- Video uses far more data than anything else, so start there.
- Update apps and download music on Wi-Fi, not mobile data.
- Check your phone’s data usage screen every week for surprises.
The short answer
Mobile data runs out fastest when videos autoplay, apps update in the background and music streams all day. You can usually cut your usage by a third or more without giving up what you enjoy. The method is simple: find out where the data goes, switch off the biggest wasters and move heavy tasks to Wi-Fi.
Step 1: See where your data goes
- Android: open Settings, then Network and internet, then Data usage. Many phones list data per app.
- iPhone: open Settings, then Mobile Service (or Cellular), and scroll to the list of apps using mobile data.
Look at the top three apps. If one app uses far more than you expected, open its own settings and look for a data or autoplay option.
What uses the most data
| Activity | Rough data use |
|---|---|
| Music streaming | About 40 to 150 MB per hour, depending on quality |
| Standard video | Several hundred MB per hour |
| HD video | Often 1 to 3 GB per hour |
| Video calls | Several hundred MB per hour |
| Browsing and social feeds | Varies, but autoplay video can make it add up fast |
These are rough guides and differ by app and quality setting. The lesson is that an hour of HD video can cost as much as days of messaging.
Turn on data saver modes
Both major phone systems have a built-in setting that limits background data. On Android it is called Data Saver. On iPhone it is Low Data Mode, found in the mobile data options. Switching it on stops many apps from refreshing in the background and pauses automatic updates. You can still allow selected apps to use data freely.
Change the habits that waste data
- Stop autoplay. Turn off autoplaying video in social apps and in your browser settings.
- Lower video quality. Choose standard quality on mobile data in YouTube, Netflix and other apps.
- Update on Wi-Fi. Set the app store to download updates only on Wi-Fi.
- Download music offline while on Wi-Fi, then play it anywhere without using data.
- Limit background refresh for apps you rarely use.
- Use lighter apps. Some services offer lite versions that use less data.
Messaging and calls
Text messages use very little data, but photos and videos do not. In chat apps such as WhatsApp, switch off automatic media download on mobile data so you choose what to open. Also turn on any option that uses less data for calls. Voice calls over the internet use far less than video calls.
Wi-Fi and hotspots
- Connect to a trusted Wi-Fi network at home, work or school whenever possible. See our guide to a fast and secure home Wi-Fi network to improve your signal.
- Be careful with public Wi-Fi. Avoid banking on open networks, and consider a VPN. Read how to choose a VPN to decide.
- Remember that sharing your phone as a hotspot uses your data quickly, because laptops download updates and large files.
Set limits and warnings
Android lets you set a data warning and a limit in the data usage screen, and it can cut off mobile data when you reach the limit. On iPhone you can watch usage per app, and some mobile operators offer usage alerts by text or in their app. Check your balance often, especially near the end of the month, and look at whether a different bundle fits your real usage better.
If you are on a fast network, our guide on what 5G is explains why speed can also make your data vanish faster.
Quick checklist
- Check data usage per app each week
- Turn on Data Saver or Low Data Mode
- Switch off autoplay video
- Update apps and download music on Wi-Fi
- Turn off auto-download of media in chat apps
- Set a data warning or limit
Key points to remember
Saving data is mostly about a few big settings, not about using your phone less. If your phone is also running out of space, see how to free up phone storage, and keep your files safe with our guide to back up your phone and laptop.
