Mobile traffic: there is a lot of it, but it is ultra-passive. What to do about it

The Internet has become an integral part in our time, and many people cannot imagine their life without mobile Internet. But there are problems with the Internet.

Almost all users of Android devices (devices) are wondering why Internet traffic runs out so quickly? This is especially noticeable for those users who switched to Android from other operating systems.

Why does this happen to Internet traffic in Android? This system constantly works on the network, she is oriented and tuned to such work. Almost all applications are aimed specifically at using the Internet, and this is the Android mobile Internet. This focus is an obvious advantage of this system.

Although this plus works mainly where there is cheap or free and accessible mobile Internet, for example, where there are free Wi-Fi networks. In reality, everything is somewhat different; free Wi-Fi is not available everywhere, and mobile operators are in no hurry to reduce the price for Internet access. For this reason, there is a question of saving Android traffic.

Let's try to figure out what leads to a constant decrease in Internet traffic, and how to prevent it.

1 Applications in the background

In my opinion, main reason fast traffic loss in Android are Internet applications running in background. Many background programs do not require the Internet, but they constantly contain advertising that is loaded from the Internet. This leads to unplanned traffic consumption. How to prevent some applications from working with the Internet?

Let's look at this using Android version 4.4.4 as an example.

1.1 How to disable Android mobile Internet

Rice. 1 Android Settings

To disable mobile Internet in Android version 4.4.4:

• you need to go to “Settings” (1 in Fig. 1),

• in “Settings” select “Data Usage” (2 in Fig. 1),

• uncheck “Mobile data” (Fig. 2) (completely prohibit the use of Internet traffic mobile operator).

Rice. 2 Disable mobile Internet in Android 4.4.4

By disabling the mobile Internet, we completely disconnect Android from the mobile Internet. There will be no traffic consumption, but there will also be no opportunity to work with the Internet and Internet applications on Android in the absence of Wi-Fi networks.

These restrictions apply only to mobile Internet. Everything will work fine on free Wi-Fi networks once you connect to them.

1.2 Traffic limitation in Android

Instead of completely disabling the mobile Internet, sometimes it is better to simply limit it so as not to completely exclude the possibility of working with the mobile Internet in the absence of free Wi-Fi networks (see Fig. 3):

Rice. 3 Limit mobile traffic

In “Settings”, return the checkbox next to “Mobile data” (Fig. 3) to return the ability to work with the mobile Internet.

To set restrictions, do the following. On the graph (Fig. 3), we move the yellow bar for limiting the amount of data used, for example, to 2 GB, if, say, our tariff from a mobile operator provides a maximum volume of 3 GB per month, and check the “Mobile data limit” checkbox. Then we will receive a warning when the traffic reaches 2GB.

1.3 Restrictions for Internet applications

You can not check the “Mobile data limit” checkbox (Fig. 3), but you can manually set restrictions for each application. This will limit the Internet traffic of each individual Android application.

Rice. 4 Traffic for Internet applications

To do this, click on the application icon (for example, Google Drive) on the “Data Usage” page (Fig. 4). In the window that opens, check the “Limit background data” checkbox (Fig. 5).

Rice. 5 Limiting mobile Internet for applications

From now on, the Google Drive app will only access the Internet when Android is connected to Wi-Fi (assuming by default that Wi-Fi is free for the user).

Similarly, you should manually set restrictions for all applications that, in the opinion of the Android user, should not consume paid mobile Internet traffic.

This is not done quickly, but it gives a good effect. After this, only the remaining applications, for example, only Google Chrome will be able to use mobile Internet traffic under the control of the Android user.

1.4 Disabling data while roaming

In order not to waste very expensive Internet traffic while roaming, you need to uncheck the “Data Usage” - ... - “Data in Roaming” box (Fig. 6).

Rice. 6 Disable data usage while roaming

In this case, for example, abroad, Android is guaranteed not to use the Internet traffic of an expensive foreign mobile operator, and not for any applications.

2 Widget updates

Another reason for the consumption of Internet traffic is updates to widgets that use the Internet for this. Of course, if your desktop is strewn with various widgets, such as weather, reminders, news, etc., then traffic leakage cannot be avoided.

These applications are automatically updated using the Internet, which leads to increased traffic. Therefore, it is simply recommended to remove all unnecessary things from the desktop, and this will already lead to savings.

You can also use the above recommendations for limiting traffic for each individual widget (Fig. 4) and (Fig. 5).

3 Android updates

The Android system itself is also updated automatically. Updates are important, so you don't need to disable them completely.

But you need to make sure that updates are installed only when working on a free Wi-Fi network.

Rice. 7 Looking for where Android Updates are located

To configure the use of Internet traffic for Adroid updates, go to “Settings” – “About device” (Fig. 7) – “Software update” (Fig. 8) – uncheck “Auto-update”, check “Wi-Fi only” ( Fig. 8).

Rice. 8 Update Android only when Wi-Fi is available

From now on, our Android will receive and install updates only when it is on a free Wi-Fi network. Mobile traffic will remain untouched; it will not be wasted on fairly frequent updates.

4 Android market

The Android market also consumes a lot of traffic, especially after the automatic update function has recently appeared there. It can also be controlled by disabling the “update automatically” feature. However, it remains possible to make updates manually when you have access to a free Wi-Fi network.

To prevent unnecessary advertising from wasting your traffic, before installing any new applications, you should check for advertising in these applications. This often occurs in paid versions of applications. If possible, it is better to disable advertising.

Some people put an Internet shutdown widget on their desktop. To do this, download from the Android market, for example,

• APN Switch
• or APN OnOff,
• APNdroid.

With their help, it is easier to control Internet traffic without going to the Settings menu.
Sometimes, again instead of standard Android settings, they use an application

• 3G WatchDog.

It allows you to avoid unplanned waste of traffic by controlling it and setting a limit on Internet use. But I prefer Android's default Settings menu over similar apps.

5 Unlimited Internet

And of course, the simplest and reliable way- this is an acquisition unlimited internet. For example, a mobile operator provides this opportunity. Also, many well-known operators offer tariffs for 150 rubles and more with fairly high traffic restrictions from 500 MB to 3-5 GB or more.

This helps you save a lot on mobile Internet, and, equally important, control your traffic costs. It is also important here that, as a rule, the options offered by cellular operators also work in intranet roaming. This means that when moving from place to place (for example, from one region of the Russian Federation to another), you can continue to use the provided traffic without additional payment. This is very convenient for mobile users who go on business trips or vacations.

6 Useful habits

It is important to make it a rule to connect to the Internet only in free Wi-Fi zones, especially if you expect to download large quantity information (downloading new applications, watching videos, etc.)

And further. When installing any new attractive application, you need to pay attention to how much Internet traffic this application will require to operate. All kinds of “useful” applications about weather forecasts, horoscopes, taxis, etc. require constant updating and pumping of new relevant data. And this will happen at the expense of the Android user’s traffic, at the expense of the money of the user who installed these applications on his smartphone (tablet).

By adhering to these rules, you can significantly reduce your Internet traffic consumption and save on the Internet.

In general, mobile Internet is far from the most expensive in Russia. Those who have had experience using mobile Internet abroad simply dream of such options as mobile Internet for a fixed fee, or generally unlimited mobile Internet traffic, for example from Yota. Analogues of such services are difficult to find anywhere else.

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Mobile Internet is becoming more and more firmly integrated into our lives. All the leading three operators - Beeline, Megafon and MTS - have long had tariffs with the included volume of mobile Internet traffic. However, as always, at the most inconvenient moment the mobile traffic volume ends, the speed drops and this causes us a lot of inconvenience. So how can you track mobile Internet traffic - how much does MTS, Megafon and Beeline eat, and also how to SAVE it without losing the functionality of the phone? Let's figure it out together...

How to find out mobile traffic of Beeline, Megafon, MTS on Android?

In order to find out the volume of mobile Internet already consumed for the current month, it is not necessary to know service commands or register with personal account operator, although this can also be very useful. Any Android or iOS phone has a mobile Internet traffic statistics section. For Android owners, it is located in the section “Settings > Data transfer > Your operator’s name”

We get to the detailed statistics section, which can be manually displayed for required period. By the way, here you can set a mobile traffic limit - this is convenient when you have a certain volume included, and everything above is paid separately, especially in roaming, where mobile Internet is very expensive.

You can also see in detail which application consumes how much over a selected period of time.

When you click on each of them, detailed settings for a specific program open. We need to "Limit background traffic", and if you wish, you can disable auto-update of data.

Mobile Internet traffic on iPhone

There is a similar section on the iPhone. It is located in “Settings” - “Cellular Data”. Unlike Android, iOS displays mobile traffic for the current month.

The system also collects in detail information about the Internet consumed by each of installed applications. In the same section below there will be complete statistics for each application. And right there you can disable mobile Internet consumption for each of them separately.

How to save mobile internet on iPhone?

Let's move on to the tastiest part - how to save this traffic? As you noticed, some applications consume the Internet very actively, some less so. I’ll tell you a secret that many programs do this in the background, that is, you may not even know about it, but they quietly download some updates for themselves. And this matter must be stopped and only those from whom you really need information up to date must be allowed to update. Let's start with the iPhone, since this is somewhat more difficult to do on it than on Android.

We have already seen above that with a light touch of your finger you can immediately block the mobile Internet for the most gluttonous or unused applications by moving the slider to the inactive position. I also recommend turning off Internet consumption through the operator by programs such as YouTube - you won’t be able to watch videos for a long time this way anyway. If you started watching an online video by accident, assuming that you had WiFi turned on, then a message about limiting your Internet connection may come as an unpleasant surprise for you. This can also be done in the “Settings > General > Content Update” section.

The difference in disabling cellular data in this section compared to the “Cellular Data” section, which was mentioned above, is that in the first case we could disable the use of mobile Internet by the application in principle, including when launched manually. And here we turn off only background data loading without your knowledge.

But that’s not all, since mobile traffic is automatically consumed not only by installed programs, but also system components.
For example, updating applications from the AppStore may be enabled. To disable this feature, go to Settings > iTunes Store. App Store" And turn off the “Cellular Data” slider.

We do the same with iCloud Drive - this service constantly synchronizes your data with cloud storage iCloud. You can either disable synchronization in principle (iCloud Drive item), or for individual applications, or through cellular communication— in the latter case, synchronization will only work via WiFi.

The next step is to disable regular mail checking. If you use the built-in Mail application, then by default it also queries the mail server for new messages at some intervals. We will make it so that the request will occur only when we access the program. Go to settings - “Mail, addresses, calendars> Data download”.

We disable active delivery of letters from the “Push” server and enable manual selection below for those programs that do not support Push notifications.

Mobile traffic on Android

Finally, let's see how to disable mobile data consumption on Android. Everything is simple here. In addition to disabling updates via cellular communications for each application individually, you can completely disable data loading for programs via the mobile Internet. To do this, go to “Settings > Automatic application updates”. And select either “Never” or “Only via Wi-Fi”.

Also manually disable the consumption of mobile traffic by all applications that require high flow rate Internet. For example YouTube:

Or Google Play Music

You can also optimize data loading for the browser. For example, in Opera this is done by activating the “Compression Mode” slider

And in Google Chrome in the section “Settings>Data download>Traffic reduction”

Today we decided to talk about what traffic is, as well as how it can be determined or calculated. From the point of view of a simple user, this concept means a certain amount of data sent as well as received. Surely each of you often uses the Internet, and you have come across this concept more than once. If we start to consider it from the point of view of computer technology, then traffic is a certain amount of information that is transmitted via the Internet. It can be either outgoing or incoming, we already wrote about this a little higher. Today, almost every provider provides its client with an unlimited package for consideration, or rather, this package means an unlimited amount of traffic used. Therefore, many users of such services simply do not pay attention to the incoming and outgoing volume of information. In principle, there is absolutely no need for this.

Limit

Previously, such packages were simply not provided, so large companies who also had to work using the Internet, had to really give large amounts for its use. Surely all people who have new mobile devices that have the function of connecting to the network know what GPRS traffic is. Internet settings can be set either automatically or manually, according to the instructions. I would like to note that the mobile Internet consumes significantly less data, but this, in general, may affect the download speed.

Older people who simply do not need the Internet and, most likely, have never visited it, probably know little about what the concept we are interested in is. Then it will be very difficult for them to explain, for example, what traffic is on a tablet or any other device. However general description We will still try to give.

What is traffic and is it worth measuring?

When there were no unlimited packages for data use, then all Internet users had to save in every possible way. After all, if you exceed the established limits, then the cost of one megabyte could reach a large amount, and these units of information go away very quickly with active use of the Internet.

Traffic can typically be measured in kilobytes, megabytes, and also gigabytes. There is currently no other dimension, although it is possible modern technologies will bring us something new.

What is traffic on the Internet?

Essentially, this is the same as what we talked about above. When you visit certain sites, you will experience both outbound and inbound traffic. Some providers create a certain range of projects on the Internet that the client can access, and there will be no charge for data consumption. This, of course, is a great advantage, but one day you will still need to go beyond this circle, for example, to search for some information or simply download a file. Providers prefer to create their own networks, which may contain various kinds of file sharing services, chats, and in more developed and advanced networks there may also be music or television projects, where each user can listen and download music or watch selected channels for free. Of course, this can only be attributed to a marketing ploy in relation to providers, since some services will not be free. With this, we have looked at what traffic is on the Internet. We hope that after reading the information, you are general view understand what this concept is.

Mobility

Let's now look at what traffic is on a phone. Essentially, it is no different from any other. Of course, the mobile Internet has a number of advantages, which we have now decided to talk about. Firstly, mobile traffic is spent significantly less if you are located exclusively on those sites that have mobile versions. Secondly, go online with mobile phone very convenient, you can do this from almost anywhere. Today, mobile traffic is provided by network operators where the high speed. And if you need to download a significant file, you won't have to wait long for the download, especially if your device supports the 3G function.

Third generation

Today, only two types of traffic can be identified, or rather, it can be useful or useless. The so-called “garbage” is usually classified as useless. This type of traffic can occur after various requests, as well as in the event of viral activity. An example is the worst virus currently available, which can scan your network when connected to the Internet. And you may not even be aware of its presence, but the information will constantly disappear somewhere in an unknown direction. Some viruses know very well what traffic is, so they will use it at the first opportunity.

If you have a non-unlimited Internet service package installed, then you should definitely monitor the amount of information transferred and regularly check the system using an anti-virus program. In some cases, you won’t be able to do anything yourself, even if you’re a professional computer technician; in this case, you’ll definitely need to contact your provider. And the faster you do this, the more data you can protect from this malicious system.

conclusions

So, we figured out what traffic is and what it represents. Finally, I would like to generalize the definition of this concept. So, traffic represents the permissible amount of information that you can download at any time. And if you have unlimited services connected, you can completely ignore the amount of information consumed by your computer, since it will simply be irrelevant for you. We hope that this article was able to help you general concepts about what constitutes traffic.

Every year during the holidays, the issue of saving mobile traffic comes up again and again. This is explained by the fact that if in normal times we use our smartphones in the usual way and on a well-known tariff plan that does not foretell any surprises, then during a vacation, especially if you spend it abroad, our electronic gadgets are used in a completely different way. We look more at electronic maps, check train and plane schedules, download information about attractions, post photos, and communicate on Skype. As a result, the consumption of mobile traffic breaks all records, and after them the incoming bills make one unpleasantly surprised.

Therefore, in order not to incur unnecessary expenses, it is better to take care in advance of ways to minimize mobile traffic. You will learn about some of them from this article.

Turn off the mobile interface

The simplest, but at the same time the most effective way. Many users, especially those who are not very versed in all these technologies, do not bother themselves at all with switching various incomprehensible buttons that are always in the ON position. Therefore, before going abroad, take a few minutes, find the appropriate option in the system settings and disable the mobile interface. Remember where it is and turn it on only when you need to watch something on the Internet.

Use data compression in the Chrome or Opera browser

IN mobile versions Chrome browsers and Opera, it is possible to enable data compression, which quite effectively reduces traffic consumption. In this case, all information transmitted to you is first passed through special servers that compress images. As a result, the pages you view will load much faster and be lighter in weight. Please note, however, that this may cause some sites, especially those that require authorization, to stop working.

Install Opera Max

The Opera Max application is specially created to save traffic. With its help, you can not only find out which programs on your phone consume the most data, but also significantly cut them down. Opera Max compresses videos, photos and other images, and it works for almost any application on your phone, not just the browser. In addition, with Opera Max you can specify which applications can use the mobile data interface, and which can only use Wi-Fi.

Try Facebook for free

Many operators mobile communications provide free access to Facebook. However, the data you receive when browsing this social network is not charged and is not included in your monthly free megabyte limit. To check if your ISP provides this feature, simply add the number 0 (zero) to the address bar to create the following address: https://0.facebook.com.

Control video quality

One of the most traffic-intensive activities is watching videos, and YouTube usually becomes the champion among applications for this indicator. If it’s impossible to completely stop watching, then at least reduce the quality of the videos being played. To do this, go to the client settings and check the “Limit mobile traffic” option.

Online radio has long been successfully replacing conventional FM broadcasting, and for many it is the only source of music. Therefore, if, in spite of everything, you plan to use the services of your favorite streaming service, then take the trouble to find the settings in the settings of the corresponding program that are responsible for the audio quality. For example, in the Google Play Music client you can select the quality of the audio stream for a mobile connection, and in the popular program for listening to online radio TuneIn, you can select a stream.

Look for free Wi-Fi

Open wireless network are everywhere, you just need to know how and where to look for them. Moreover, the list of these places is far from limited to airports and popular cafes. Free program Free Zone knows that there are thousands of open Wi-Fi networks in almost every city in the world and will help you find them near you.

Cache cards

Another mobile traffic sink is your mapping program. If you are using Google Maps, make sure to first save the sections of maps you need in the cache. Better yet, start using one of the programs that can natively work without an Internet connection, such as OsmAnd.

Real unlimited mobile operators are missing. Subscribers have to save traffic or use the Internet via home Wi-Fi. Another thing is that home Internet Not everyone has it - everyone is forced to make do with limited mobile channels. If the traffic runs out, the most interesting and expensive part begins - purchasing additional packages.

In this review we will look at:

• How to save Internet traffic;
• How to find the optimal tariff plan;
• How to purchase additional packages.

Saving on traffic

Traditional surfing does not lead to wild waste of Internet traffic. The same applies to social networks – consumption here is minimal, text content is very light, pictures weigh little. Consumption is only affected by watching videos and GIF animations, as well as downloading files and listening to music. Torrents are considered the most voracious; they are best used via the home Internet, where there are no limits.

Is your phone running out of traffic quickly? You need to learn how to save it. Stop the habit of watching your feeds 50 times a day social networks– there is a lot of garbage content here that leads to mental degradation. Unsubscribe from public pages with useless information, dubious animations and other nasty things. Leave only what you need – don’t abuse your brain. Spend an hour or two a day watching the tapes, you don’t need more.

Turn off automatic update programs if you are an active user of the mobile Internet. Practice shows that these updates do not make much sense - the main functionality of the software rarely changes. It is enough to update once a month - no more often. This will help save traffic. And if some program cannot do without updates, you will receive a corresponding notification.

Other ways to save traffic:

• Listening to music offline – download your favorite music to your phone and stop tormenting online players;
• Install on your smartphone a browser equipped with an Internet traffic compression function - for example, Google Chrome;
• Install a program that counts the amount of received/sent data - it will help control consumption.

Divide the traffic allocated for the month by the number of days, get a portion of traffic for a day and try not to go beyond the created limit (you can also use programs that automatically disable access to the network when set thresholds are reached).

Eliminating traffic leaks

The following tips are relevant for computer owners. Using unlimited home Internet, users do not see small leaks - especially if the home channel boasts speeds of tens of megabits. But when it comes down to it mobile access, then here you will have to check your computer for traffic leaks. Here are our recommendations:

• Install a normal antivirus (for example, Kaspersky Free) - scan operating system for viruses. Many of them actively exchange information with external nodes, which causes leakage;
• Supplement your antivirus with the Malwarebytes application - it will provide additional protection against viral infections;
• Install the Adblock Plus plugin in your browser - it will prevent the loading of advertising modules, which will help save traffic and make the perception of content on the pages more pleasant;
• Install an application to monitor consumed Internet traffic - it will help cut off the activities of unwanted network software.

And a few more tips - do not visit dubious resources, do not download dubious programs, do not fall for advertisements that claim that your computer is infected with viruses and offer to install anything on it. All this will help save mobile traffic.

These tips are given by millions of experienced users, but inexperienced users do not care about them - then they complain about hacked accounts on social networks, mobile subscriptions and stolen funds from bank cards.

Internet traffic leaks are also possible on smartphones and tablets. The recommendations here are simple - install programs only with official sources, do not visit dubious resources, do not pay attention to advertising, watch what you do on the Internet.

We select the optimal tariff

The traffic has ended, the Internet does not work or works very slowly - a situation familiar to many users. In fact, you need to choose the right tariff plan. For PC users, tariffs with Internet packages of at least 10-15 GB per month are recommended. If you work on the Internet, you may need more traffic - up to 30 GB or more. We recommend taking a closer look at tariff plans with night unlimited limits.

Here are some suggestions for the most wasteful users:

• “For a laptop” from MTS - an interesting and affordable unlimited service at speeds of up to 4 Mbit/sec for 800 rubles/month. Even torrents work, but at speeds up to 512 kbps;
• “MTS Connect 4” from MTS with the “Internet-VIP” option – 30 GB and unlimited at night for 1,200 rubles/month (without torrent restrictions);
• “MegaFon Online” from MegaFon with the “Internet XL” option – 30 GB during the day and unlimited at night for 1,290 rubles;
• “Internet for computer” from Beeline – up to 30 GB for 1200 rubles/month;
• “Internet for devices” with the “50 GB” option from Tele2 - 50 GB of Internet with night unlimited for 999 rubles/month.

Yota offers special tariffs for modems and routers with speeds from 64 kbit/sec to a maximum of subscription fee from 0 to 1400 rubles/30 days.

On a smartphone (including iPhone), we recommend using package tariff plans that include minutes, SMS, traffic packages, as well as unlimited Internet packages for social networks, instant messengers, video hosting and other online services. By the way, it is the additional packages that will save money for those who do not part with social networks.

Traffic extension

The traffic on the phone has ended, the modem is silent, the tablet is inactive - the situation is not pleasant, especially since there is still a lot of time until the end of next month. Let's look at how to increase the amount of traffic on a particular operator.

Extension of traffic from MTS

This operator offers subscribers many so-called “Turbo buttons”. An additional 100 MB will cost 30 rubles, 500 MB – 95 rubles, 1 GB – 175 rubles, 2 GB – 300 rubles, 5 GB – 450 rubles, 20 GB – 900 rubles. Unlimited for 3 hours costs 95 rubles, for 6 hours – 150 rubles. To order additional packages, visit the resource http://i.mts.ru/ or use mobile application– USSD commands can get confusing.

Extension of traffic from MegaFon

Here are additional options for subscribers to choose from:

• “Extend Internet 1 GB” – 1 GB of Internet traffic for 175 rubles;
• “Extend Internet 5 GB” – 5 GB of Internet traffic for 400 rubles;
• “Extend Internet XS” – 70 MB for 19 rubles (valid for a smartphone or tablet).

The set is quite modest, but nothing can be done.

Extending traffic on Beeline

The “Auto speed renewal” service is provided here. It will add 5 GB for 150 rubles in automatic mode, if it has not been disabled previously. There is nothing else interesting and useful on Beeline.

Extension of traffic on Tele2

The options for the “Internet for Devices” tariff provide additional packages - up to five pieces of 1 GB each. The cost of one package is 100 rubles. Once they are exhausted, Internet access is suspended completely. It turns out insanely expensive and completely uninteresting.

Extending traffic on Yota

For tablet PCs and modems/routers, unlimited is offered here, so there is nothing special to renew. On tariff plans For phones, traffic is limited. Here you can order additional packages of 5 GB for 100 rubles each - their number is not limited in any way.