With a
smartphone or
tablet,
you can watch your favorite YouTube™ videos or stream the perfect
playlist from pretty much wherever, whenever. But all that enjoyment can
quickly gobble up the amount of data you’re allotted each month under
your
plan, and no one wants to pay overage charges.
Follow these five tips for managing your data usage so you won’t get caught off guard:
1. Adjust your Wi-Fi settings
Check your settings so you’ll automatically connect to a secure Wi-Fi
network when you arrive at home or the office. It’s pretty easy on most
phones and tablets. Just go to your device’s settings, make sure your
Wi-Fi is on and log on to your wireless network. Your device should
remember the network and log on automatically whenever it’s in range.
2. Use Wi-Fi for big files
To take
full advantage of Wi-Fi, make sure you’re using it
when downloading large files. Some apps can be more than 100 MB, and
downloading them on a network connection will eat up data quickly.
That’s also true when it comes to watching shows—4G video streaming uses
about 350 MB an hour.
3. Manage your notifications
You probably get a lot of notifications and other alerts on your
phone or tablet, which can also consume data. Some can be necessary.
Others—like being notified that there’s a new level available in Candy
Crush Saga—maybe not so much. Be sure to disable email and push
notifications, automatic app updates and your device’s GPS when you
don’t need them.
4. Shut off your apps
Closing apps when you’re done using them can also reduce data usage.
Many open apps—especially those that provide location services—will
continue sending and receiving data even when your phone or tablet is
locked. That not only wastes data, but can also drain your battery.
5. Set up usage alerts
Create and access usage alerts through the
My Verizon Mobile app.
Then, you’ll get a text or email when you’re at 90 percent and 100
percent of your monthly data limit. From the app, you can also add data
to your plan if you’re near your limit, or reduce it to lower your bill.
