How to Turn Off Specific Apps to Save Data

Why You Should Turn Off Data for Some Apps

Before we dive into the steps, here’s the thing — not every app needs internet access all the time. Some just waste data doing things like:

• Auto-downloading updates when you’re not looking.
• Loading ads and videos in the background.
• Syncing stuff like photos or files you don’t even need synced right now.

Turning off data for those apps not only saves your mobile plan, but it can also help your phone last longer on battery. Fewer apps working in the background = less drain.

How to Turn Off Mobile Data for Specific Apps (Android)

I’m using Android as an example here, but keep in mind that exact steps might vary a bit depending on your phone brand — Samsung, Tecno, Xiaomi, etc. The feature’s basically the same on all modern Android versions though.

Option 1: Using Settings

1. Open your Settings app.
2. Go to Network & Internet or Connections.
3. Tap Data Usage.
4. Select Mobile Data Usage.
5. Now, you’ll see a list of apps using your data. Tap the app you want to restrict.
6. Toggle off Background Data (and if you want to go all-in, toggle off Allow data usage while Data Saver is on).

That’s it! From now on, that app won’t use mobile data in the background. It’ll only work when you open it manually and you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

Option 2: Using Data Saver Mode (Android)

If you want to take things further, Android has a built-in Data Saver mode that blocks background data for almost everything — except apps you allow.

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Data Saver.
2. Turn on Data Saver.
3. Tap Unrestricted data to pick which apps can still use data freely (for example, WhatsApp or Gmail).

Everything else will only use data when you actively open the app. It’s a great “set it and forget it” option.

Bonus Tip for Android Users

Some phone brands (like Tecno, Infinix, and Xiaomi) also include a Data Manager app or feature in Settings. You can find it under “Data Usage” or “Network Manager.” There, you can individually switch off data and Wi-Fi access for specific apps — super handy when you want total control.

How to Turn Off Mobile Data for Specific Apps (iPhone)

iPhone makes this even simpler — and it works instantly. You can basically decide which apps can use cellular data and which can’t.

Steps for iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions).
3. Scroll down, and you’ll see a list of apps.
4. Toggle off the switch beside any app you don’t want using mobile data.

Done. That app will now only connect to the internet over Wi-Fi. If you try opening it while on mobile data, it’ll say “No Internet Connection.”

To double-check, scroll back up and make sure Cellular Data is turned on for the phone overall. You’re just turning it off for specific apps — not everything.

Apps You Should Consider Restricting

You don’t need to turn off data for all apps. But some apps are notorious for background activity. Here are a few I personally keep restricted:

• Facebook — heavy background refresh and video loading.
• Instagram — preloads stories and videos even when you’re not scrolling.
• TikTok — auto-refreshes content and can use data while idle.
• Play Store / App Store — automatically updates apps unless restricted.
• Maps — if you don’t use navigation daily, turn off its mobile data.

Of course, leave data on for things you actually need on the go — like WhatsApp, Gmail, or banking apps.

How to Check Which Apps Use the Most Data

On Android

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Data Usage → Mobile Data Usage.
2. You’ll see a list of apps and how much data each one has used this month.

On iPhone

1. Settings → Cellular.
2. Scroll down to see data usage by app. You can reset the statistics at the bottom to track fresh usage.

Seeing which apps use the most data helps you decide which ones to restrict first. You’ll be surprised — sometimes a random app you barely use is eating hundreds of MBs in the background.

Extra Ways to Save Data

• Use Wi-Fi whenever possible — obvious but easy to forget.
• Disable auto app updates in Play Store or App Store.
• Turn off video autoplay in apps like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
• Enable Lite versions (like Facebook Lite or YouTube Go) where available.

These small tweaks make a big difference — especially if you’re on a limited data plan.

Quick Reality Check

One thing to know — restricting background data doesn’t mean the app is “off.” You can still open it anytime. It just won’t quietly use data while you’re not looking. Think of it as giving yourself more control.

On most phones, these settings stay even after restarting, but if you notice an app sneaking back to “allowed,” just double-check your data settings once a week or so.

Wrapping It Up

Honestly, once I started turning off data for apps I barely use, my monthly data lasted almost twice as long. I didn’t have to buy extra bundles or top up as often — and that felt good. If your phone bill’s been creeping up for no reason, this is one of those simple fixes that actually makes a difference.

Try it today and your data will thank you— start with your biggest data users, and see how much smoother life feels when your phone’s not secretly draining your data in the background.