Restrict background data of apps

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Restricting background data of apps can significantly help in reducing data usage and preserving battery life on your device. The steps to do this can vary depending on whether you are using an Android or iOS device. Here’s how you can restrict background data:

For Android Devices

  1. Open Settings: Go to your device’s settings.
  2. Data Usage: Look for ‘Data Usage’, ‘Connections’, or something similar.
  3. App Data Usage: Select ‘App Data Usage’ or a similar option.
  4. Choose an App: Tap on the app you want to restrict data for.
  5. Restrict Background Data: Toggle ‘Restrict Background Data’ or ‘Disable Background Data’. Some versions of Android might have this under ‘Mobile Data’ or ‘Wi-Fi’ usage details.

For iOS Devices

  1. Open Settings: Go to your device’s settings.
  2. Cellular or Mobile Data: Tap on ‘Cellular’ or ‘Mobile Data’.
  3. App List: Scroll down to see a list of apps with toggles next to them.
  4. Toggle Off Apps: Toggle off the apps that you don’t want to use cellular data. This will restrict them to Wi-Fi only.

Additional Tips

  • Wi-Fi Assist and Wi-Fi Support: On iOS, be aware of ‘Wi-Fi Assist’ (for cellular) and ‘Wi-Fi Support’ on Android, which can use cellular data to boost a weak Wi-Fi signal.
  • Battery Optimization: On both Android and iOS, enabling battery optimization can help limit background activity for apps.
  • Background App Refresh (iOS): For iOS, you can also disable ‘Background App Refresh’ for individual apps in the general settings.
  • Data Saver Mode (Android): Android devices often have a ‘Data Saver’ mode that can help reduce overall data usage.

By restricting background data, you may notice delayed notifications or updates from certain apps, as they will only refresh or receive data when you open them or when you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

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