If you're staring at the amount of cellular data available on your mobile phone, wondering how you've accumulated so much unused data, don't panic about it disappearing into the digital abyss. There are smart and fun ways to make the most of your remaining data.
If your cellular data plan doesn't support rolling over unused data to the next month, it's important to take advantage of it before it expires. Leaving data unused means losing it without benefiting from it, whether for browsing the Internet, downloading applications, or streaming content. We'll walk you through the best ways you can effectively utilize remaining cellular data before it expires, to ensure you get the most out of your monthly plan. Check out the best steps to speed up a slow cellular data connection.
Update all your apps and games
One of the easiest and most useful ways to drain cellular data on your phone before it expires is to update all your apps and games. To do this, go to your App Store, go to your list of pending updates, and tap Update All. You can also allow automatic updates over any network instead of just Wi-Fi.
It is best to do this in an area with a strong signal. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to update a bunch of apps only to find the connection creeps very slowly or fails at almost 100%.
Download new apps and games
If you're like me, you probably have some favorite games you want to play, but now is the perfect time to branch out. Why not explore a new genre or try something different from your usual choices? For example, if you like action-packed shooters, try playing a relaxing puzzle game to unwind after a long day. Or if you like strategy games, maybe you could delve into something more narrative, like an RPG.
Aside from games, this is also a great opportunity to download some productivity apps you've been meaning to try. Are you considering a language learning app like Duolingo or Memrise? Or maybe you intend to organize yourself more using a to-do list app like Todoist or TickTick? Use this soon-to-expire data to download and set up.
Allow backups while using cellular data
Most of us use some form of cloud storage service these days — Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc. These tools are lifesavers when saving photos, documents, and even app data. And guess what? They all have backup features that can be run on mobile data.
On the other hand, I use the Google Photos app to save all my shots. I set it to download over Wi-Fi only to save data during the month. But if I see that I have extra data to consume, I enable the toggle to allow it to load over cellular data.
Use your smartphone as a mobile hotspot
Turning your smartphone into a mobile hotspot is a very practical way to squeeze every drop of internet from your data plan before you reset it.
Here's how I like to do it. If I'm out and about, especially at a coffee shop or somewhere with questionable public Wi-Fi, I'll turn on my portable hotspot and connect to it through my laptop. Not only is it a more secure process, it also tends to be faster and more reliable than those suspicious open networks.
Share your remaining data with family members or friends
Many carriers allow you to share your cellular data between devices or even with others on your plan. So, if you find yourself with a bunch of data that you won't be able to use before your billing cycle ends, sending a few gigabytes to your friend or sibling can be a real lifesaver.
Maybe they ran out of cellular data this month — or maybe they always seem to be running low on data because they watch YouTube videos like it's their second job. In any case, sharing what you don't need is a win-win.
Download high-quality YouTube videos or movies to watch later
If your cellular data doesn't carry over to the next month, why not maximize your usage by downloading high-quality YouTube videos or movies in advance? For YouTube, with YouTube Premium, you can download high-quality videos with one click and watch them offline whenever you want.
This trick also works great for popular streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. Most of these platforms allow you to download content for offline viewing. Check out the best tools to download streaming video from any website with ease.
Download eBooks or audiobooks to read or listen to later
You will need an app to browse and download these books. If you're a fan of e-books, apps like Kindle or Google Play Books are great places to start. They offer a wide range of titles, from bestsellers to lesser-known titles.
Audible is the big choice when it comes to audiobooks, but there are many great alternatives to Audible that also have excellent audiobook collections.
Watch more videos on social media
Watching videos on social media is one of the easiest (and for me most fun) ways to use up extra mobile data. You can approach it strategically. For example, if you have a favorite creator or channel that you've been meaning to follow, now is the perfect time to watch their content without feeling guilty. Your data is already there, waiting to expire. Why not use it for something that entertains you or adds some benefit?
Another idea is to immerse yourself in live streaming. Whether you're listening to a Q&A session with your favorite influencer or watching a live concert, live streaming consumes a lot of data, so it's perfect for using up your remaining gigabytes. Just make sure you're in a place with a good signal unless you want to spend half your time dealing with buffering.
Video calls are better than traditional calls
In the age of Zoom and FaceTime, why settle for a regular phone call? If you have extra data, use it to make video calls instead. Whether you're communicating with your family, collaborating with coworkers, or just talking with friends, video calls consume a lot more data than standard voice calls. Check out the best apps to make video calls between Android and iPhone.
Plus, I think seeing someone's face while they're talking can be more enjoyable than just hearing their voice (unless you're calling me first thing in the morning, in which case, let's stick to audio).
Taking advantage of cell phone data before it expires is a smart move to avoid wasting it uselessly. You can use it to download important files, update applications, or stream your favorite content. Regulating your data usage and adjusting your phone settings can help you use up the remaining amount efficiently. By following these tips, you can ensure you get the most out of your monthly plan and don't lose unused cellular data. You can now learn effective ways to keep your devices connected to the Internet during an outage.
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