How to enable data saver mode on your Android

To enable Data Saver mode on your Android, open the “Network & Internet” menu.
Data Saver prevents apps from using the internet in the background, saving data and battery life.
Even if Data Saver is enabled, you can allow certain apps to continue using internet data.

Mobile internet data can be expensive, especially if you spend a lot of time out of range of Wi-Fi signals. It gets even worse when you realize how many apps are using internet data in the background, even when closed.

Fortunately, Android phones have a way to reduce how much internet these background apps take up: Data Saver Mode.

What is Data Saver on Android?

Data Saver is a feature built into Android phones that limits how much data your apps can use in the background when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi.

If Data Saver is turned on and an app is running in the background, it won’t be able to connect to the Internet. This means it will not receive updates, send you push notifications, and will not take any of your data. This mode is great if you’ve used up a lot of your monthly data.

It is also useful if your battery is low. Fewer apps updating in the background means less power consumption, extending your phone’s battery life.

Some apps you are active usage may also reduce the connection to the internet. For example, some apps may not load images until you tap them.

Here’s how to turn it on or off.

Turn data saver on or off on Android

You’ll find Data Saver grouped with the rest of your Android’s network settings.

1. Open your Android’s Settings app and tap Network & Internetthen Data Saving.

2. Press Using Data Saver option at the top of the page to flip the switch to the right and turn it on.

The menu — Turn on the “Data Saver” switch.

To disable it, return to this page and flip the Use data saver switch to the left.

Let apps use data in data saver mode

Some apps need constant internet access to work properly. Therefore, Data Saver allows you to exclude certain apps from the restrictions.

To let apps use data even when Data Saver is turned on, go back to the Data Saver menu and tap Unlimited data. You’ll see a list of every app on your device – find the app you want and flip the switch next to it.

The list — Choose which apps you want to use data.

William Antonellic

Tech Reporter for Insider Reviews

William Antonelli (he/she/she) is a writer, editor and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped build Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings to a juggernaut attracting more than 20 million visits per month.
Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications such as Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He’s also a go-to source for technical analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation.
You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcheror reach him by email at [email protected].