Use less data with G+ - Spencer Wade shows you how

Use less data with G+ - Spencer Wade shows you how


Originally shared by Spencer Wade

Highlights of the G+ Help File Settings Tab: Use Less Data in Google+

Once upon a time, many of us Android users enjoyed the perks of an unlimited data plan through our providers. This allowed us to do everything we wanted while on our devices with zero fear of consequence. It was a good time. Then providers realized they could charge us more if they changed the data schemes, so unlimited went bye-bye and caps were introduced. Oh, the pure joy of realizing everything you’d grown accustomed to using your devices for was no longer cost-effective, and from then on you’d be constantly scanning for Wi-Fi everywhere you went. Even services like Google+ could hurt you, along with Twitter and Facebook and Instagram and on and on, by downloading data in the background, or uploading every huge image posted to your feed in full, spectacular detail. That’s a chunk of data and it can cost you money.

For many services, the only option you have for limiting your data is turning them off when not on Wi-Fi. This includes all activity – location data, feeds, and updating via the Play store. This is a completely workable solution that solves the problem 100% of the time, but at a pretty steep cost. You’re basically turning your smartphone back into a dumb one for 75% of its lifespan and seriously curtailing your ability to enjoy the apps you’re using in the first place. So, while it’s a functional solution, it’s overkill for most people.

Luckily, Google+ has a way you can limit the data you use and still enjoy your favorite platform when on the go. All you have to do, aside from having an Android device, is follow the directions in the image above. It’s really as simple as activating a slider function. Once you select “Conserve Data Usage”, you’ll no longer be served GIFs or high-quality images. It’s a vanilla version, to be sure, but it will save you data in the long run – lots of data. If you’d like to see a GIF or high-res image, all you have to do is tap it and let it load up. It’s a good solution to a common problem and will allow you to remain “online” without the weighty data costs. So, give it a shot if you need to keep the GBs down this month.