You’re in the middle of a video call, or checking directions, and a message pops up: “You’ve used 90 percent of your data.” Or your phone suddenly slows down near the end of the month. Running out of data is frustrating, and it can lead to surprise charges. The good news is that a few simple settings usually fix it. Here’s what’s using your data, how to check, and how to save.
What Is “Data,” Exactly?
“Data” is the amount of internet your phone can use over your cellular connection each month, as part of your plan. When you’re connected to Wi-Fi, your phone uses the Wi-Fi instead, and that doesn’t count against your cellular data.
What Uses the Most Data
Streaming video, like movies, shows and videos on social media. This is the biggest one.
Video calls, like FaceTime, WhatsApp and Zoom
Streaming music and podcasts
Videos that play automatically on social media
App updates and downloads
Photo and video backups to the cloud
Maps and navigation, especially for long trips
Apps that refresh in the background even when you’re not using them
How To Check Your Usage
On an iPhone: open Settings and tap Cellular. Scroll down to see how much data each app has used.
On an Android phone: open Settings, then Network & internet, then look for data usage or SIMs (on Samsung phones, it’s often under Connections, Data usage). The menu names vary by phone.
For your plan: your carrier’s official app or website shows how much data you’ve used this billing month, and how much is left. Download it from your app store, or ask your carrier’s store for help.
Easy Ways To Save Data
Use Wi-Fi whenever you can. At home, make sure your phone is connected to your Wi-Fi. When you’re out, you can use a network you trust, like a friend’s or a library’s. (Be careful with public Wi-Fi, and avoid banking on it.)
Turn on a data saving mode.
iPhone: Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data Options, Low Data Mode
Android: Settings, Network & internet, Data Saver
Stop videos from playing automatically over cellular data. In apps like Facebook and Instagram, look in the settings for autoplay and choose Wi-Fi only or never.
Lower the video quality in streaming apps when you’re not on Wi-Fi.
Send photo backups and app updates over Wi-Fi only. In your Photos or Google Photos settings, turn off backing up over cellular data. In your app store settings, choose Wi-Fi only for large downloads and updates.
Download before you go. Save shows, music, podcasts and maps to your phone while on Wi-Fi, so you can use them without using data.
Turn off cellular data for apps you don’t need. On an iPhone, in Settings, Cellular, switch off apps one by one. On Android, use the app data usage screen to restrict background data.
Limit background refresh. On an iPhone, check Settings, General, Background App Refresh.
Set a Warning
Android: many phones let you set a data warning and a data limit in the data usage settings.
Carriers: most carriers can text you when you reach a certain amount of data. Ask yours, or check the carrier’s app.
When You Travel
Using your phone abroad can lead to expensive roaming charges.
Before you go, ask your carrier about a travel plan or international pass.
Turn off data roaming if you don’t have one. On an iPhone, it’s in Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data Options, Data Roaming.
Use Wi-Fi at your hotel, and consider turning on Airplane Mode and then turning on Wi-Fi.
What Happens When You Run Out?
With many plans, your internet becomes much slower instead of stopping, and Wi-Fi keeps working normally. Some plans charge extra, or let you buy more data. Check your plan so there are no surprises.
Is Your Plan the Right One?
If you run out every month, ask your carrier to look at your usage and tell you whether another plan would fit better. Use the phone number on your bill or visit the carrier’s own store. Be careful about calls or texts offering a “special deal” you didn’t ask for.
A Warning About Fake Texts
Scammers send fake messages that say you’ve exceeded your data or that your bill is overdue, with a link to pay or “restore” service. Don’t tap the link. Open your carrier’s official app, or call the number on your bill.
If you’d like someone beside you while you check your usage and adjust these settings, a Kendera Global session can go through it with you, step by step.
