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Learn how to Restrict Background Data on Android in this guide. Background data refers to internet usage by apps that are not actively being used (in the background) or even when your phone is in standby mode. For iOS devices, it is also known as background syncing or background App Refresh. Mobile apps employ background data to give you with real-time updates such as messages and social network notifications.
Once you have learned how to restrict background data on Android, you will not only be able to save money on your data allowance, but you will also be able to extend the battery life of your phone. Nevertheless, there is a drawback to restricting the refresh of background applications, and that is the possibility that you will not receive notifications for incoming messages on applications such as Instagram and WhatsApp unless you are working with them.
As a result, the mobile data is depleted. While you limit background data, apps will no longer consume internet in the background, i.e. when you are not using them. It will only connect to the internet when you open an app. This includes not receiving real-time updates and notifications when the app is closed. We have mentioned steps how to Restrict Background Data on Android.
How to Restrict Background Data on Android
- Click on Settings, then Network & Internet, and then Data Usage.
- Pick out the app whose background data you want to limit.
- Make the “Background data” restriction option work.
- Turn on Data Saver mode by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver. This will stop all apps from using background data when they’re not being used.
- Turn off automatic app updates, change the sync settings for email and social media apps, and manually refresh apps when needed to get the best sync and update settings.
- Review and manage app permissions to cut down on background data use. To do this, go to your device’s settings and remove permissions that aren’t needed for the app to work.
- To get the most out of your mobile data, use Data Saver mode, prioritize Wi-Fi networks, update apps strategically, and use the offline features that apps offer.
Why Restrict Background Data?
- More control over your data use: You can have more control over your data use by limiting background data. This is very important if you have a data plan with a limit or are trying to stay under your data limit.
- Saving battery life: Activities that sync data in the background can drain your device’s battery faster, especially if multiple apps are doing this all the time. Not letting background data run can help save battery life, so your device can go longer without being charged.
- Privacy and Safety: Some apps may keep sending and receiving data in the background, which could put your privacy and safety at risk. You can lower the risk of data being sent without your permission by limiting background data for some apps.
- Lessened Network Congestion: Activities that happen in the background that involve data cause network congestion, especially during busy times. By limiting background data, you help ease the load on the network, which makes the internet run more smoothly for everyone.
- Cost Savings: If you live in a place where mobile data is pricey, blocking background data can help you save money on your overall data costs. By cutting down on data use that isn’t necessary, you can keep your monthly bill from being surprised with extra fees.
Monitoring and Managing Background Data Restrictions
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Settings App | Navigate to Settings > Network & internet > Data usage > Data saver. Toggle Data Saver on to restrict background data usage for apps. |
| Individual App Settings | Some apps allow you to manage background data usage within their settings. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > [App Name] > Data usage > Background data. Toggle to restrict. |
| Data Usage Alerts | Enable data usage alerts in Settings > Network & internet > Data usage > Data warning & limit. Set a data limit and receive alerts when approaching or exceeding it. |
| Restrict Background Data for Specific Apps | Settings > Apps & notifications > [App Name] > Data usage. Toggle “Restrict app background data” to limit data usage when the app is running in the background. |
| Third-party Apps | Install third-party apps from the Play Store that help monitor and manage data usage, providing insights and options to restrict background data for specific apps. |
| Data Saver Mode in Browsers | Browsers like Chrome offer a data saver mode, which compresses web pages to reduce data usage. Enable this feature within the browser settings. |
| Review App Permissions | Regularly review app permissions in Settings > Apps & notifications > [App Name] > Permissions. Revoke unnecessary permissions that may contribute to background data usage. |
Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions
| Concern/Misconception | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Android devices are less secure than iOS devices. | While Android has had security issues in the past, Google continuously improves security measures with regular updates and features like Google Play Protect. |
| Android apps are more likely to contain malware. | Google Play Store has robust security checks, and most malware incidents occur from third-party app sources. Users can mitigate risks by downloading apps from trusted sources. |
| Android devices are slow and prone to lag over time. | Performance can vary based on device hardware and software optimization. Regular updates and proper maintenance can help maintain performance. |
| Android doesn’t offer as smooth user experience as iOS. | User experience can vary among different Android devices and versions. Some manufacturers offer highly customized interfaces, while others prioritize stock Android experience. |
| Android lacks quality apps compared to iOS. | The Google Play Store offers a vast selection of apps, and many popular apps are available on both platforms. The app quality often depends on the developer rather than the platform. |
Conclusion
Our article on how to restrict background data on Android is something that we hope you enjoy reading. Data that is consumed by applications when they are not being actively used is referred to as background data. The content of an application will be updated using your mobile data plan in the event that it is unable to establish a connection to a Wi-Fi network. While you are using background data, it is possible that a significant portion of your monthly data allowance will be consumed.
Questions and Answers
By limiting the amount of data that is stored in the background on your smartphone, you can prevent applications that are not currently being used from continuously refreshing and searching for a Wi-Fi connection. This can cause your battery to run down very quickly. It is possible to not only save money on your data allowance but also extend it if you are familiar with the process of restricting background data on Android.
You have the ability to restrict background data if you want to limit the amount of data that your device uses. Because of this, applications will not be able to make use of mobile data in the background; rather, they will only be able to make use of it when you are actively using them.
It is a common misconception that if you prevent applications from running in the background, their performance in the foreground will improve. Sadly, this is not the case because Android intelligently manages your random access memory (RAM) while simultaneously maintaining multiple applications in memory. It prevents those applications from having an impact on the performance of your phone.