From 2k To 6k: 10 hacks to help you save your data

• Telecommunication companies recently began implementing the government-approved increases on tariffs
• The implementation resulted in increases in the prices of data, making internet usage more costly
• TheRadar listed 10 hacks that can help Nigerians cope with the situation

Telecommunications companies recently hiked internet data prices and tariffs on calls and SMS.

MTN Nigeria led the pack by increasing the prices of data across different bundles, sparking outrage among Nigerians, especially on social media. This led to the infamous ‘from 2k to 6k’ trend on X.

Though the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 per cent hike in tariffs, MTN raised its by varying percentages, with some as much as 200 per cent.

Days later, Airtel, the second-largest telecom company in Nigeria, announced the increases in tariffs for data, voice, and text.

The implementation of the 50 per cent tariff hike means Nigerians now pay more for internet access, which has become an essential part of the life of the everyday Nigerian.

TheRadar has curated 10 hacks that can help you save some megabytes and some naira too.

10 tips to help you save your data

1. Download videos instead of streaming

Instead of streaming your videos, which consumes a lot of data, especially in high definition, download your videos or music when connected to WiFi and watch them offline.

For videos or music that you will go back to more than once, it is important to download them than streaming.

The good news is that most streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify allow users to download content for offline viewing or listening. 

2. Disable automatic media download on messaging apps

Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger allow users to control media downloads.

Consider disabling automatic media download to avoid spending your data downloading unnecessary pictures, videos, voice messages, and memes on these messaging apps.

Disabling auto media download will ensure you don’t clog your phone memory with media you don’t need.

To do this on WhatsApp, go to Settings > Storage and Data > Media Auto-Download and choose ‘Never’ for photos, audio, and videos.

On Telegram, navigate to Data and Storage settings to customise auto-download options.

3. Use offline features on apps

Making use of the offline feature of most apps is another way of saving your data. It can also help you make use of apps while travelling or when in areas with poor network coverage.

Check out the apps that have offline features on your phone by going to Settings and then toggle on.

For apps like Netflix and Spotify, select the download option to save content offline.

4. Turn off background data usage

Some apps consume data even when not in use. Such apps include Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

It is important to turn off background data usage for these types of apps so that your data is not drained. Restricting background data usage can help you manage your data and prevent non-essential apps or apps that regularly refresh their contents from using your data in the background.

To do this on Android, go to Settings > Apps > Data usage and disable background data for specific apps. On iOS, go to Settings > Cellular and toggle off the background app refresh.

5. Use data-saving browsers

Another hack to help you manage your internet data is to opt for data-saving browsers such as Opera Mini and Google Chrome’s Lite mode, designed to save data by compressing web pages.

Data-saving browsers load lighter versions of web pages, helping you save data without compromising your browsing experience.

To save up to 90 per cent of your data while browsing on Opera Mini, enable Extreme Mode. Turn on Lite mode on Google Chrome by going to Settings > Lite mode > Toggle on.

6. Disable auto-updates for apps

One way to quickly drain your data is to allow automatic update of apps. To prevent this, set your apps to update only when connected to WiFi.

Disabling auto-updates prevents unnecessary data consumption, especially for large app updates.

To disable automatic app updates on Android, open Google Play Store > Settings > Network Preferences > Auto-update apps > Over WiFi only or Don’t auto-update apps.

On iOS, go to Settings > App Store and turn off ‘App Updates’ under ‘Automatic Downloads.’

7. Reduce video quality on streaming apps

If your goal is to manage your data more effectively, it is advisable to reduce the video quality of streaming apps because streaming videos in high definition can quickly drain your data.

Reducing video quality helps you save data without compromising your viewing experience.

You can adjust your settings to stream in lower resolutions like 480p or 720p instead of 1080p or 4K.

On YouTube, tap the three dots on the video, select Quality, and choose a lower resolution.

On Netflix, go to App Settings > Video Playback and select ‘Data Saver’ mode.

8. Use WiFi whenever possible

If you visit cafés, malls, and offices with public WiFi hotspots, you can save some of your own mobile data by making use of public Wi-fis.

Also, if you are a heavy internet user, you may consider investing in home WiFi, which saves more data than mobile devices.

A word of caution, however, is to ensure you use a VPN for security when connecting to public networks. Also, only connect to trusted WiFi networks with secure passwords.

Again, never carry out any activity that requires you to share sensitive information like debit/credit card details or mobile money PINs over a public Wi-fi.

9. Uninstall apps that heavily consume data

Some apps are built to consume large amounts of data, especially social media and video streaming platforms.

To prevent them from draining your data, you may consider uninstalling them or opt for lighter Facebook Lite and YouTube Go.

To identify these heavy data-consuming apps, check your usage statistics in Settings > Data Usage.

10. Set data usage limits

Another hack to ensure you maximise your data is to set data usage limits. This feature is in-built on both Android and iOS devices, allowing users to track data consumption and avoid exceeding their plan.

The data usage warning when you reach your data limit makes this tip all the more helpful in the effective management of your data.

To do this on Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage and set your preferred limit. On iOS, go to Settings > Cellular and monitor your usage.

120 million Nigerians lack access to the internet due to infrastructural gaps –Report

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that according to GSMA’s State of Mobile Connectivity Report 2024, half of Nigeria’s population (120 million) lacks access to mobile internet due to infrastructural gaps.

The report noted that the usage gap is still a challenge in low- and medium-income countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria. The usage gap is the population that lives within the footprint of a mobile broadband network but does not use mobile internet.