Restricting Data Usage

With data plans usually having a limited amount per month, it can sometimes be easy to accidentally go over that limit with all the apps on your phone running in the background. Most smartphones allow you to choose which apps will run on data or wireless, and which will only run wirelessly.

  1. On an iPhone, go to Settings and tap Cellular.
    restrict data usage iphone step 1
     
  2. Push the slider to the left for each app you want to only run on wireless. This will most likely apply to almost all apps. Apps such as Google Maps need data to run, so those should stay turned on (the slider will be green).
    restrict data usage iphone step 2

     
  1. On an Android, swipe down on the home screen to get to Settings.
    restrict data usage android step 1
     
  2. Tap Data Usage.
    restrict data usage android step 2
     
  3. Scroll down until you see a list of apps. Tap the app you wish to restrict.
    restrict data usage android step 3
     
  4. Slide the slider beside Restrict background data to the ON position.
    restrict data usage android step 4
     
  5. Tap OK.
    restrict data usage android step 5
     
  6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each app you wish to restrict.
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