Thanks to the ubiquity of Wi-Fi at home, in the office, and a lot of public places in between, you may not need to rely on cellular data consistently. But if there's no Wi-Fi network available where you are, you can use a lot of data from your cellular plan fast — especially if you are streaming video.
If you need to make sure you don't run out of your monthly allotment of data from your cellular provider, there are several ways to control your usage. Your Android phone gives you a single button to disable data, for example. You can also turn on airplane mode. Or, for more granular control, you can disable data for specific apps.
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How to turn off cellular data on Android
The fastest way to disable cellular data on most Android phones is by using the data setting in the phone's control panel.
1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the phone's control panel. Swipe down again to see more of the quick-access buttons.
2. Tap "Mobile data."
Your phone will no longer use mobile data until you turn this feature back on.
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How to turn off cellular data on Android using airplane mode
This does essentially the same thing as toggling the mobile data quick-access button, but it also turns off voice calls and Wi-Fi (and possibly, depending on the phone, Bluetooth).
1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the phone's control panel. Swipe down again to see more of the quick-access buttons.
2. Tap "Airplane mode." The icon should be in the shape of an airplane.
Like turning off mobile data, you won't be able to use any cellular data while airplane mode is enabled.
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How to turn off cellular data on Android for specific apps
Depending on your model and version of the Android OS, the specific settings' names might be slightly different.
1. Start the Settings app.
2. Tap "Wireless & networks" and then tap "Data usage."
3. Tap "Network access."
4. In the list of apps, clear the checkbox for any apps you don't want using cellular data.
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Related coverage fromTech Reference:
How to stream HBO Max over a cellular connection and watch content without Wi-Fi
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How to save data on your Android device in 5 different ways
How to turn off data roaming on your Android phone to prevent surcharges
How to check your data usage on a Samsung Galaxy S10, and set a warning for when you're nearing your data limit
Dave Johnson
Freelance Writer
Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.
