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7 Tips to Reduce Data Plan Usage and Avoid Overage Charges

7 Tips to Reduce Data Plan Usage and Avoid Overage Charges

Many people make the common mistake of exceeding their mobile data limit. It often happens when a person forgets to switch on their Wi-Fi and continues using their phone to stream TV shows, chat online, or listen to music. Smartphone users must understand that this can lead to overage charges and a higher monthly bill. Below are a few practical ways to reduce data plan usage and avoid additional charges in the long run.

1. Understand the data cap
Most internet service providers, such as AT&T, Sprint, US Cellular, and T-Mobile, impose data caps on select plans. Simply put, they set a monthly internet usage limit, which users must stick to. The carrier can provide slower speeds and charge extra if someone breaches this limit. Some companies do both, increasing expenses and causing inconvenience while using the internet. Therefore, customers must understand the data cap on their phone plan and act accordingly.

2. Get a plan with no data cap
When switching carriers or getting a new plan, individuals should consider packages that do not have a data cap. Sure, this can take some time, but it eliminates the possibility of overage charges. However, customers should note that plans without data caps are usually expensive, and they could pay a higher monthly bill. One should research well and make an informed decision.

3. Evaluate one’s data requirements
Different online activities require different internet speeds and data. For example, simple web browsing may require speeds of 3 to 5 Mbps and 15 to 25 MB of data. Social media usage may require similar speeds but around 160 MB of data. Individuals should choose an internet phone plan after considering their usage requirements. Buying the right amount of data will ensure one does not run short and incur overage charges at the end of the month.

4. Study the existing data plan
Individuals should understand everything about their current plan when trying to reduce data usage and avoid overage charges. Besides the monthly data available, one must check if any additional features are included. For example, providers like Verizon offer extra protection against overage if one has a shared data plan. Additionally, some plans carry over unused data from one month to the next. Verizon users can also add a Safety Mode feature, allowing them to continue using the internet without paying overage fees even after exceeding their monthly allowance. However, this feature lowers the speed, so customers must compromise.

5. Use Wi-Fi as much as possible
One of the most effective ways to reduce data plan usage on cell phones is to connect to Wi-Fi networks as much as possible instead of using data. This includes home networks as well as public networks at stores, cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels. However, individuals must follow safe browsing protocols while using public Wi-Fi since these are more vulnerable to hacking. If one has a home network, they can set reminders to connect to it when returning from outside. Doing so can help prevent the overuse of cellular data by mistake.

6. Avoid sharing media via text message
Sharing images and videos requires a lot of data, especially when attached on text messaging platforms. Hence, those who frequently send images and videos should wait until a Wi-Fi network is available. One should also use Wi-Fi when uploading media to cloud storage to reduce data plan usage.

7. Monitor data usage of smartphone apps
Phone apps are among the major data guzzlers. If left unchecked, they can consume a huge chunk of one’s data plan without warning. Since each app has its settings, one must change them so that apps use data only when required. Here are a few ways to monitor app data usage:

Download content instead of streaming. Whether TV shows, podcasts, e-books, audiobooks, or music, everything can be downloaded and enjoyed offline. Doing so will help save more data than streaming content over and over again online.

When using social media, adjust the settings to turn off autoplay for videos.

Choose to download only when connected to Wi-Fi. Use phone data sparingly to download content.

Location services can consume a lot of data when perennially turned on. So do not turn it on until necessary. Routes can be downloaded to be used offline beforehand if one requires navigation services.

Many apps require frequent updates. The default setting is usually automatic updates, which takes up a lot of data and battery life. So, turn off background app updates.

Block cellular data access for apps one wants to use only when connected to Wi-Fi, for example, streaming services.

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Top 10 expected Black Friday deals on vacuum cleaners

A clean space helps maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, with the daily responsibilities and chores, it is almost impossible to clean the home regularly. A good vacuum cleaner will make your daily household work easier. It will save you time and pick up on the dust, dirt, and dander. Since buying a vacuum cleaner for full price can be expensive, here are some of the top expected vacuum cleaner deals for Black Friday 2022. Top 10 expected vacuum cleaner deals 2022 On Black Friday, starting November 25, 2022, you will find some of the best vacuum deals. Various retailers are selling their products at lower prices than usual, and you can find some incredible appliances without burning a hole in your pocket. Scroll down to check them out! ROOMIE TEC Wireless Vacuum Cleaner with Stick This ROOMIE TEC vacuum cleaner comes with a stick attached to it, making it easier to clean spaces without bending. The product is easy to empty and has a stainless steel filter. Thanks to Black Friday deals, you can expect this appliance for $87.99. This wireless vacuum has a rechargeable battery, 120 watts of suction power, a stainless steel cover, and a HEPA filter. Shark Rocket Vacuum Cleaner with Corded Stick Get this amazing corded Shark Rocket vacuum cleaner at an attractive price this shopping season. This product might be available at Appliances Connection on Black Friday for just $99. The best part about it is its brush roll, which you can use for self-cleaning, saving you extra labor. Dyson Vacuum Cleaner Pick up the Dyson Ball vacuum cleaner from Best Buy during the Black Friday sale at an anticipated $289.5. It comes with a special HEPA feature and an easy steering feature. This cleaner is great for those who have pets at home as it can pick up pet hair from all sorts of surfaces. You may also get free shipping thanks to the Black Friday offer. BISSELL Helix Turbo Vacuum Cleaner Appliances Connection and Best Buy are likely to offer you the best price for this vacuum cleaner on Black Friday. You might be able to save 50% off on this product and also avail of free shipping. The BISSELL Helix has a dirt differentiation system and is lightweight enough that you can use it without any strain. AeroSwift Vacuum Upright Cleaner This AeroSwift vacuum cleaner comes with easy-to-use features. You might get the appliance for $42 at Best Buy due to Black Friday offers. It comes in handy when cleaning hard floors. Also, check out its Scatter-Free feature, which helps to collect dirt without scattering it. iRobot Roomba Robotic Vacuum Cleaner This high-tech vacuum cleaner offers customized cleaning options for you. It has a rubber brush that is 30% wider as compared to other cleaners. Aside from Google Assistant and Alexa connectivity, the appliance comes with a recharge and resume feature, along with dual brush faces. You might be able to buy this product at around $185. Tineco Cordless Vacuum Cleaner The Tineco Cordless Vacuum Cleaner comes with a brushless motor, making it a quiet machine when in-use. Therefore, it is great for use in spaces that require silence. Deep clean hard floors with its suction feature and take advantage of its wet and dry clean options. Best Buy is likely to offer this appliance for $279. Shark Navigator Vacuum Cleaner This Shark Navigator Vacuum Cleaner comes with a swivel feature, making it easy to carry and clean. With a HEPA filter, lift-away pod, and large dust storage cup, it is a steal for its expected price of $99. Shark ION Vacuum Cleaner This Shark ION vacuum cleaner has an option for Wi-Fi connection, enabling automatic Alexa cleaning suggestions. The smart sensor navigator makes it easy for teenagers to use this as well. Expect to get this for around $219. Robot Roomba i3 Vacuum Cleaner This vacuum cleaner comes with Wi-Fi connectivity and is perfect for houses with pets. It has vacuum sensors to navigate the room with maps. Appliances Connection might offer this product for around $349 and also provide free shipping.

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15 Samsung Galaxy Watch Hacks One Might Not Know About

Buying something new is an exhilarating experience because it opens up a world of possibilities. Discovering the features of a product can be even more exciting, especially when it comes to Samsung's electronic wearables like the Galaxy Watch 5 or Galaxy Watch 6 series. Although the operating system of these watches is relatively easy to navigate, there are still a few hidden features that might not be immediately apparent. Here are 15 Samsung watch hacks that one probably didn't know. Add complications To add this, one needs to long press on a watch face, choose "Customize," swipe right to "Complications" on the supported "Galaxy Watch," and pick a spot on the watch face. They could tap and modify existing complications or pick blank spots. There's a massive repository of complications that one could add to the watch face to make it more informative. Control the smartphone camera remotely Samsung's Galaxy Watch enables users to take selfies using their smartwatch as a remote shutter. To take a selfie, users need to mount their phone in place, unlock the watch, and open the camera app. This automatically launches the phone's camera and provides a live preview of the image the camera is about to capture. Easily control media The Galaxy Watch 5 and 6 lineups serve as remote media control devices that enable users to pause, play, skip, and control the volume of what is playing on their phones. The individual may also be able to store music and images on the watch's storage and access them even if the phone is not close by. Check storage If one uses their wearable to store apps, photos, and music, they could check the amount of storage by going to "Settings," followed by "About Watch." Here, they can tap "Storage" and see the available space. They will also be able to determine how much storage is taken up by content on the Galaxy Watch. Check temperature The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 allows users to test the temperature of things around them. For instance, some people have tried checking the temperature of food and bath water to see if it works. All one needs to do to activate the feature is go to the app menu, hit the thermometer icon, and take the watch off their wrist. Next, they need to choose Living or Water and estimate the temperature respectively. Make it more snappy To make their watch faster, the user can follow these steps: Go to "About Watch" and then quickly tap on "Software Information" multiple times to enable "Developer Mode." In this setting, they can adjust the animation speed to 0.5x, which will load apps quicker and make the watch more responsive. Enable power saving and watch-only modes To improve the already impressive battery life of the Galaxy Watch, one could turn on the power-saving mode and still use critical features. But if one wants to conserve maximum battery, they could enable the "Watch-only mode," which will let them view only the time. These features might be found under "Battery" in settings. Use the Always-On display By default, the Galaxy Watch does not have the always-on screen mode enabled. To enable it, one needs to go to "Settings," then "Display," and look for the "Always on Display" option. Once this feature is enabled, the watch's display will remain active all the time, allowing the user to view the home screen without having to raise the watch to wake it up. Connect to TVs The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 can connect to a Samsung TV. All they need to do is enter "Samsung Health" on the wearable, scroll to settings, and then "Connected services" and select "TV." Lastly, tap the toggle button to show heart rate and calorie burn on the television. Turn off continuous heart rate monitoring To turn off this feature, users must go to settings in the "Samsung Health" app on the respective Galaxy Watch and tap "Measurement." The individual may have the option to switch to monitoring heart rate every 10 minutes while still or select the manual monitoring option. Make calls and respond to text messages One can make calls and respond to text messages from their Galaxy Watch once it is paired with their smartphone. The feature comes in handy when reaching the phone isn't practical. If the watch has a registered mobile plan, one could use it as an individual communication device. Send emergency alerts If an individual is distressed, they could use the Galaxy watch to send an emergency alert. Features like hard fall detection, healthcare profiles, SOS alerts, and high heart rate alerts are configurable in the "Emergency settings" under "Advance." Hear notifications readout Under "Settings," one could navigate to "Notifications," scroll down, and activate "Read notifications." If the individual has a pair of Bluetooth headphones connected to the watch and does not have access to the screen to view notifications, the wearable will read them out to the user. Change button controls The physical home buttons and back buttons have dedicated instructions. But one could change them so that the home key could display installed apps on a double-press, and the back key could let the individual quickly view the most recent apps. One needs to go to "Settings" and then "Advanced features" and select "Customize keys" to assign these controls. Turn off all sounds Samsung Galaxy Watch users can mute all sounds by going to "Settings," selecting "Accessibility," then tapping "Hearing enhancements," and toggling "Mute all sounds."

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