Data Optimization Tips for Android Devices

Where to Start

Whether you're on an unlimited data plan and just burnt through all your high-speed data, or have a limited bucket of data and need to micro-manage your usage, these tips will help you get started.

What's using my data?

First, we'll want to get an overview of what is using up all that data via the following steps:

Swipe down from the top of your home screen and go to Settings
Select Network & Internet
Tap on SIMs
Select App Data Usage

You should now see an overview of all the apps using mobile data on your device and adjust your usage patterns accordingly. For example, if a video streaming application is using most of your data, then restrict your streaming to only when you're connected to Wi-Fi or pre-download the shows/movies you want to watch on the go.

Activate Data Saver Mode

Many apps continue to use data even when you've moved on to another app. This is referred to as background data usage and can easily add up as you pile on the apps running in the background. Data Saver mode stops all that when your device is not on Wi-Fi. Here's how to activate it:

Swipe down from the top of your home screen and go to Settings
Select Network & Internet
Tap on Data Saver
Flip the switch on

Turn Off Mobile Data

If you can't afford to have a single extra megabyte more using up data then this will put an immediate halt on all Mobile Data usage until you say so.