Lower Your Cell Phone Data Costs With These Helpful Tips

Wi-Fi Warrior : Lower Your Cell Phone Data Costs With These tips

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With rising dependance and usage of smartphones, data costs have started to add up, and now make up a significant chunk of an average family’s or individual’s monthly income. 

Unlike previously expected, data costs are not showing any signs of dropping with increased competition, instead telecom giants across the world have created broad moats around their businesses, allowing them to function like cartels.

This makes it pertinent for users to adopt certain tips and strategies to save on their cell phone data costs. As it is pointless to suggest reduced smartphone usage or data consumption in this day and age, we mostly focus on reducing leakages, and other redundancies that are costing you money.

Here are the tips to save Your Data Cost

1. Select The Right Data Plan

Cell phone data plans come in different shapes and sizes, but even then, things are rarely what they seem. Many carriers come with certain hidden charges and peculiarities that end up costing you for certain types of usage that are never mentioned in pricing plans, and are only included in the

This includes aspects such as overage charges which are incurred every 200 megabytes in excess data that you consume, and can go as high as $15 for each such instance. As a result, it is recommended to compare mobile plans before selecting, and go beyond the base prices and features, and into the details.

2. Monitor Your Usage Regularly

Make it a point to check your data usage regularly in your phone’s settings, and consider cutting back on usage if it is about to breach your monthly limits.

Based on your usage and monthly allowance, you might consider browsing the net by connecting to the WiFi, or putting off downloads entirely, in order to stay within the budget.

Most smartphones also allow you to set up data usage alerts that notify you when you are about to breach the limit. Use these options wisely to ensure there are no surprises that could result in expensive overage charges.

3. Disable Automatic App Updates & Refresh

Background data usage by apps can be a hidden data drain on your phone. To fight back, you can take control! Turn off automatic app updates and set app permissions to only allow data access when you're on Wi-Fi. Similarly, for apps that don't need constant updates, disable their background data usage entirely. These small steps can make a big difference in your data bill.. 

4. Use Data Compression

Data-conscious phone users rejoice! Built-in features like Chrome's “Data Saver” mode and apps like Onavo or UC Browser can be your data-saving heroes. These tools work by compressing data before it reaches your phone, potentially slashing your usage by up to 50% for videos, images, and more – all with minimal quality impact. Originally designed for slow internet connections, they're perfect for anyone looking to stretch their monthly data plan further.

5. Be Mindful of Hotspot Usage

Phone hotspots are a handy way to share your phone's internet, but watch out for data use! Bigger screens on laptops and desktops gobble up more data than your phone. Use hotspots sparingly to avoid blowing through your data plan.

Final Words

Given the persistently high cost of mobile data, it is in your best interest to ensure your data allowance goes as far and long as possible. With the above-mentioned tips you can ensure you make the most of it, without compromising on your browsing experience, or cutting down on your online activities.