Monitor your mobile data usage with these tools
3 Quick Ways to Reduce Data Use
- Connect to Wi-Fi. Carriers charge for data used through 3G, 4G and LTE networks, but not Wi-Fi. Connect whenever possible.
- Change Web browsers. Use browsers like Opera Mini and TextOnly. They strip down ads, images and other unwanted content.
- Disable notifications. Limit the number of apps you allow to send notifications, especially email and social network updates.
Verizon Data Usage Calculator
What: An online tool that measures how much data specific tasks will use.
How: Simply plug in the estimated number of emails you send, websites you visit, music you stream and other tasks you perform per day or per month, and the calculator estimates your total monthly data usage.
Why: Select the right plan for your needs.
Get It: www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/datacalculatorPopup.jsp.
Cost: Free
myAT&T
What: An app that helps you manage your AT&T wireless account, from data usage to bill payments.
How: The app is automatically connected to your account once you sign up.
Why: You can set up alerts to notify you when you’re reaching your allotted data limits.
Get It: Available for download on iOS, Android, Windows and BlackBerry.
Cost: Free
DataMan Pro
What: An app that tracks your cellular network and Wi-Fi usage based on your monthly data limit.
How: It checks your usage every hour and forecasts whether you’ll exceed your monthly data cap.
Why: You can set up alerts to notify you when you’re reaching your limit. It also provides a breakdown of apps eating up the most data.
Get It: Available for download on iOS.
Cost: $4.99
Onavo Extend
What: An app that helps you get up to five times more out of your data plan.
How: It compresses your data, which decreases your overall data usage.
Why: It also helps you reduce roaming charges and compiles monthly data usage reports.
Get It: Available for download on iOS and Android.
Cost: Free
