Home / smartphones / 6 Tips To Reduce Data Usage And Avoid Overage Charge

6 tips to reduce data usage and avoid overage charge

6 tips to reduce data usage and avoid overage charge

Exceeding the data limit can lead to unexpected and costly overage charges. Whether an internet service provider (ISP) charges for data overage directly or indirectly, the fact remains that going over the allotted data will result in additional costs. Many smartphone users have experienced this scenario, only to be surprised with an extra data charge on their bill. Here are some tips that can help reduce data usage and avoid these charges.

1. Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data
Using Wi-Fi instead of cellular data wherever possible helps save on data usage to a great extent. This holds true when at home or visiting friends who have a protected network. Using free Wi-Fi at eateries, coffee shops, and retail establishments could be acceptable if one’s browsing safely.

However, a public Wi-Fi connection can be unsafe for many users as they may have illicit activities. In such cases, users can opt for an unlimited plan or opt for a Verizon Safe Wi-Fi to safeguard private information while accessing public Wi-Fi. It uses a virtual private network (VPN) that establishes a secure connection using banking-grade encryption technology.

2. Choose an unlimited data plan
Consider an internet subscription that offers limitless data if one has a higher browsing requirement. One can be worry-free of exceeding the monthly data cap. Although these plans might be pricey, they may be worth every penny if one has a large number of users or devices in the household. Ask a chosen internet service provider if they offer unlimited data plans and what are the specifics of signing up for one.

The new Value Plus plan from AT&T might be the best option if one only needs one line. One can have unlimited access to voice, text, and data and 5G connectivity. If one chooses multiple lines, one can get various features like a hotspot with free data or a free streaming service subscription. The prices of the unlimited plans vary depending on the plan chosen.

3. Create usage alerts
Several ISPs provide the option of setting up consumption warnings or alerts for their users. This means that the user will receive a notification when they have reached the data allowance for the day or month. These notifications can help prevent excessive internet usage in the final days of the billing cycle, especially with internet service providers like US Cellular. One can configure the alerts to notify when one has used 50% and 75% of the data allotment.

4. Invest in affordable data plans
No matter which smartphone one uses, whether it be the latest Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Apple iPhone, or any other, a good internet phone plan is essential to maximize the data usage. Below are some of the best internet plans available:

  • T-Mobile has recently changed the order of their plans. The Essential Savings plan, which is a limited-time offer, costs $50 per month for a single line and replaces the previous base necessities option.
  • One of the best online-only offers is the Sprint Unlimited Kickstart Plan. New Sprint customers can get unlimited minutes, messages, and data for just $35 per month by porting their existing number over or adding an additional line.

5. Check data plan for roaming
When downloading a video, it is important to check if the chosen data plan includes roaming options. Many people are used to having unlimited roaming on their voice plans, but they may be surprised when they first use their data plan. So, it is important to review the contract and data phone plan before downloading any video.

If one is traveling to a location where the provider does not offer data service, investing in a prepaid SIM card with a data plan is recommended. This is especially important when traveling abroad.

6. Disable background app refresh
To reduce data usage and save battery, it is recommended to disable the background app refresh feature for apps that are not required to update continuously. To do this, navigate to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn off the toggle switch for the apps that one doesn’t want running in the background. This will prevent apps from constantly updating and will save data usage. If one wants to disable this feature for all the apps, one can turn off the toggle switch at the top of the menu. By doing so, the apps won’t be able to download new posts or updates when running in the background, but it will help extend the battery life of the phone.

Recommended

Tips to Manage Age-related Macular Degeneration

Tips to Manage Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition threatening one’s eyesight and general health. In AMD, the macula, the part of the eye that helps produce the most detailed and sharpest vision, starts to break down and thin, resulting in vision loss. It is one of the most prevalent causes of blindness in people aged 60 or older. Though there is no definite cure for AMD, some things can postpone its onset or lower its severity. Being aware of family history Family history and genetics are one of the leading causes of AMD. So, if you have a first-degree relative with AMD, your chances of developing it are also higher. Hence, you must be vigilant and educate yourself on the potential AMD signs, such as the inability to adapt to low light conditions, difficulty identifying faces, and straight lines looking wavy. Knowledge of these symptoms can help you reach out to an ophthalmologist and get timely treatment while AMD is still in an early stage. Getting routine comprehensive medical checkups In the early stages of AMD, you might not experience any symptoms. Hence, routine comprehensive eye exams with an ophthalmologist can help with timely diagnosis and treatment. It holds even for adults 40 or older with no risk factors or signs because this is when you may develop early AMD symptoms or experience changes in vision.
Foods to Eat and Avoid After Dental Implants

Foods to Eat and Avoid After Dental Implants

Dental implants are a major surgical procedure. Hence, you must take the necessary post-operative measures to ensure a speedy recovery. One of the first things you will feel after the surgery is hunger, as dental implants demand abstaining from food for six hours since the procedure temporarily impacts your chewing ability. So, you must adhere to selective foods and avoid some, especially for two weeks. Therefore, here’s a list of foods to eat and avoid: Foods to eat Smoothies In the initial days post-surgery, you may be unable to chew your favorite food. So, the next best thing is drinking it as a smoothie. Smoothies are wholesome and tasty meals. You can make them with whatever vegetable or fruits you like, ensuring they have a high nutritional value and are rich in vitamins. Muffins You might be unable to eat the muffins on the first or the second-day post-surgery, but after the initial few days, you can easily enjoy a good muffin. They are easy to chew and are very delicious. Hence, they can be an incredible snack or breakfast option following dental implant surgery. Potatoes They are versatile and soft. You can prepare them in different ways. So, even if you eat the same ingredient, you will not get bored.
Atrial Fibrillation – Causes, Signs, and Remedies

Atrial Fibrillation – Causes, Signs, and Remedies

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is characterized by an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia in the atria or the heart’s upper two chambers. It causes a disturbance in the typical cycle of the electrical impulses in the heart. The condition results in a rapid and chaotic heart rhythm and poor blood movement from the upper chambers to the ventricles or the lower chambers. Below, we address the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of AFib. Causes AFib, or a change in the electrical signals in the heart, can affect anyone, regardless of age. But it is more prevalent in older people. A few risk factors that amplify the condition’s susceptibility are: Heart diseases People with an underlying heart condition, like a heart attack, coronary artery disease, and heart failure, have a greater risk of AFib. Hypertension If left unchecked, high blood pressure can strain the heart and aggravate the risk of this disorder. Familial link People with a family history of AFib have a greater chance of suffering from the condition. Sleep apnea This sleep disorder can also increase a person’s susceptibility to AFib, especially if it is severe. Besides the above, other chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and thyroid also put a person at risk of this heart problem.
13 Tips to Make a Low-Vision Friendly Home

13 Tips to Make a Low-Vision Friendly Home

If you are one of the millions affected by macular degeneration, you must know that this degenerative eye disease can make everyday activities difficult. Even something as simple as reading a book or watching TV can be challenging. For example, you can do a few things to stay comfortably at home with low vision. In this article, we will share 13 tips on making a low-vision-friendly home to make everyday living easier. What is macular degeneration? It is a condition that impacts the macula, which is the central part of the retina, and occurs when the macula deteriorates or breaks down. Macular degeneration symptoms Symptoms of macular degeneration include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or seeing fine details, and a change in color perception. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see an eye doctor for a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Why does a low-vision-friendly home play a crucial part in patients with macular degeneration? A low-vision-friendly home design helps people with macular degeneration live as independently as possible while still enjoying their surroundings. In addition, it can provide them with a safe and functional environment to improve their contrast and visibility. Helpful tips for a low-vision friendly home Use bright and contrasting colors Using bright colors can help make objects more visible and easier to see.
Macular Degeneration – Causes, Symptoms, and More

Macular Degeneration – Causes, Symptoms, and More

Macular degeneration is a progressive disease that destroys the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine details. It can make activities like reading, writing, and driving difficult or impossible. The disease typically occurs in older adults and can lead to blindness. While macular degeneration can be managed in its early stages, it has no cure. This article discusses the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatments of macular degeneration. What is macular degeneration? Macular degeneration is a disease of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. The former develops when the macula dries out and loses its function. Wet macular degeneration is a result of new blood vessels under the retina leaking fluid or blood, causing vision loss. Symptoms of macular degeneration The symptoms of macular degeneration can develop differently in individuals, but here are the typical signs one must note. One of the main symptoms is a gradual loss of central vision, which can progress over time and may not be noticeable at first. Additional symptoms are difficulty reading small print or close-up objects, trouble seeing in dim light or when looking up from a low angle, problems with depth perception and peripheral vision, and poor night vision.
What is Eczema and How to Treat It

What is Eczema and How to Treat It

Eczema is a chronic skin disease characterized by dry, red, and itchy skin. It typically appears around the arms, elbows, and knees; however, it can show up anywhere. As the condition can flare up due to various triggers, it is vital to understand its nature and how to treat it. This article provides a guide to everything one needs to know about eczema, from its causes and symptoms to treatment options and helpful management tips. What is eczema? Eczema is a skin condition that can be both painful and itchy. It can also be embarrassing, as it often appears as a rash on the face, hands, or other visible areas of the body. Because eczema weakens your skin’s barrier, you’re also more susceptible to infection. Is eczema contagious? There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that eczema is contagious. There are some reports of people with eczema who have also had close family members with it, but these cases are rare and not always linked. Something in the person’s environment (such as dust mites or other allergens) may trigger the condition in someone who has never had it before. Symptoms of eczema Eczema is a skin condition that can be extremely frustrating for those who suffer from it.