Unless you ’re one of the lucky few with unlimited mobile phone data point , you ’re probably all too familiar with the data overage flush you may rack up just by living your normal Netflix - binging , Snapchat - lovinglife . But all it take to turn back the madness is disable some semi - out of sight scope and make a few behaviorial pinch . Here ’s how to prevent those teasing fees from showing up on your next charge Hz .
Turn off autoplaying videos on Facebook and Twitter
Our collective laziness loves not sustain to press play to watch whatever adorable puppy video recording shows up in our News Feeds , but that niggling lineament is a huge data point - eater . Simply turning it off can do a large plenty to cut back on how much data you ’re going through calendar month to month . In your Facebook app , go toSettings > Videos and Photos > Autoplay > On Wi - Fi Connections Only . For Twitter , launch the app , bug the preferences cog steering wheel > hit Video autoplay > select Use Wi - Fi only .
Stop apps from eating through your data when you’re offline
There are some apps you absolutely want to be capable to browse anytime , anywhere ( lookin ' at you , Facebook ) , but not every app on your phone need access to your cellular data . gratefully , you may individually toggle their access code to data agree to your preference : head toSettings > Cellular and check them on or off .
Turn off Wi-Fi Assist
In possibility , Wi - Fi Assist is a licitly utilitarian feature if you ’re constantly dealing with unreliable Wi - Fi net . The thing is , if you ’re not careful , it can also land you a $ 2,000 cellphone vizor . Rather than risk it , verify it ’s shift off : head toSettings > Cellular > Wi - Fi Assist .
Turn off automatic app updates
Some apps push out update at times , others push them out all the blasted time . If your phone is set up to mechanically update apps on the unconstipated , you ’re needlessly feed through your data . To turn this off , go toSettings > iTunes & App Stores > disable Use Cellular Data .
Disable cellular data for iCloud
If you use your iCloud Drive account to run on various labor across multiple machine , you end up using a enough amount of information if you whisk out your phone to make a change or deal a document while Wi - Fi - less . Avoid risking it and go toSettings > iCloud > iCloud Drive > disable Use Cellular Data .
Stop apps from refreshing in the background
One of the bragging data hog is one you never actually see : background app refreshing . It ’s a feature broil into your iPhone that allows apps to refresh their content even when you ’re not actively using them . That means less lag and loading time when you unfold them up , but also a whole bunch of unneeded behind - the - scenes data point usage when you are n’t on Wi - Fi . call on that hatful off – head toSettings > General > Background App Refreshand disable it .
Make sure you’re only downloading music while on Wi-Fi
If you have cellular data twist on for your medicine servicing of choice ( Spotify , Apple Music … Tidal ? ) , consider disenable its ability to download or even pour tracks when you ’re not get in touch to Wi - Fi . give your Spotify app , tap the preferences cog rack > Streaming Quality > disable Download Using Cellular . For Apple Music , openSettings > Music > disableUse Cellular Data .
Switch off data roaming if you’re leaving the country
Unless you ’re set up with a enough international plan , it ’s a good move to disable data point tramp altogether so you do n’t unintentionally rack up some ungodly data point fees while traveling abroad . Doing so wo n’t affect how your speech sound works in your place nation , but will prevent you from using the Internet sans Wi - Fi internationally . Go toSettings > Cellular > Roamingand tapdance the Data Roaming toggle button off .
Go nuclear and shut off cellular data altogether
If you ’ve already hit your data limit and ca n’t stand the thought of paying a dime more on overages , go cold Meleagris gallopavo and rationalize your data point off wholly . Go toSettings > Cellular and disable Cellular Data . It means you wo n’t be able-bodied to Snapchat or shop Instagram if you leave your Wi - Fi zone , but you also wo n’t be on the claw for extra money and can focalise on more fulfilling action , like face - to - face conversation .
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Joe McGauleyis a older writer for Thrillist who ’s moderately sure there are no data overage fee in heaven .
Pexels/Jennifer Bui
Screenshot via Facbeook App/Shutterstock
Screenshot via iOS 9/Shutterstock
Screenshot via iOS 9/Shutterstock
Screenshot via iOS 9/Shutterstock
Screenshot via iOS 9/Shutterstock