In many cases, you actually need less data than you may think.
When it’s time to pick a data plan, Straight Talk has plenty to offer. But just how much data do you use on a daily basis? And how much do you really need? Before making a decision, find out which apps are eating it up and what you can do to better understand your data usage.
How much data do you currently use?
By going into your phone’s settings, you can take a look at data used over time and see which apps are demanding the most. This can help you get a better understanding of how you use data overall. Some users know exactly where their data goes each month, while others really aren't sure. Some common data drains include:
- Sending large photos and videos
- Social media apps
- Ride-sharing apps
- Audio and video streaming
- GPS navigation
If you're frequently charged for going over your data allotment with a contract carrier or often need to buy additional data, you know how important it is to minimize usage where you can. And even with unlimited plans like the $45 Unlimited Plan from Straight Talk, reviewing your smartphone behavior can help identify ways you can save data.
Data priorities
Think about what's nonnegotiable when it comes to data use.
Now it's time to determine your data priorities. There are no right or wrong answers – you simply need to think about what's non-negotiable when it comes to data use. That might be checking email for work as you commute on the train, sharing photos right away, or working out to your favorite streaming playlist.
Make note of how much data these apps are using. This reveals the baseline of data you'll need to stay connected, productive, and entertained. While it's likely you'll need more data than the bare minimum required for these tasks, you now have a better idea of what your true needs are.
Ways to cut back
Once you know what’s using up your data, there are a few steps you can take to decrease how much is used. First, take a look at your Wi-Fi settings. Are you using Wi-Fi as much as you could be? Downloading videos and audio over Wi-Fi and sharing larger files at home offer a simple alternative to using large amounts of data for these tasks.
You'll also want to review app settings. Customize apps to limit data use by turning off background refresh and always-on access when not needed. You can also eliminate automatic updates to make sure apps are only updated to their newest versions when you're using Wi-Fi.
Pick a plan that works for you
After evaluating your data usage and cleaning up your habits, it’s time to pick the data plan that works for you. Save on data with Straight Talk, where you’ll get the best phones, best networks, and best deals. With a variety of phones to choose from and plans to fit your specific data needs, you can get everything for less with Straight Talk.
