How to use less data

South Africa has 1 of the highest data costs in Africa, with an average of $2.20 (R37) for 1GB of prepaid mobile data. Unbelievably, this is lower than what it cost us a few years ago. But still, it’s a lot to be paying. Especially for many South Africans who rely on mobile data for internet access, for both personal and professional reasons.

The good news is that there are a few ways to use less data and save money on your data costs. And as you know, we’re all about savings, so let’s dig into our royal tips on how you can use less data and get more out.

Choose WiFi, always

A really easy way to use less data is to connect to WiFi whenever possible. Many public places, such as coffee shops, restaurants, and libraries offer free WiFi. Just make sure that you’re connecting to a secure network because there are scammers out there offering free WiFi to steal your personal information. Check with the coffee shop that you’re connecting to their actual network, using their password.

Shut down those automatic updates

Automatic updates can use a lot of data without you even realising it. It’s a tough moment to load your phone up with data only to have it disappear in a matter of minutes as every app seizes the opportunity to update. To avoid this, turn off automatic updates on your phone and select the option to only update your phone and apps when connected to WiFi.

Say ‘yes’ to data-saving apps

Data-saving apps can help reduce your use by compressing data and blocking ads. When you’re out and about, choose to use these apps instead of the ones you’d use when hooked up to WiFi. Some popular data-saving apps in South Africa include Opera Mini, Datally, and MyMTN, if you’re interested in this tip.

Limit video streaming

Most of us know not to stream videos when we’re not connected to the WiFi. But what if you don’t have a choice? Well, the answer to this conundrum is to either download videos when you’re connected to WiFi and watch them later, or to reduce the quality of the video that you’re streaming.

Take your maps offline

Navigation apps use a lot of data. They’re also quite necessary, so how are you meant to avoid using your data if you also need to use an app like Maps? What you can do is set up the offline option, because this doesn’t need an internet connection. There are 2 great options with this feature, including Google Maps and Here WeGo.

You can’t manage what you don’t measure

The average person doesn’t actually know how much data they use, especially if they’re going between WiFi and their personal data. The thing is, monitoring your data use will give you insights into what’s chowing it up. Then you can make choices to avoid going over your limit.

In fact, did you know that most mobile providers offer data use tracking? Check it out with your provider so that you can see how much data you’ve used and how much you have left. You may even be able to set up alerts to notify you when you’re close to your data limit.

The king has your phone covered

Around 10 years ago, in 2013, the king introduced cellphone insurance as part of our royal mission to make it way less traumatising to see your smartphone sail away with a crook or get dunked in the toilet by your toddler.

All these years later, we’re still covering phones against loss, damage, and theft, by offering this cover as part of our portable possessions policy. Otherwise, you might find yourself paying for a contract, even though you have no device to use!

It just takes 1 call to get the king’s insurance for your phone, or you can simply WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50.