The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

The Android Data Saver ensures that you make the most of your data plan. Most apps run in the background, consuming precious data in an effort to keep you up to date. With the built-in Data Saver on Android, you can decide which apps get unrestricted mobile data access and which are prevented from sending and receiving data in the background. Continue reading to find out more about the Android Data Saver and how to enable it on your smartphone:

Contents

  1. What is the Android Data Saver?
  2. How to enable Data Saver on Android from Settings
  3. How to enable the Android Data Saver from the Quick Settings
  4. How to whitelist apps to use unrestricted data in Data Saver mode
  5. How to turn off Data Saver on Android
  6. What apps did you whitelist in Data Saver mode?

NOTE: This guide applies to Android 10, and it was created on a Nokia 5.3 smartphone. If you do not know your Android version, read How to check the Android version on your smartphone or tablet. The procedures are similar on all Android-powered devices, although you might come across some small differences, depending on your device's manufacturer.

What is the Android Data Saver?

The Data Saver is a feature built into Android, that helps you control the mobile data consumption of apps in the background. The Data Saver mode is only active when you are not on Wi-Fi, and it ensures that inactive apps and services are not using cellular data in the background. If your plan has limited data, there are several ways to use Android's native apps and features to avoid additional charges.

First, it's a good idea to check and limit your mobile data usage. Then, you can restrict internet access for certain apps. However, you can't ignore how much easier it is to enable the Data Saver and then whitelist the apps you find essential. Restricted apps no longer consume cellular data in the background; they only use mobile data when you access them. Even when active, they are directed to consume less data. On the downside, this means you don't get any updates from restricted apps.

For instance, if restricted by the Android Data Saver, the Gmail app no longer lets you know when you receive new emails, as the app no longer syncs in the background. If you access the app, however, it starts using mobile data to sync and display new mails. This is true for all the apps that display notifications about online content.

If an app is on the Unrestricted data list (whitelisted), it behaves normally and ignores the Data Saver mode.

How to enable Data Saver on Android from Settings

To turn on the Data Saver, go to Android Settings and open Network & internet. On some smartphones, like those from Huawei, tap Mobile network instead.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Access Network & internet settings

On the Network & internet screen, tap on Data usage.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Access Data usage

On the next screen, you can find the Data Saver setting with its current status shown underneath - in our case, Off. Tap on it.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Access Data Saver

You can see the switch at the top of the Data Saver screen is Off. Tap on the Use Data Saver option to enable Data Saver mode.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

The switch reflects the Data Saver status

Tapping on the option enables Data Saver mode and turns the switch On.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Tap Use Data Saver to activate the setting

Go back, and you can see that this change is also reflected on the Data usage screen: the Data Saver's status is now On.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

The Data Saver status is On

How to enable the Android Data Saver from the Quick Settings

If you like to stay on top of your data usage, you might want a faster way to activate the Data Saver on your Android smartphone.

Luckily, on some devices, there is a Quick Settings button you can use for that. To access Quick Settings, swipe down from the top side of your screen.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Swipe down to open Quick Settings

Swipe down again for the expanded Quick Settings menu, where you can change the quick settings available on your Android and add the Data Saver icon - if it's not already available.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Swipe down again to change settings

The Data Saver icon looks like an interrupted circle. In the Quick Settings, tap on Data Saver to enable the option.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Enable Data Saver from Quick Settings

The icon changes colors and displays a plus sign in the middle to show that Data Saver mode is enabled.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Data Saver is active

You can see a similar icon displayed at the top of your screen, making sure you remember that Data Saver is active and stopping background activities for most apps and services.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

A reminder that Data Saver is enabled

How to whitelist apps to use unrestricted data in Data Saver mode

The great thing about the Android Data Saver is that you can exempt any apps you consider a priority from having their background cellular data restricted. If you are expecting an important email or simply have to see who mentions you on your favorite social media channel, you can add the vital app to the Unrestricted data list. Whitelisting an app allows it to continue using mobile data in the background while Data Saver is on.

To whitelist apps and add them to the Unrestricted data list, access Network & internet settings, go to Data usage, and tap on Data Saver - as illustrated in the second section of this tutorial.

Alternatively, if you enabled the Data Saver quick setting, you can also touch-and-hold on it to get to the Data Saver screen. Once there, tap on Unrestricted data.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Access Unrestricted data

On our Android device, the Carrier Services and Google Play services are, by default, the only apps allowed to use unrestricted data when Data Saver is on. On the Unrestricted data screen, tap on any app to toggle on its switch and let it run in the background.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Tap on an app to exempt it from Data Saver's restrictions

Use the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner to also Show system apps on the Unrestricted data list. You can select them for unrestricted background data use too.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Show system apps also

Keep in mind that allowing too many apps and services to use mobile data in the background defeats the purpose of the Data Saver.

How to turn off Data Saver on Android

To turn off Data Saver, access Settings. On some devices, you might get an entry with the Data Saver icon on top. Tap on it.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Open the Data Saver entry on top of Settings

The entry expands, letting you know Data Saver is on, so background data is only available via Wi-Fi. Tap on Turn off to disable Data Saver, and the entry disappears.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Turn off Data Saver

If you don't get that entry, from Settings, you can access Network & internet, then Data usage, and tap on Data Saver - as shown in the second section of this tutorial. Tap on Use Data Saver to turn off the switch and disable the feature.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Turning off Data Saver

If you are able to add the Data Saver to Quick Settings, you can also swipe down and tap on its icon to disable it.

The Android Data Saver and how to enable it

Turn off Data Saver from Quick Settings

What apps did you whitelist in Data Saver mode?

Unless you have an unlimited data plan, the Android Data Saver is indispensable to optimizing your device's mobile data usage. To get better value for your money, use it and choose which apps are allowed to consume cellular data by syncing in the background. We added Gmail to the Unrestricted data list on our Android smartphone because our work emails are a priority. What about you? Which apps did you prioritize and why? Let us know in the comments below.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

How to pin comments on TikTok

How to pin comments on TikTok

How to pin comments on TikTok, TikTok allows users to pin comments easily. Here's how to pin comments on TikTok videos.

Instructions for Organizing a Q&A session on Facebook

Instructions for Organizing a Q&A session on Facebook

Instructions for Organizing a Q&A session on Facebook, Recently, Facebook has launched the feature to create a Q&A session, when you post a question for everyone to answer.

Instructions for installing and recording videos with Likee

Instructions for installing and recording videos with Likee

Instructions for installing and recording videos with Likee, Likee is an application that supports extremely beautiful and impressive video recording, and is loved by many young people today. The following,

How to export the list of meeting participants in Zoom

How to export the list of meeting participants in Zoom

How to export the list of meeting participants in Zoom, How to take attendance on Zoom is not difficult, it even allows you to export the list of students participating in the class.

How to change font on Xiaomi

How to change font on Xiaomi

How to change font on Xiaomi, Want to create a new image for Xiaomi device? Just follow the instructions below to change the font style and size above

Instructions for creating a mirror image effect on Picsart

Instructions for creating a mirror image effect on Picsart

Instructions for creating a mirror image effect on Picsart, Picsart is an application where users only need to perform a few simple steps to transform the photo.

How to add new fonts to Microsoft Word

How to add new fonts to Microsoft Word

How to add new fonts to Microsoft Word, Can't find the font you want to use for documents in Microsoft Word? Don't worry, you can install new fonts for Word according to these steps

How to turn off the computer screen and still keep the computer running

How to turn off the computer screen and still keep the computer running

How to turn off the computer screen and still have the computer running, How to turn off the PC screen and still have the computer running on Win 10/11? Very simple. Here's how to turn off the computer screen

How to fix facebook error logging in 3/2024

How to fix facebook error logging in 3/2024

To fix the “An unexpected error occurred” issue when logging in to Facebook, you can try the following steps

Cant access Facebook, Messenger and Instagram, how to fix it immediately

Cant access Facebook, Messenger and Instagram, how to fix it immediately

Users reported that their Facebook, Messenger and Instagram accounts were suddenly logged out and could not be accessed again, both on the app and web version.

Instructions on how to take photos on Tiktok are extremely simple

Instructions on how to take photos on Tiktok are extremely simple

Instructions on how to take photos on Tiktok are extremely simple. Tiktok is a famous application for recording and creating short videos on social networks. However, this application also

How to find and get Instagram links

How to find and get Instagram links

How to find and get Instagram links, Instagram is one of the most popular and easy-to-use social networking platforms today. However, because it is designed specifically for mobile,

Instructions for locking the mouse cursor when playing games on BlueStacks

Instructions for locking the mouse cursor when playing games on BlueStacks

Instructions for locking the mouse cursor when playing games on BlueStacks, Instructions for turning on/off the mouse cursor lock feature when playing games in the BlueStacks App Player emulator.

Instructions for installing and using Faceapp using an emulator on PC

Instructions for installing and using Faceapp using an emulator on PC

Instructions for installing and using Faceapp using an emulator on PC, Simple and easy instructions on how to install and use the Faceapp face editing app using an emulator on PC

Instructions for creating a cover photo group on Facebook

Instructions for creating a cover photo group on Facebook

Instructions for creating a cover photo group on Facebook, Creating a cover photo group is a feature that helps users set Facebook cover photos with many different images (maximum of 6 photos).

Mastering Technical Analysis with the Stochastic Indicator on Bubinga

Mastering Technical Analysis with the Stochastic Indicator on Bubinga

Learn how to effectively use the Stochastic Indicator for technical analysis on Bubinga. Explore advanced techniques to enhance your trading strategies

Instructions for adding angel wings to photos using PicsArt

Instructions for adding angel wings to photos using PicsArt

Instructions for adding angel wings to photos using PicsArt, PicsArt is a photo editing application used by many people today. Today WebTech360 will introduce the article

How to turn off the Just accessed notification on Zalo

How to turn off the Just accessed notification on Zalo

How to turn off the Just accessed notification on Zalo. This article WebTech360 will guide you to turn off the Just accessed notification under your Zalo chat name.

Instructions for blocking and unblocking accounts on TikTok

Instructions for blocking and unblocking accounts on TikTok

Instructions for blocking and unblocking accounts on TikTok. Similar to other social networking applications, TikTok also allows users to block someone's account

How to write a long status with a colorful background on Facebook

How to write a long status with a colorful background on Facebook

How to write a long status with a colorful background on Facebook, Today, WebTech360 will introduce some steps to post a long status with a colorful background on Facebook,