Certain settings on smartphones can consume large amounts of mobile data without users realising it, particularly when apps are allowed to download files, stream content or refresh in the background.
For Nigerians managing increasingly expensive data bundles, checking these settings can help identify where a significant portion of their internet allowance is going.
On WhatsApp, users can review Storage and Data settings to see how media is downloaded and how much data the app uses. Disabling automatic downloads over mobile data can prevent photos, videos and other files from consuming data unnecessarily.
The Brandspur Brand News team notes that similar checks should be carried out across other apps and phone settings, rather than focusing only on WhatsApp. Social media and video-streaming applications can use substantial amounts of data, especially when videos automatically play or content is downloaded in high quality.
On iPhones, users can also check Settings > Cellular to see how much mobile data individual applications have consumed. Apps with unusually high usage can then be restricted from using cellular data when they are not essential.
iCloud settings are another area worth checking. Depending on the options enabled, cloud synchronisation and backups can use mobile data. Users who have limited data may prefer to allow such activities only when connected to Wi-Fi.
The Personal Hotspot section also deserves attention. When another device connects to a phone’s hotspot, activities such as software updates, video streaming and large downloads can quickly exhaust the available data.
Instagram, YouTube and other content-heavy applications can similarly account for substantial data consumption, particularly for users who spend long periods watching videos.
Rather than waiting until a data bundle suddenly runs out, users can regularly check their phone’s cellular data usage and identify the applications responsible for the highest consumption.
Turning off unnecessary background data, restricting automatic downloads and choosing lower streaming quality where appropriate can help Nigerians get more value from their mobile data.
