People’s dependence on the internet has been on the increase. Moreover, with captivating smartphone apps and features, an individual’s cellular data usage can go through the roof, resulting in additional data usage and overage charges. Watching videos, browsing the net, and playing high-file games on the phone can easily surpass the monthly data limit. Users can follow these eight tips for managing data usage and avoiding high overage fees.

1. Switch to Wi-Fi
   One of the easiest and most convenient ways to reduce data usage is to connect to Wi-Fi whenever and wherever possible. Take full advantage of the Wi-Fi at home. When visiting friends, one can connect to the home Wi-Fi by adjusting the settings. Apart from home Wi-Fi networks, one can also connect to public networks at places such as cafes, libraries, or restaurants. However, public Wi-Fi is not always secure, and those connected can be victims of cyber-attacks and data theft. Hence, when using public Wi-Fi, one must use a VPN connection, which encrypts their data and prevents data theft.
2. Save downloads and updates when connected to Wi-Fi
   Another easy way to avoid the overuse of cellphone data is to set aside all the downloads and updates when connected to the Wi-Fi. Downloading and updating apps consumes a lot of phone data. Even downloading media files causes heavy data usage. Toggle off the auto download setting on the phone. So, unless it is urgent, one can set aside these downloads and updates for when they have a secure Wi-Fi connection.
3. Review monthly data usage
   Many people are unaware of their monthly data usage. To save data usage and prevent incurring overage charges, one must regularly review their data usage and keep track of it. This way, they will be able to regulate their data usage and opt for plans accordingly. Several carriers offer tools to keep track of data consumption.
4. Select a suitable carrier and data plan
   Selecting a data plan that best suits one’s needs can ensure optimal usage of cellular data. For instance, one can consider data plans that include a carryover data feature, which allows one to use any unused data from the previous month to the next. This way, the occasional usage of additional data than what the plan offers will not reflect in any bills as overage charges. Additionally, one can also select carriers that help their users avoid overage charges. Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint have phone and internet plans that offer protection against these charges. Their phone plans include features such as data caps and alerts that notify users before they surpass their data limit.
5. Switch to an unlimited plan
   Opting for an unlimited data plan for the smartphone is an excellent strategy to steer clear of overage charges. An unlimited data plan does not incur additional fees for surpassing any data limit. Several carriers offer unlimited plans for different price ranges, data speed preferences, and other features. Verizon offers various unlimited phone plan options, including Unlimited Ultimate plan ($55/line), Unlimited Plus ($45/line), and Unlimited Welcome ($30/line).
6. Turn on data usage alerts
   One can also turn on data usage alerts in their smartphones to get a warning when they exceed their daily data limit. Apart from turning on this feature from smartphone settings, one can also get it from their service providers. Several carriers, like US Cellular, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc., offer a feature where they send users alerts through texts or emails when they are nearing the daily data limit. This way, users can add extra data when required and lower the use to reduce the bill.
7. Avoid using the autoplay feature on video streaming apps
   Many video streaming platforms and apps automatically play the video currently displayed on the user’s screen. However, the auto-play feature can silently consume a significant amount of the user’s cellular data. To conserve it, it is essential to disable the autoplay function in such apps. Alternatively, one can also choose the option to autoplay the videos only over Wi-Fi. By doing so, users can decide when to stream content and, in turn, effectively manage their data usage.
8. Manage background data usage
   Many smartphone apps are active in the background without the users’ knowledge. This can be either for tracking the user’s location or sending them notifications. This background activity of the apps can not only drain the smartphone’s battery but also consume data. Hence, to prevent unnecessary data usage, it is important to turn off notifications from such apps. It is also advisable to review the apps running in the background and close them if not required.