How to Manage Data Usage on HTC One M9

Gone are the days of unlimited data; now most everyone with a data plan is paying for a flat rate, with exorbitant overage fees. And overseas data use fees? Yikes. Luckily, no matter how much data you’re allowed to use on your plan, the HTC One M9 provides features to help keep you in your limits. Check it out:

• Use Wi-Fi as often as possible

  Mobile devices –and the HTC One M9 is no exception– are configured to use Wi-Fi instead of cellular data whenever it’s available. So your first strategy to use less of your data plan is to connect and use Wi-Fi as often as possible. In the US at least, almost all Wi-Fi internet connections are unmetered, and therefore essentially free data for your mobile device.

• Restrict background data use

  By default, apps are allowed to use cellular data even when they’re in the background (as in, not being actively used). You can restrict background data by going to the More menu under the Wireless & Networks section of the Settings app, then tapping on Data Usage, tapping on the three dot icon in the top bar, and selecting Restrict background data. This setting prevents apps not in the foreground from using carrier data.

• Make sure data roaming is turned off

  Data roaming is a nifty little trick for carriers to charge through the nose for data use outside of their coverage by letting you use other carriers’ networks. The HTC One M9 usually has data roaming turned off by default, but let’s make sure: tap on the words Mobile Data next to the toggle under the Wireless & Networks section of the Settings app, then make sure Data Roaming is unchecked.

• Keep an eye on data usage

  Certain apps can sometimes take advantage and abuse their privileges by eating up tons of data. Luckily, we can get some insights on how much data apps are using and we can potentially prevent them from using too much. To have a look at the breakdown of data usage by app, open the More menu under Wireless & Networks in the Settings app, then tap on Data Usage. you’ll see a graph showing your data usage over the last few days, and below that you will see a list of apps and how much data they’ve used, sorted from most data to least.

• Turn off mobile data

  If you find yourself nearing your data limits and you don’t want to incur overage charges, or just want to disable mobile data for any other reason, the process is simple: in the Wireless & Networks section of the Settings app, simple turn the Mobile Data toggle to off.

For more HTC One M9 Tips and tricks, check out our HTC One M9 Tips & Tricks Roundup