3 Reasons Why You May Not Need Unlimited Data

Angelo Ilumba Senior Writer

Updated 24 May 2022

In this Guide

Saving Data is Easy(ish)
Free WiFi is Everywhere
Unlimited Data Can Be Limiting
Plans to Consider

Article Summary

Going unlimited is all the rage right now, but why should you spend your hard-earned money on more data than you'll actually use? Here are 3 things to think about before you make the switch: saving your data is easy, public Wi-Fi is plentiful, and buying unlimited data can be pretty limiting.

Some pretty epic Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile unlimited plans have launched and are more popular than ever, but do you really need all that data?

Even the “best” cell phone plans aren’t that great if they’re not giving you exactly what you need. The average person only uses around 3GB of data each month and even if you use twice as much, you’d still be paying too much for your data plan. Here are 3 things to consider before going unlimited.

Saving Data is Easy(ish)

We’ve compiled all the data-saving tips we could find to make this as quick and easy as possible for you. But you’ll still need to roll up your sleeves, go into your phone’s settings, and shake things up a bit. Here are the best ways to cut off the data-drain on your phone.

iOS Settings

Prevent unused apps from using data:

Select “Settings”
Scroll to the bottom and select an app from the list
Shut off “Background App Refresh”

Stop WiFi Assist from using data when your WiFi signal is weak:

Select “Settings”
Select “Cellular Data”
Scroll to the bottom and turn off “WiFi Assist”

Use instead of cellular data to send or receive files on-the-go:

Android Settings

Disable or force stop unused apps:

Select “Settings”
Go into “Apps” or “Application Manager”
Select “All Apps”
Select “Disable” on any apps that you’re not using, know that you can set them to “Enable” at any time
You can also select “Force Stop” to prevent apps from actively running in the background

Turn off Auto-Sync (prevents apps from using data unnecessarily—you can sync the ones you use manually):

Tap “Settings”
Select “Accounts”
Uncheck “Sync”

Manually restrict a specific app’s data usage:

Select “Network & Internet”
Select “Data Usage”
Find the app you’d like to restrict
Set the limit in the “Foreground,” which limit’s its data consumption when you’re using it and the “Background” which limits the amount of data it uses when you’re not using it.

You can also download a data saving app, built to do this stuff for you. A couple of our favorite apps are Datally for Android and "My Data Manager & Security" for iOS. There are tons out there and if you follow the trail of outstanding user ratings, you’ll likely end up finding the one that’s right for you.

We have more tips on data saving features that you can control within the most popular apps, too. Be sure to check it out.

Free Wi-Fi is Everywhere

Public Wi-Fi is everywhere and using it offers a lot of data-saving benefits, but it could also leave you vulnerable to hackers if you’re not careful. That doesn't mean you need to use your own data, just connect to it the right way. First we'll show you how to fortify your network safety, then we'll show you how to get connected.

Staying Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Get a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for your phone: Often your subscription comes with a few licenses, so you can put it on your computer too while you're at it. A VPN’s basic job is to add many layers of security between you and any potential threats. Private Internet Access is a good one that gives you a virtually anonymous IP address and an untraceable connection. If you use it and connect to public Wi-Fi, it should keep you invisible to hackers.
Make sure that Airdrop and Sharing are OFF on your phone
Find and download a highly rated Wi-Fi finder app

Some of the data saver apps have a built-in Wi-Fi finder, too. Steer clear of relying on their VPN unless you've done your research and know it's reliable.

Turn Your Wi-Fi On

Connect to Public Wi-Fi with iOS:

Go to “Settings”
Select “Wi-Fi”
Turn on “Ask to Join Networks”

Connect to Public Wi-Fi on your Android:

Go to “Settings”
Select “Network and Internet”
Select “Wi-Fi” and turn it on

Unlimited Data Can Be Limiting

Most people think they'll get to loosen their data belt and christen their decision by recklessly streaming anything their heart desires, but many get a rude awakening when nothing comes through. Depending on the unlimited plan that you select, you could be switching to slower data.

There are many plans which offer unlimited data but what you may not realize is that your data could be (and most likely is) subject to slower speeds during times of network congestion. For some of us, this’ll feel like the Dark Ages of dial-up: absolute torture.

We’re not saying unlimited plans aren’t great, they definitely can be. But before you make the switch, you should know what you're getting.

Plans to Consider

When you’re on a “per-GB” plan, fast data is a priority to your carrier. If you're interested in giving these tips a shot before switching over to unlimited data, we've pulled out some great plans for you starting at 2GB for your consideration.

#1	Twigby Mobile	Twigby Mobile Unlimited Talk, Text and 2GB Data 2GB of 4G LTE/5G data Verizon 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 2GB mobile hotspot data Deal: New Customers get 2GB of data for $5 a month for 3 months! $5.00/mo for the first 3 months then $15.00/month View Plan	$5.00/mo for the first 3 months then $15.00/month	View Plan
#2	Mint Mobile	Mint Mobile 5GB Data Plan 5GB of 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 5GB mobile hotspot data Deal: Get this plan for just $10/mo. when you switch to Mint Mobile using promo code 15OFF at checkout. Upfront payment required $10.00/mo $30.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $10.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only. View Plan	$10.00/mo $30.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $10.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.	View Plan
#3	Red Pocket	Red Pocket Essentials Monthly Plan (CDMA) 3GB of 4G LTE/5G data Verizon 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices No mobile hotspot data $10.00/mo View Plan	$10.00/mo	View Plan
#4	US Mobile	US Mobile 2GB By the Gig Plan 2GB of 4G LTE/5G data Available on 3 Major 5G Nationwide networks in select areas and compatible devices 2GB mobile hotspot data Deal: Get 30 Days FREE Trial when you switch to US Mobile. $10.00/mo Taxes and fees included View Plan	$10.00/mo Taxes and fees included	View Plan
#5	Ultra Mobile	Ultra Mobile 4GB 3-Month Plan 4GB of 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 4GB mobile hotspot data Deal: Get 33% off on this plan with upfront payment required $10.67/mo Pay $32 for 3 months or $10.67/month<br> Regular rate at $48 for 3 months or $16/month View Plan	$10.67/mo Pay $32 for 3 months or $10.67/month<br> Regular rate at $48 for 3 months or $16/month	View Plan

Still thinking about going unlimited? See our picks for the best unlimited data plans around.

Angelo Ilumba

Senior Writer

Angelo is a highly experienced writer for WhistleOut, specializing in unraveling the complexities of the mobile and tech world so that readers can easily understand what is relevant to them. Angelo has been featured on several publications such as MoneyTalksNews, Yahoo Finance, NPR and more.

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