Oh, sweet Internet! Can’t live without it, right? It has made our lives easier, it helps us stay updated, it brings us closer to our loved ones. Hard to even imagine how our lives would look with no data… Sadly, the sky is not the limit when it comes to data consumption, so here are some tips and tricks to make the best of the GB in your plan.

First and foremost, how much data do you really need?

You will likely overestimate the data you need, so use cold hard facts to make the decision on which data allotment is best for you. Log in to your carrier’s website and review your data usage over the past few months. Select a plan that is higher than the amount of data you used during this period — but as close to that number as possible. Choose an operator that allows you to customize your plan, such as Tello Mobile.

Set a data limit

You can have your phone issue a warning if you’re nearing your data limit before the end of your monthly billing cycle. You can even set a limit beyond which your phone won’t use any data.

  • Go to Settings
  • Go to “Network & internet” > “Data usage” > “Data warning & limit”
  • Tap on “App data usage cycle.” This will let you set the day that your account starts its monthly cycle.
  • Back up and toggle “Set data warning” on. You can then enter the data limit — say, 4GB — that you want for your phone.
  • On the same page, you can toggle “Set data limit” on. This will turn off your mobile data completely when it hits whatever limit you set.

Turn on the data saver

To enable Data Saver on Android:

  • Open Chrome and press the action overflow button (three vertical dots) in the upper right corner.
  • Tap Settings and select Data Saver under Advanced.
  • Hit the toggle switch to move it to the On position.

If you own an iOS, here is how to turn on Low Data mode:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap Cellular > Cellular Data Options.
  • Turn on Low Data Mode.

Use Wi-Fi wherever possible, IF SAFE

There is a rule of thumb for saving cellular data: If there’s Wi-Fi, use it. Chances are at both home and work you’ll have some type of Wi-Fi access to connect to, and even in many public places — including parks, supermarkets, even department stores — public Wi-Fi is there for your use. BUT, ‘cause there’s a huge BUT, do it only when you know it’s safe, otherwise the costs may be higher than some extra dollars on your phone bill.

Limit background data

According to DigitalTrends.com, background data is one of the biggest drains on your data allotment, and you might not even realize it’s happening. Mail working to sync new messages as you receive them, or your phone automatically downloading new app updates. Do you really need this? Can something wait until you’re connected to Wi-Fi?
Review what is using cellular data and make any necessary changes. In iOS, this is located under Settings > Cellular or Mobile data, and in Android, under Settings > Wireless & Networks > Data usage or Settings > Connections > Data usage on a Samsung.