How to turn on Data Saver mode on your Android phone - and why it's critical to do so

Tech Why you can trust ZDNET : ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Our process 'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean? ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. Close Home Tech Services & Software Operating Systems Mobile OS Android How to turn on Data Saver mode on your Android phone - and why it's critical to do so Android makes it easy for me to take control of my data use. Here's how. Written by Jack Wallen, Contributing WriterContributing Writer April 28, 2026 at 5:28 a.m. PT Jack Wallen / ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.ZDNET key takeawaysIf you have limited mobile data, pay attention.This feature could save you money.You control whether apps can use data in the background.For some people, the idea of saving and controlling data usage on a phone isn't really an issue. If you don't happen to have an unlimited data plan, it's a different story. I've been in situations before when my phone warns me that I've exceeded 2GB of data (I can't remember how much data my plan gives me). When that happens, I tend to put the brakes on.When those instances happen, I'm glad Android makes it easy for me to take control of data use. In conjunction with stopping Android apps from running in the background, you'll have more control than you ever thought you could enjoy. Also: How to easily encrypt your files on an Android phone - for freeIf that sounds like something you could use, read on, and I'll show you how easy it is. How to use Data Saver mode on AndroidThe first thing you'll want to do is enable the Data Saver mode, which prevents some apps from sending and/or receiving data in the background. What does that mean? For instance, if Data Saver is enabled and you go to a website in your browser, images won't be loaded until you tap them. As well, videos and audio will not automatically play. Here's how you enable the Data Saver feature. 1. Open the Settings app Open the Settings app by either pulling down the Notification Shade twice and then tapping the gear icon at the bottom right. Another option is to…

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