Mobile Data Explained

Mobile data lets your phone use the internet when you are away from Wi-Fi.

The more you use, the more data you need.

However, you may need less than you think.

What Is Mobile Data?

Your phone uses mobile data when it connects to the internet through your mobile network.

For example, you may use data for:

  • websites
  • social media
  • maps
  • email
  • music
  • video
  • video calls
  • apps

When you connect to Wi-Fi, your phone will normally use Wi-Fi instead.

What Does GB Mean?

Mobile data is normally measured in gigabytes, or GB.

Your mobile plan may include, for example:

  • 5GB
  • 20GB
  • 50GB
  • 100GB
  • unlimited data

The number tells you how much mobile data you can use during the billing period.

What Uses the Most Data?

Video can use a lot of data.

For example, regularly watching YouTube, Netflix or other video away from Wi-Fi can quickly increase your use.

Video calls can also use a fair amount.

Music normally uses less.

Simple tasks such as messaging, email and browsing can use much less.

However, the amount varies. Video quality, app settings and how long you use an app all make a difference.

How Much Data Do You Need?

Do not guess.

First, check how much you already use.

Your phone may show your data use in its settings.

Your mobile provider may also show it in its app or online account.

Look at several months if you can.

For example, if you normally use between 8GB and 12GB each month, that gives you a much better starting point than simply choosing a 100GB plan.

Leave Some Spare

You do not need to choose an allowance that exactly matches your normal use.

Leaving some spare can be useful.

You may use more data when:

  • travelling
  • using your phone as a hotspot
  • watching more video
  • spending more time away from Wi-Fi

So, allow some room for busier months.

Do You Need Unlimited Data?

Maybe.

Unlimited data can be useful if you regularly use a lot of mobile data.

It may also be useful if you use your phone for internet access instead of relying on home broadband.

However, do not assume you need it.

If you use only a small amount each month, a smaller plan may be enough.

Check the price difference before deciding.

Mobile Data Calculator

Not sure how much data you might use?

Use our calculator to estimate your monthly use.

Enter how much time you spend on activities such as:

  • web browsing
  • social media
  • music
  • video
  • video calls

The calculator will give you an estimated monthly total.

[MOBILE DATA CALCULATOR]

The result is a guide, not an exact figure. Apps and services can use different amounts of data.

Why Does Video Quality Matter?

Higher-quality video normally uses more data.

So, watching in very high quality can use much more data than watching the same programme at a lower setting.

If you are trying to reduce your data use, check the video quality settings in the apps you use most.

Downloads Can Use Data Too

Downloading a film, game, app or large update can use a lot of data.

If possible, use Wi-Fi for large downloads.

You can also check whether your phone is set to download app updates over mobile data.

Using Your Phone as a Hotspot

Your phone can share its mobile connection with another device.

This is called tethering or using a personal hotspot.

For example, you could connect a laptop to your phone.

However, the laptop’s internet use then comes from your mobile data allowance.

Streaming, downloading files or installing updates on the laptop could use a lot of data.

What Happens If You Run Out?

This depends on your mobile plan.

Your provider may:

  • stop your mobile data
  • slow it down
  • let you buy more
  • charge for extra use

So, check what happens before you reach your limit.

Do not assume extra data is free.

How to Use Less Data

If you want to reduce your use:

  1. Use Wi-Fi when it is safe and suitable.
  2. Lower video quality when you do not need high quality.
  3. Download music or programmes over Wi-Fi before travelling.
  4. Check which apps use the most data.
  5. Limit mobile data for apps you rarely need away from Wi-Fi.
  6. Use Wi-Fi for large updates and downloads.

Small changes can make a big difference if you watch a lot of video.

Check Before Changing Plan

Before choosing a new allowance:

  1. Check your last few months of use.
  2. Look for unusually high months.
  3. Think about any changes coming up.
  4. Leave some spare data.
  5. Compare the cost of suitable plans.

Then choose an allowance that fits your use.

Do not simply buy the largest number.

Key Points

  • Mobile data is normally measured in GB.
  • Video is one of the biggest users of data.
  • Check your real use before choosing a plan.
  • Leave some room for busier months.
  • Unlimited data is useful only if the price and allowance suit you.

Pay for the data you need, not the biggest number on offer.

Important Information

Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.

Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.

Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.

Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.

Please feel free to use our Mobile Data Calculator here →

Next: Mobile Contracts and SIMs →

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