How to set data limits and save mobile data on Android

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

If you run out of data before the month ends, Android can warn you, cut off data at a limit you choose and stop apps from using data in the background.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them, so the Samsung name is given where it differs. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. See what uses your data

   Open Settings, Network & internet, SIMs, your SIM, App data usage. Apps are listed with the amount each used in the current cycle.

   Done

2. Turn on Data Saver

   Go back to Network & internet and tap Data Saver. Apps in the background can no longer use mobile data. On Samsung: Settings, Connections, Data usage, Data saver.

   Done

3. Allow the apps that matter

   Under Data Saver, tap Unrestricted data and switch on apps that must always work, such as your messaging app.

   Done

4. Set a warning and a limit

   In your SIM's settings, tap Data warning & limit. Set the day your billing cycle starts, a warning amount and, if you want, a hard limit. At the limit, mobile data switches off until the next cycle.

   Done

5. Restrict a single app

   In App data usage, tap an app and switch off Background data.

   Done

Good to know

The phone's count can differ slightly from your network's. Set the limit a little below your real allowance.

Video is by far the largest user of data. Lower the streaming quality in YouTube, Netflix and social apps, and download music and maps on Wi-Fi.

Set the Play Store to update apps over Wi-Fi only: Play Store, Settings, Network preferences.

In short: Settings, Network & internet, Data Saver. Limits under SIMs, your SIM, Data warning & limit.