How To Enable Data Saver On Android

Mobile data can run out faster than expected when apps continue using the internet in the background. Social media apps, cloud services, automatic updates and other apps can consume data even when you are not actively using them.

Android has a built-in Data Saver feature that can help reduce this background data usage. When enabled, most apps and services are restricted from sending or receiving data in the background unless you are actively using them.

The exact steps can vary slightly depending on your Android phone and the version of Android installed, but the option is generally available through the Settings app.

Open Your Phone's Settings

Start by opening the Settings app on your Android phone.

You can usually find it in your app drawer or by tapping the gear icon from the quick settings panel.

Go To Network And Internet

Scroll through Settings and look for an option such as Network & internet, Connections or Mobile network.

The name can differ between Android phones. Samsung Galaxy devices, for example, use Connections, while some other Android phones use Network & internet.

Open Data Saver

Look for Data Saver within the network or mobile data settings.

On some phones, you may need to open Data usage or Mobile data usage first before finding the Data Saver option.

Turn On Data Saver

Tap Data Saver and switch on the Use Data Saver option.

Once enabled, Android will limit background mobile data usage for most apps and services.

Apps you are actively using can still access the internet normally, so Data Saver does not completely block mobile data.

Allow Specific Apps To Use Data In The Background

You can choose which apps can continue using unrestricted data if you need them to work normally in the background.

After opening Data Saver, look for an option such as Unrestricted data, Apps that can use data while Data Saver is on or a similar setting.

Select the apps you want to allow.

For example, you may want certain messaging or email apps to continue receiving notifications even when Data Saver is enabled.

Use Data Saver With Wi-Fi

Data Saver mainly controls mobile data usage. It does not mean that your phone will stop using Wi-Fi.

If you are connected to Wi-Fi, apps can generally continue using the connection normally. This makes Data Saver particularly useful when you are relying on a limited mobile data bundle.

Check Which Apps Use The Most Data

Data Saver can help reduce background usage, but it is also useful to check which apps are consuming the most data.

Go to your phone's mobile data or data usage settings and review the usage for individual apps. If one app is using an unusually large amount of data, you can restrict its background data or adjust its settings.

This can be more effective than simply turning Data Saver on and leaving everything else unchanged.

Turn Off Automatic Updates Over Mobile Data

App updates can also use a significant amount of mobile data, especially when several apps need updates at the same time.

Open the Google Play Store settings and check the network preferences for app downloads and updates. Setting updates to happen over Wi-Fi can help prevent unexpected mobile data usage.

What Happens When Data Saver Is On?

When Data Saver is enabled, some apps may not refresh their content as frequently in the background. You may also notice that some notifications or updates arrive only after you open the relevant app.

This is normal because Android is limiting background data activity to help reduce mobile data consumption.

You can still use the internet normally in apps that you have open.

How To Turn Off Data Saver On Android

If you no longer want to use Data Saver, you can turn it off from the same settings menu.

Open Settings, go to your network or mobile data settings, select Data Saver and switch off Use Data Saver.

Your apps will then be allowed to use background mobile data according to their individual settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Data Saver reduce mobile data usage?

Yes. Data Saver is designed to reduce background mobile data usage by restricting how apps access mobile data when you are not actively using them.

Will Data Saver stop WhatsApp notifications?

It can affect how some apps receive background updates. If you need WhatsApp or another messaging app to continue working normally in the background, you can allow it to use unrestricted data while Data Saver is enabled.

Does Data Saver make internet slower?

Data Saver does not directly reduce your network speed. However, some apps may load or refresh content differently because their background data activity is restricted.

Can I choose which apps can use unrestricted data?

Yes. Android allows you to add selected apps to the unrestricted data list, although the exact wording and location of this option can vary between phone brands.

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