Android offers multiple options for reducing mobile data usage, but what if you want to save data while connected to Wi-Fi? You may need to use a Wi-Fi connection with a bandwidth limit; for example, if you're using your phone's hotspot to connect a laptop, you don't want to use up your bandwidth. 📱💻
While your options for saving Wi-Fi bandwidth are limited, you can still conserve some data by setting your Wi-Fi network to a metered connection on your Android.
What is a metered connection?
A metered connection or metered network is simply a network that provides you with a limited amount of monthly data. For example, if the Wi-Fi network you're connected to has a 4GB data usage limit per day, it's a metered connection. 📊
Metered connectivity on Android doesn't compress your data or reduce streaming video quality to save data. It's a term that describes a network with limited data usage.
When you set up a network WiFi as a metered connection, your Android device It will treat Wi-Fi internet as mobile data and block actions like app updates, downloading system updates, and more. 🚫📲
How to set up WiFi as a metered connection on Android
You can set any Wi-Fi network you're connected to as a metered connection on Android. Here are the simple steps. 😊
1. Swipe down the notification panel on your Android and tap on Configuration.
2. In the Settings app, tap on the option Connections.
3. Then, on the Connections screen, tap on WiFi.
4. You will now see the Wi-Fi network you are connected to. Tap the icon. Configuration which is next door.
5. On the next screen, tap on See more or in the options Advanced.
6. Then, tap on the section Measured network and select the option Treat as a measure in the drop-down menu.
This will set your Wi-Fi network to a metered connection. From now on, your Android device will always treat that particular Wi-Fi network as a metered connection. 🔒
Secondary method to configure WiFi as a measurement
On some Android versions (Android 12 and above), you'll need to follow a different method to set up a metered Wi-Fi connection. If your phone doesn't have the above option, follow these steps.
First, open Settings and tap on Network and Internet.
Then, tap on WiFi either Internet, depending on what you are using.
Tap on the name of your WiFi network and select Network usage.
In Network Usage, tap on Treat as a measure.
Aside from setting up Wi-Fi as a metered connection, you can use firewall apps on Android to restrict apps from using your Wi-Fi or mobile data. 🔥
