Being on vacation and using up the megabytes of the mobile Internet connection that we have contracted can be a big problem. In many cases it could happen that we do not even have the means to extend this connection, and that we have to live for a few days without connecting to the Internet (who can think of it!). However, with Know My App, we will be able to know how much to spend regularly an application, even before installing it.
And the hardest part is usually keeping track of how many megabytes we're using in each case. And even more important, knowing which applications consume the most data, because in many cases it would be as simple as dispense with said application, or simply stop using it for the days when we want to keep a large amount of data. To do this, we can use Know My App, an online service that has tested a large number of the most used applications, so that we can know what is the average amount of data that it spends each month.
We may be surprised to find that WhatsApp spends an average of about 750 megabytes of data per month, which is 75% of a 1 GB rate, which is very common in our country. But don't worry, because you'll have to keep in mind that part of the use we make of the smartphone is with the WiFi network from home. In any case, the service is very useful for comparing apps with each other and knowing whether they will consume more or less data. Above all, it can be very useful with video games, well, in many cases these connect to the network, but we don't know if they use a lot of data because they're transferring the entire game, or just a little because they're transferring some details of the game. The service is called Know My App, is available online, and has been created by CTIA, The Wireless Association. Admittedly, at the moment they only have a few indexed applications, but it is a matter of time before it becomes a service with a large amount of data about the applications.
CTIA: Know My App.
What is Know My App and what information does it provide?
Know My App is an initiative of CTIA (The Wireless Association) that puts to the test popular Android and iOS apps to estimate your data usage in a normal usage scenario. Publish one tab per app with the Method of measurement used, foreground and background traffic, and a monthly estimate to help you decide if it's a good idea to install it with your rate.
In addition, the website allows you to explore the catalogue by categoriesBy qualification or by search, and includes two very useful additional areas: one recommendations section to save megabytes and a section with developer resources focused on minimizing their apps' data usage. Although the rate is growing progressively, available analyses already offer clear benchmarks for comparison.
Guiding examples of consumption in common apps
Know My App tests and similar measurements show figures that help to quantify spending. As a guide, messaging services such as WhatsApp They can be around ~750 MB/month with intensive use; a third-party Twitter client in the style of Tweetbot can move around ~ 60 MB; Google Maps in navigation and map loading it can amount to ~ 300 MB; casual games type Candy Crush They hardly consume a few MB; video platforms such as YouTube can far exceed the GB with regular streaming; and multimedia messaging apps like Snapchat can be situated in the range of hundreds of MB. These are indicative values ​​that depend on your usage pattern, streaming quality and time under WiFi.
How to check and limit power consumption on Android
Android integrates tools to view and control traffic. Enter Settings > Network and Internet > Data usage To check your monthly consumption, remaining data of the cycle and the days of validity. From Application data usage Identify the apps that consume the most and disable them background data in which they do not need it.
Active Warning y Data limit to receive notifications or automatically cut the connection when reaching the limit you define, and adjust the billing cycle on the day your rate resets. Keep in mind that phone measurement is a estimate which may differ slightly from that of the operator.
How to Check and Limit Power Consumption on iPhone (iOS)
On iOS, go to Settings > Mobile data to see the consumption of the current period and while roaming. Scroll to review spending by app and turn off the mobile data usage of the applications you want to restrict to WiFi only. In System services Internal system traffic is detailed (notifications, location, etc.).
For real control, click on Reset Statistics when your billing cycle starts so you know what you spend each period. Combine this control with quality settings (for example, streaming in standard quality) greatly reduces consumption.
Other useful options: operator and third-party apps
Your official apps operator They usually show the recognized consumption in the network (the one that counts towards the bill) and allow you to manage bonuses and limitsUse them as a definitive reference for your rate.
If you would like to advanced metrics, there are third-party tools with alerts, history, and app breakdown features:
- 3G Watchdog (Androids): monitor mobile data, WiFi and roaming , with alerts and clear graphics.
- My Data Manager (Android/iOS): App tracking, alarms configurable and plan control to avoid extra charges.
- Traffic monitor (Android/iOS): Identify which apps consume the most, create statistics monthly and includes speed test.
- Datawiz (Android): Shows the most voracious apps and indicates in what Zones you consumed more using location.
- Traffic Counter Extended (Android): separate graphics for Mobile data y WiFi, with limit notifications.
- Data widget (iOS): widget with progress bar and billing cycle and limit settings, compatible with Apple Watch.
Good practices to use less data
Apply simple habits: deactivate autoplay of video on social networks, use offline downloads in music and maps, restricts synchronization in the background, activate modes of data saving of the system/browser and prioritizes WiFi whenever possible. In cloud games and apps, check if they allow you to reduce the sync frequency or the quality of resources.
Having a preview of your spending with Know My App, combined with native Android and iOS controls and monitoring apps, gives you a triple level of control which avoids surprises and helps you better choose what to install and how to use it according to your data plan.
