these helpful tricks

By Russell Ware Russell Ware Writer Coombeshead College Former Lifewire writer Russell Ware has written hundreds of cell phone and smartphone reviews and guides in dozens of books and magazines. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 27, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section Restrict Background Data View Mobile Versions of Websites Don't Clear Your Cache Use a Text-Only Browser Using your phone usually calls for access to the internet. If you're not in a location where you can use Wi-Fi, you rely on a mobile data network to browse the web or check your social media. Mobile data, either as part of a cellular service or a pay-as-you-go plan, costs money. Unless you have an unlimited data plan, the more you use, the more you pay. It makes sense to reduce the amount of data you use if you aren't on an unlimited plan. Here are some tips and tricks for limiting your data usage on your mobile device. ​​Chris Gould / Getty Images

Restrict Background Data

Most operating systems, including iOS and Android, allow you to restrict background data with the flick of a switch in the network settings. When you restrict background data, some apps and phone services don't work unless you have access to a Wi-Fi network. Your phone continues to function, but you reduce the amount of data being used. This is a useful option if you track your data usage and are nearing the limit of your allowance at the end of a month.

View the Mobile Versions of Websites

When you view a website on your phone's web browser, every element, from the text to the images, must be downloaded before it can be displayed. This isn't a problem when viewing the website from a broadband connection, but each of those elements uses up a bit of your data allowance on your phone. Most websites provide both a desktop and mobile version. The mobile versions of browsers and browser apps always include fewer images and are lighter and faster to open. Many websites are set up to detect whether you are viewing on a mobile device and display the mobile version automatically even if you aren't using an app. If you think you are viewing a desktop version on your phone, it's worth checking to see if there is a link to switch to the mobile version. Aside from the difference in layout and content, you may be able to tell if a website is running the mobile version by the presence of the letter "m" in the URL. However, this designation has declined in popularity and is rarely seen now. Stick to the mobile version whenever possible, and your data usage will be lower.

Don' t Clear Your Cache

There is an argument for emptying the browser cache and the cache of other apps to keep your phone running smoothly. The cache is a component that stores website data. When that data is requested by the browser, having it in the cache means it is provided faster because there's no need for the data to be downloaded from the server. Emptying the cache frees up internal memory and helps the system run smoothly, but it consumes data when you're on a carrier network. Task managers and cleaning utilities often delete the cache, so if you have one of those installed, add your browser to the list of excluded apps.

Use a Text-Only Browser

Several third-party browsers, such as TextOnly and Violoncello, remove images from a website and display only the text. Your phone uses less data by not downloading the images, which are the largest files on any web page. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Save Mobile Data When Tethering Android Tablet or Phone How to Fix a YouTube Black Screen How to Use Opera Mini for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch How to Save Mobile Data When Using WhatsApp How to Fix It When WhatsApp Isn't Working How to Clear Your iPhone Cache How to Clear the Cache in IE11 Why Isn't This Site Loading for Me? How Much Data Does Netflix Use? What Is Bandwidth Throttling? Why Does Anyone Do It? How to Track Data Usage on Your Android Device How to Fix It When Instagram Is Not Working How to Fix It When Mobile Data Is Not Working The 8 Best Cell Phone Plans of 2022 Manage Browsing History and Other Private Data in IE11 How to Fix a Connection-Is-Not Private Error Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies