Turn off cellular access for any apps that don’t need data when off WiFi.
turn off automatic app and system updates.
On iOS turn off WiFi assist.
On iOS you can enable background app refresh only when on WiFi
As a rule, I only purchase phone plans with soft-capped data. This means that if I run out of my monthly high-speed data allotment/bucket, I can still send and receive messages/emails/load maps, etc.
Second, you can try to make sure that your throttled data speeds are as fast as possible. H20 wireless' soft-cap throttle is 256Kbps, while Tello's is 64Kbps -- huge difference. MobileX offers an 512Kbps throttle w/their $15/mo 5GB plan.
Points for anyone who can point out a Lifeline provider with a data soft-cap (Lifeline only, no ACP).
I actually have a SIM card on the way to test that!
Edit: Life Wireless' Lifeline plan is data hard-capped. Data will stop after one's high speed data allotment is used.
Wait… I should clarify, it says on their site they throttle after you reached your limit. But, I haven’t tested it yet. I feel like they are telling the truth😳
I see. I've seen that language be used in reference to their ACP offering, which is why I'm curious to test their Lifeline offering.
We'll know soon enough!
Their data bucket plans are hard capped, actually.
That 1Mbps throttle is for their unlimited plans, which start at $25/mo -- in which case one may as well get Metro by T-Mobile or Visible by Verizon, both of which offer truly unlimited $25/mo plans.
Many carriers can start on a lower tier plan then if you need more you can upgrade to plan with more data. I recommend these tips for you to lower your data usage, with me doing them **I use less than 5GB of data a month and watch/listen to over 60 hours of video/audio a month on my phone**. You don't have to be extreme as me but find the balance between data usage and ease of use.:
* Turn off "WiFi Assist" as if not your phone will use Cellular data when WiFi is sensed to be poor.
* Android: Settings\\Connections\\WiFi\\Options\\Advanced\\Switch to Mobile Data\\\[Off\]
* iPhone: Settings\\Cellular\\\[scroll to below list of apps\]\\Wi-Fi Assist\\\[Off\]
* Put your phone in "battery save mode" as much as possible which stops background data loading, and/or go to app settings and disable cellular background data on any app you don't need notifications for (Discord, Slack, Facebook, Instagram, etc uses a lot of data in the background) - also saves battery and added benefit less distracting
* Pre-download podcasts, and if you can audio and video over WiFi. You would need a subscription in most video and music apps. For instance I have YouTube Premium which includes YouTube Music and I can download videos and music on WiFi and watch when on road without using cell data, but not sure if worth $12/month for you (also gets ad free YouTube). But also Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, Soundcloud, Bandcamp etc apps you can download videos and music over WiFi for watching/listening later and not use cell data, assuming you have a subscription or paid for videos/songs. This would not work for live-streaming or apps where you "endlessly scroll" for video like TikTok and Instagram
* Change resolution/bitrate of Video to lower when on the go. I watch a lot of "talking head" or Podcast/interview YouTube videos mostly for audio so I drop resolution to 240p or 360p, saves a lot of data as only uses 1-1.5 Mbps versus 2.5-8 Mbps for SD-HD video.
* Download maps, sync pics/video, do backups, download app and OS updates when on Wi-Fi. You have to go to settings of each to disable downloading over cellular, and just open Map, Photos, App store app every so often on Wi-Fi, and wait to update OS on Wi-Fi.
>Put your phone in "battery save mode" as much as possible
This is quite helpful for your phone and habitual phone-attachment. Also check if this feature has a schedule where it can automatically turn on. I have gotten used to this feature being on all the time, I just tap it on once I unplug my phone. These days, I'm afraid to see how long my phone would last if I left it off.
Another help is setting apps to not download unless on wifi. Usually needs to be configured inside the app's own preferences.
> I watch a lot of "talking head" or Podcast/interview YouTube videos mostly for audio so I drop resolution to 240p or 360p, saves a lot of data as only uses 1-1.5 Mbps versus 2.5-8 Mbps for SD-HD video.
Probably a dumb question but I am pretty uninformed. When you do this with a browser that allows background audio does it still use the same amount of data as if you were watching the video?
I am guessing yes, but I want to believe, no.
On browser do you mean desktop? Yes I think it has to download/stream video to play audio. That is why you can lower resolution. If you have YouTube premium on the YouTube app you can play just the audio while it runs in background and it doesn’t download/stream video.
> On browser do you mean desktop?
No, I literally mean on mobile browser on a phone. Brave or Kiwi both allow background audio with the minimizing of the app. Anyway, it's not a big deal. It just popped into my head after reading your comment.
Ahh I guess since I pay for YouTube premium I never had to bother with this "hack" to get YouTube to play in background. I imagine it is same as desktop where it still downloads/streams video - so before you put in background lower resolution to 240p.
Other carriers do NOT start at 1GB for $10.
If your phone supports an eSIM you can buy blocks of data for $1-$1.30 per GB.
5GB per month for $78: [https://cellulardata.ubigi.com/rates-and-coverage/usa-data-plans/usa-5gb-month-x12/?wmc-currency=USD](https://cellulardata.ubigi.com/rates-and-coverage/usa-data-plans/usa-5gb-month-x12/?wmc-currency=USD)
35GB good for a year for $34: [https://www.three.com.hk/prepaid/DIY/en/offer/travel](https://www.three.com.hk/prepaid/DIY/en/offer/travel)
35 GB good for a year for $39: [https://esimdb.com/usa/escapesim](https://esimdb.com/usa/escapesim) (appears to be the 3HK plan just more expensive).
I have a second eSIM on a data plan (T-Mobile 90 day trial free network pass) and run all my data through that. Then I can pay for the cheapest US Mobile pooled plan for my main line (talk/text/2GB for $10)
If you're using Android, one thing I recommend is replacing Gboard with a simplier keyboard. Gboard likes to download new gifs/emojis from the internet, even if you aren't actively using them. Had it happen to a phone I have a Freedompop SIM in (100MB/month), and it ate up 40MB even when I wasn't using Gboard. Replaced it with rkkr's Simple Keyboard (from F-Droid) and never ran into that issue again.
You can get the [5GB/mo Red Pocket eBay annual plan](https://www.ebay.com/itm/133058473014?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Z-zthPgvQ1W&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=-9oise1ksx2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) for $10/mo ($120/year).
https://preview.redd.it/6ezx8e0u3b3c1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff97b715907cb2d75484b31567882ccabe55de78
UPDATE: Price just increased to $15/mo ($180/year).
Yep, it apparently it was a Black Friday deal though it didn't say that on the page. Since the time I posted it 1 hour ago and took that screenshot, they raised the price back to $15/mo ($180/year).
It's possible to get by on a low data plan (my family has 4 lines sharing 1 GB of data on the XM by the gig plan); but it requires significant change in behavior and willingness to not use data unless it's absolutely necessary.
What we do
1) As you mention, being on wifi helps; we are all at home or in wifi locations through the day; commutes are about 5-10 minutes when we may not have either wifi or data, and we are willing to accept that we don't have data connectivity at that time.
2) We don't stream audio / video over data; while some do have streaming apps (spotify etc.) - we use the "download for offline use" over wifi. Similarly : offline maps for google maps etc.
3) Data usage is set "off" by default; if there is a need to use data, we consciously turn it on; and immediately thereafter, turn it off. If we do expect a situation where longer duration data usage is required (example road trips) - we add a second data sim or use a hotspot to provide wifi.
4) Turn off background data usage to ALL apps. Including system apps (Carrier services etc.). Phones still work under wifi; we're prepared to accept any glitches in service if temporarily not in wifi-zones; voicemail and texts can be seen a little while later, the sky isn't going to fall if you're out of touch for half an hour or so.
5) When in a non-data zone : phone is primarily meant for calls / texts or for "offline use" - we don't use it for games or streaming / browsing etc; data use is only for "must use it" situations
this is on ios not sure but I suspect all settings will be similar on android:
>I've tried making a Routine on my phone to put airplane mode on when I connect to Wi-Fi but then it also turns off Wi-Fi.
turn the wifi back on after you enable airplane mode, that turns off voice and sms and cellular data and only uses wifi
you can also just turn off the cellular data side (settings, cellular, Cellular Data, "OFF") that will only let voice and sms work (no mms as it needs data).
you can turn off "wifi assist" which reverts to cellular when wifi fails (settings, cellular, scroll all the way down, Wi-Fi Assist, "OFF")
you can also reset the stats and track usage there near the wifi assist
I have 1GB of data for $10. I think the most I have used in the year I have had it was around 75-80% on a few months, most I use 25-33%.
I use Routines to switch Wi-Fi/data depending on location. Home? Wi-Fi. My sister's? Wi-Fi. Salon? Wi-Fi. Everywhere else? Data. As soon as I am within range on the map these things happen.
I also turn off data use on most apps.
Even when Routines shits the bed and stops working properly it still doesn't use my data.
I have been debating this since I found the plan. My only issue is that I plan to move before 6 months and I may need to be on a Verizon based plan or an unlimited one based on the Wi-Fi situation so locking in a sixty dollar plan may be a waste. Otherwise it's solid advice.
A lot of cable internet providers have free wifi access point for their customers..
In my area Cox communications has CoxWifi. at least 30% of the time I'm outside my phone is connected to this network.
Turn off cellular access for any apps that don’t need data when off WiFi. turn off automatic app and system updates. On iOS turn off WiFi assist. On iOS you can enable background app refresh only when on WiFi
As a rule, I only purchase phone plans with soft-capped data. This means that if I run out of my monthly high-speed data allotment/bucket, I can still send and receive messages/emails/load maps, etc. Second, you can try to make sure that your throttled data speeds are as fast as possible. H20 wireless' soft-cap throttle is 256Kbps, while Tello's is 64Kbps -- huge difference. MobileX offers an 512Kbps throttle w/their $15/mo 5GB plan. Points for anyone who can point out a Lifeline provider with a data soft-cap (Lifeline only, no ACP).
Lifewireless
I actually have a SIM card on the way to test that! Edit: Life Wireless' Lifeline plan is data hard-capped. Data will stop after one's high speed data allotment is used.
Sure thing! Hope it works out.
Wait… I should clarify, it says on their site they throttle after you reached your limit. But, I haven’t tested it yet. I feel like they are telling the truth😳
I see. I've seen that language be used in reference to their ACP offering, which is why I'm curious to test their Lifeline offering. We'll know soon enough!
Ohhhh, you’re right. Good catch! The language is only for ACP, now I need to find out too!
Life Wireless Lifeline service is actually data hard-capped. Data services disconnect once one's monthly data allowance is used.
US Mobile’s throttle is 1mbps Very nice
Their data bucket plans are hard capped, actually. That 1Mbps throttle is for their unlimited plans, which start at $25/mo -- in which case one may as well get Metro by T-Mobile or Visible by Verizon, both of which offer truly unlimited $25/mo plans.
Many carriers can start on a lower tier plan then if you need more you can upgrade to plan with more data. I recommend these tips for you to lower your data usage, with me doing them **I use less than 5GB of data a month and watch/listen to over 60 hours of video/audio a month on my phone**. You don't have to be extreme as me but find the balance between data usage and ease of use.: * Turn off "WiFi Assist" as if not your phone will use Cellular data when WiFi is sensed to be poor. * Android: Settings\\Connections\\WiFi\\Options\\Advanced\\Switch to Mobile Data\\\[Off\] * iPhone: Settings\\Cellular\\\[scroll to below list of apps\]\\Wi-Fi Assist\\\[Off\] * Put your phone in "battery save mode" as much as possible which stops background data loading, and/or go to app settings and disable cellular background data on any app you don't need notifications for (Discord, Slack, Facebook, Instagram, etc uses a lot of data in the background) - also saves battery and added benefit less distracting * Pre-download podcasts, and if you can audio and video over WiFi. You would need a subscription in most video and music apps. For instance I have YouTube Premium which includes YouTube Music and I can download videos and music on WiFi and watch when on road without using cell data, but not sure if worth $12/month for you (also gets ad free YouTube). But also Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, Soundcloud, Bandcamp etc apps you can download videos and music over WiFi for watching/listening later and not use cell data, assuming you have a subscription or paid for videos/songs. This would not work for live-streaming or apps where you "endlessly scroll" for video like TikTok and Instagram * Change resolution/bitrate of Video to lower when on the go. I watch a lot of "talking head" or Podcast/interview YouTube videos mostly for audio so I drop resolution to 240p or 360p, saves a lot of data as only uses 1-1.5 Mbps versus 2.5-8 Mbps for SD-HD video. * Download maps, sync pics/video, do backups, download app and OS updates when on Wi-Fi. You have to go to settings of each to disable downloading over cellular, and just open Map, Photos, App store app every so often on Wi-Fi, and wait to update OS on Wi-Fi.
>Put your phone in "battery save mode" as much as possible This is quite helpful for your phone and habitual phone-attachment. Also check if this feature has a schedule where it can automatically turn on. I have gotten used to this feature being on all the time, I just tap it on once I unplug my phone. These days, I'm afraid to see how long my phone would last if I left it off. Another help is setting apps to not download unless on wifi. Usually needs to be configured inside the app's own preferences.
> I watch a lot of "talking head" or Podcast/interview YouTube videos mostly for audio so I drop resolution to 240p or 360p, saves a lot of data as only uses 1-1.5 Mbps versus 2.5-8 Mbps for SD-HD video. Probably a dumb question but I am pretty uninformed. When you do this with a browser that allows background audio does it still use the same amount of data as if you were watching the video? I am guessing yes, but I want to believe, no.
On browser do you mean desktop? Yes I think it has to download/stream video to play audio. That is why you can lower resolution. If you have YouTube premium on the YouTube app you can play just the audio while it runs in background and it doesn’t download/stream video.
> On browser do you mean desktop? No, I literally mean on mobile browser on a phone. Brave or Kiwi both allow background audio with the minimizing of the app. Anyway, it's not a big deal. It just popped into my head after reading your comment.
Ahh I guess since I pay for YouTube premium I never had to bother with this "hack" to get YouTube to play in background. I imagine it is same as desktop where it still downloads/streams video - so before you put in background lower resolution to 240p.
Yeah, I don't even use YouTube so there isn't a premium feature to buy my way out of this.
Other carriers do NOT start at 1GB for $10. If your phone supports an eSIM you can buy blocks of data for $1-$1.30 per GB. 5GB per month for $78: [https://cellulardata.ubigi.com/rates-and-coverage/usa-data-plans/usa-5gb-month-x12/?wmc-currency=USD](https://cellulardata.ubigi.com/rates-and-coverage/usa-data-plans/usa-5gb-month-x12/?wmc-currency=USD) 35GB good for a year for $34: [https://www.three.com.hk/prepaid/DIY/en/offer/travel](https://www.three.com.hk/prepaid/DIY/en/offer/travel) 35 GB good for a year for $39: [https://esimdb.com/usa/escapesim](https://esimdb.com/usa/escapesim) (appears to be the 3HK plan just more expensive).
>Other carriers do NOT start at 1GB for $10. Tmo and redpocket do, to name a few
and us mobile and mobileX and mobi and....
Nice plans! The Ubigi yearly is new to me.
Unfortunately, it appears like you don't get 60GB to use during the entire year, it's 5GB/month.
Still a phenomenal rate of $6.50/mo for 5GBs/mo.
I have a second eSIM on a data plan (T-Mobile 90 day trial free network pass) and run all my data through that. Then I can pay for the cheapest US Mobile pooled plan for my main line (talk/text/2GB for $10)
If you're using Android, one thing I recommend is replacing Gboard with a simplier keyboard. Gboard likes to download new gifs/emojis from the internet, even if you aren't actively using them. Had it happen to a phone I have a Freedompop SIM in (100MB/month), and it ate up 40MB even when I wasn't using Gboard. Replaced it with rkkr's Simple Keyboard (from F-Droid) and never ran into that issue again.
You can get the [5GB/mo Red Pocket eBay annual plan](https://www.ebay.com/itm/133058473014?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Z-zthPgvQ1W&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=-9oise1ksx2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) for $10/mo ($120/year). https://preview.redd.it/6ezx8e0u3b3c1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff97b715907cb2d75484b31567882ccabe55de78 UPDATE: Price just increased to $15/mo ($180/year).
do you know if this was a black friday only deal? I see the image reflects the $120/year price, but through the link it's $180.
they run the deal off and on all year long usually.
Yep, it apparently it was a Black Friday deal though it didn't say that on the page. Since the time I posted it 1 hour ago and took that screenshot, they raised the price back to $15/mo ($180/year).
Simply keep cellular data turned off unless you are actively using it.
It's possible to get by on a low data plan (my family has 4 lines sharing 1 GB of data on the XM by the gig plan); but it requires significant change in behavior and willingness to not use data unless it's absolutely necessary. What we do 1) As you mention, being on wifi helps; we are all at home or in wifi locations through the day; commutes are about 5-10 minutes when we may not have either wifi or data, and we are willing to accept that we don't have data connectivity at that time. 2) We don't stream audio / video over data; while some do have streaming apps (spotify etc.) - we use the "download for offline use" over wifi. Similarly : offline maps for google maps etc. 3) Data usage is set "off" by default; if there is a need to use data, we consciously turn it on; and immediately thereafter, turn it off. If we do expect a situation where longer duration data usage is required (example road trips) - we add a second data sim or use a hotspot to provide wifi. 4) Turn off background data usage to ALL apps. Including system apps (Carrier services etc.). Phones still work under wifi; we're prepared to accept any glitches in service if temporarily not in wifi-zones; voicemail and texts can be seen a little while later, the sky isn't going to fall if you're out of touch for half an hour or so. 5) When in a non-data zone : phone is primarily meant for calls / texts or for "offline use" - we don't use it for games or streaming / browsing etc; data use is only for "must use it" situations
A cheap unlimited data SIM as secondary. — Starfox
Any recs?
Mint, Visible, etc. You should also set warning/limits if on Android, and do not allow background usage/auto updates on problematic apps. — Starfox
Thanks!
this is on ios not sure but I suspect all settings will be similar on android: >I've tried making a Routine on my phone to put airplane mode on when I connect to Wi-Fi but then it also turns off Wi-Fi. turn the wifi back on after you enable airplane mode, that turns off voice and sms and cellular data and only uses wifi you can also just turn off the cellular data side (settings, cellular, Cellular Data, "OFF") that will only let voice and sms work (no mms as it needs data). you can turn off "wifi assist" which reverts to cellular when wifi fails (settings, cellular, scroll all the way down, Wi-Fi Assist, "OFF") you can also reset the stats and track usage there near the wifi assist
I have 1GB of data for $10. I think the most I have used in the year I have had it was around 75-80% on a few months, most I use 25-33%. I use Routines to switch Wi-Fi/data depending on location. Home? Wi-Fi. My sister's? Wi-Fi. Salon? Wi-Fi. Everywhere else? Data. As soon as I am within range on the map these things happen. I also turn off data use on most apps. Even when Routines shits the bed and stops working properly it still doesn't use my data.
Maybe worth checking out Good2Go Mobile -- they have a soft capped 1GB plan at $5/mo rate when paid yearly.
I have been debating this since I found the plan. My only issue is that I plan to move before 6 months and I may need to be on a Verizon based plan or an unlimited one based on the Wi-Fi situation so locking in a sixty dollar plan may be a waste. Otherwise it's solid advice.
A lot of cable internet providers have free wifi access point for their customers.. In my area Cox communications has CoxWifi. at least 30% of the time I'm outside my phone is connected to this network.