Turned off the Wi-Fi while stepping outside and forgot to switch it back on? This is something most smartphone users have experienced at some point. Here, one tends to continue using data while watching something, browsing, and using social media applications. This, along with other errors, can contribute to heavy data usage and additional internet charges on the phone bill. So, here are some ways to keep data usage and charges in check:

Ways to limit data usage
Data overage charges refer to the additional charges when a consumer uses more internet data than the package they pay for offers. Here are simple ways to avoid the additional expenses:

1. Understand data plan limits
The first step for regulating data usage is understanding the limitations of the chosen data plan. It is important to check how much data one can use in a month as per the plan. Some carriers, like Verizon, offer a “carryover data” feature. So, if the customer’s data usage in one month is less than what the Verizon plan allows, this feature holds the under-used data until the next month. Additionally, carriers can offer safety features like allowing data usage beyond the permissible limit at lower speeds to limit overage charges. So, learning about plan features can help one keep data usage in check.

2. Consider using Wi-Fi
Using Wi-Fi whenever one can help one avoid using data on their cell phones. Of course, this holds true at home, but one can look for a protected Wi-Fi network when visiting friends or family. Further, free Wi-Fi at eateries, coffee shops, and retail establishments is worth considering if one follows safe browsing practices. Public Wi-Fi is prone to hacking and cyberattacks, so using a virtual private network (VPN) to access a public network can help. VPN establishes a secure connection using banking-grade encryption technology. Finally, whenever one disables their Wi-Fi, they can set a reminder to turn it back on to limit mobile data usage.

3. Monitor data usage
Frequently tracking internet usage helps one know exactly how much data they have used and the amount they can use during the current billing period. This is a key step for those who do not have unlimited internet phone plans. Further, one should switch off mobile data if they have exceeded their data allowance until the next billing cycle. Also, monitoring data usage for a few months can help one understand if the plan they have chosen meets their data needs.