There is nothing worse than getting a message from your telecom operator informing you that you have used up your data. In Uganda, some telecom companies keep updating their subscribers about their data usage starting with 70%, 90%, and 100% data use while others, do not bother to send the update at all so you only notice when you go offline.
The iPhone has some impressive features that run in the background which do things like sync information to iCloud and update applications if you are not careful that background activity can scoop all your cellular data. However, each iPhone type comes with its own data consumption levels due to its quicker internet speeds, faster phones, and larger screens.
Cellular data is expensive, so it is a bit nerve-racking when your data plan is distorted especially when you know you have not used your phone that much. You then start wondering why your iPhone is using a lot of data all of the sudden. You decide to buy more data and control your online activity but nothing has changed. Yes! we feel your pain and we got you. In this article, let’s figure out why your iPhone is using a lot of data and how you can conserve your data.
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Turn off Cellular Data Use for iCloud
Apple made incredible enhancements to iCloud recently making it more useful. I guess all users of Apple products applaud iCloud for keeping their most precious information like photos, backed up and synced between devices. Although we love iCloud backups, we still love to control our data plan, and disabling cellular data use for iCloud will help us achieve that goal.
- Go to settings
- Open up Apple ID profile
- Tap on icloud
- Scroll down and disable the use cellular data option.
Now iCloud will not use more of your cellular data and it will help you save extra battery too. Limit that activity to Wi-Fi, some files like videos are large, and backing them up will make you run low on data.
Disable Background App refresh
Similar to what iCloud does, Background App Refresh automatically updates app information in the background before you launch the app. While this might be a significant feature, it uses a lot of data. Unless you disable background App refresh, you will keep complaining about losing a lot of data in a short while.
- Go to settings
- Select general
- Select background App refresh
- Completely disable the background App refresh feature or scroll down and disable specific Apps of your choice.
However, totally turning off background App refresh will turn off some notifications you may depend on so it is better to turn off background app refresh for particular apps.
Disable Automatic App updates
In IOS9, Apple added a feature that automatically updates apps in the background. These automatic updates might be the reason as to why your phone is using a lot of data. Although the updates are paramount in keeping the apps up to date, they disrupt your data plan. Apple gives you a choice to turn off cellular data from automatically updating apps.
- Go to settings.
- Select iTunes & App Store.
- Disable the use of cellular data. Apps will only be updated if you are connected to Wi-Fi.
Monitor Data usage.
Some apps use more data than others. It’s important to keep track of your app data usage so you can regulate your data plan. Apps that require downloading videos, audios and photos consume lots of data so stay awoke while using them. iPhone has a feature that helps you monitor your data usage for all your phone applications.
- Go to settings.
- Tap cellular data.
- Scroll through your Apps and check how much data each of them has used.
The best way to monitor is by resetting statistics. Resetting will refresh results to zero bytes. During the course of the week, check the cellular data page to see which apps are using a lot of data and make the decision to either disable cellular data for a particular app that is adamant or uninstall the App.
- Go to settings.
- Click on cellular data.
- Scroll down and tap on reset.
Check your App Setting
Although all the system-wide settings are turned off, your apps could account for your data zero-up problems. Some data-intensive apps scoop all your data in a short while, so the best way is to regulate the use of those apps by trying the following;
- Disable auto-play videos on all social media apps you use like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
- Opt for apps with fewer images and videos to save more data for example swap the regular Facebook for FacebookLite, and Twitter for TwitterLite.
- Download videos for offline viewing on Youtube and Netflix.
- Simple browsing of web pages with large images and documents will drain your data. Apps like Instapaper will help you download multiple copies for future use.
- Download maps and routes on Apple maps. This will enable you to navigate offline.
Now that all the above is in check, you will surely save more data for yourself. Make sure you aren’t sharing your data with someone, call customer care about that inquiry. If the problem persists, you are surely responsible for using your data or your telecom company is just data-hungry.