With so much to do online, your data can run out in the blink of an eye. From watching videos and scrolling through social media to updates running quietly in the background, it all adds up faster than we realise. The good news is that a few small changes on your phone can make a big difference. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some simple and practical ways to help your mobile data last longer.

Here are 5 simple ways you can do that:

1. Turn off background app refresh

Most apps we use for social media, email, weather, and online shopping keep working even when you’re not using them. They drain your data away without your knowledge.

What to do:

• Look at the app permission, check whether they are using data in the background.
• Turn off background apps under your cell phone setting, refresh your apps, so they don’t necessarily need to do that.
• Leave it on for apps like messages or work-related apps.

2. Use Wi-Fi for updates and downloads

App updates, device software updates, and cloud backups are quick data consumers. Instead of using your mobile data for these updates, try the following instead:

Try this:

• Change your app store to update your apps only when connected to Wi-Fi.
• Update your device software when you are connected to Wi-Fi or when you are at home.
• Update your cloud backups when connected to Wi-Fi.

3. Adjust your streaming quality from 4K (UHD), 1440p, 1080P to 720p HD

Streaming is the biggest data consumer, especially when it comes to watching videos online.
So apps like TikTok, YouTube, and music are always going to be using more data, especially when you use them daily.

You can use our guide and check out how much data your favourite apps are using.

Simple tweaks:

• Change your video quality to standard definition when using mobile data for streaming.
• Download your playlists or shows when connected to Wi-Fi.
• Turn off autoplay on your social media accounts, as it is a sneaky data consumer.

4. Use your phone’s Data Saver mode

Your phone has a feature known as "Data Saver" or "Low Data Mode". Turn on this feature, and your phone will limit the data usage of your apps.

Why it helps:

• Prevents your apps from syncing when not necessary.
• Reduces background activity.
• Helps you save data when your data is running out.

5. Keep an eye on your usage

The good thing about using the Airmobile app is that you can easily keep track of your usage and even top up when you need to.

Make it a habit:

• Keep an eye on your phone’s data tracker.
• Know which apps are using the most data.
• Set alerts so you know when you’re almost out.

Simply put, extending your data usage isn't about drastic changes, but about building conscious habits.

Monitor background data, update over Wi-Fi, stream in optimal quality, utilise data-saving features, and track your usage to prevent running out quickly.

Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below or across our social media platforms.