Save Your Data! Switch Off Background App ActivityUpdated 4 days ago

Prevent Background Apps from Using Your Data

Keep your data for what really matters — not for silent background updates.

When you’re using a travel eSIM, every megabyte counts. Some apps and phone features keep running in the background even when you’re not actively using them — syncing photos, backing up chats, refreshing feeds, or downloading updates. This can quickly use up your data or even trigger your Fair Usage Policy (FUP) limits without you realising it.

Here’s how to keep your data under control 👇

1. Turn off background app refresh and syncing

Many apps constantly refresh or upload content when connected to mobile data. Disable these to avoid hidden data usage:

• iCloud / Google Drive / Dropbox / OneDrive – Pause automatic photo or file backups while travelling.

• WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger – Turn off automatic media download (Settings → Storage & Data).

• Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter/X – Disable “Data Saver” or “Auto-play videos” features.

• Email apps (Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail) – Set sync to manual instead of push or auto.

• Streaming apps (Spotify, YouTube, Netflix) – Switch to offline playlists and turn off “Download using mobile data.”

• Google Photos / Apple Photos – Turn off “Backup & Sync” until you’re on Wi-Fi.

• Cloud storage apps (Drive, iCloud, Dropbox) – Restrict uploads and syncs to Wi-Fi only.

2. Disable system updates and automatic downloads

System updates, app updates, and large downloads can burn through data fast.

• On iPhone:
  Go to Settings → App Store → App Downloads → choose Ask if over 200 MB or Wi-Fi only.
  Turn off Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates.

• On Android:
  Go to Play Store → Settings → Network Preferences → Auto-update apps → Over Wi-Fi only.
  Disable system updates over mobile data under Settings → Software Update.

3. Limit background data for specific apps

• On iPhone:
  Go to Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Off (or Wi-Fi only).

• On Android:
  Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Data Usage → Mobile Data Usage → Select App → Restrict Background Data.

4. Monitor your usage

You can always track your live data usage from your phone settings:

• iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → scroll down to see app-by-app usage.

• Android: Settings → Connections → Data Usage → Mobile Data Usage.

🧭 Pro tip:
Before switching to mobile data, make sure large file uploads (like WhatsApp backups, photo syncs, or drive uploads) are complete while connected to Wi-Fi. That way, you’ll start your trip fresh without surprise data drains.