Help article
How can I reduce data consumption on my smartphone when I travel?
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To avoid exceeding your data plan, it's essential to monitor and adjust your usage. iPhones and Android devices offer several ways to limit data usage when inactive. Checking each app's settings can also be helpful. Ensure that automatic transfers of large files, such as photos and videos, are restricted to Wi-Fi connections.
Reducing Data Usage on iPhone
To begin, limit apps' access to mobile data, especially data-intensive apps like Maps, social media, email, and video streaming. Go to Settings, then Cellular Data or Mobile Data, and manage the permissions for each app.
Next, for instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber, disable automatic media downloads. Open the app, then go to Settings, Storage & Data, and configure automatic downloads to only occur over Wi-Fi or never.
Also consider disabling automatic App Store updates, or restricting them to Wi-Fi connections. In Settings, under iTunes & App Store, turn off cellular data usage.
It's also advisable to disable Wi-Fi Assist. To do this, go to Settings, then Cellular Data or Mobile Data, and turn off this option.
For iCloud Drive, prevent synchronization over cellular data. In Settings, iCloud, iCloud Drive, turn off cellular data usage.
Finally, disable background app refresh, or restrict it to specific apps. This prevents apps from using data without your intervention.
Reduce Data Usage on Android
Depending on your device model, the steps may vary slightly. Start by adjusting Play Store automatic updates to only occur over Wi-Fi. In the Play Store, under Settings, configure automatic app updates.
For instant messaging applications, also disable automatic file downloads. Go to