A data cap is a limitation to the amount of data you can use as set by your provider. This might sound easier to understand but the tricky thing with data caps is that many providers are having a hidden data cap that can be reached without you even knowing. Data capping means that your provider monitors your data usage and keeps a track of the amount of data you use per month.
Different activities consume different amounts of data. Thus it is important to know how to monitor your data usage. Although there are many packages such as Windstream internet packages that free their users with the worry of data caps, there are still several providers that have hidden or predefined data caps that you might not want to reach and pay extra bucks for.
The data cap is set by your provider and depends on the package you are choosing. The amount of data you need will depend on the time you spend online and the activities you perform the most while surfing on the internet. For example, if you are just randomly using the google search bar and sending a few messages per day, you might not have to worry about your data caps. However, if you are used to live-streaming and gaming, you will require a package with a huge data cap and need to monitor your data usage regularly.
What Happens Upon Reaching Your Data Cap?
Every internet service provider has its set limits and own policies regarding reaching the data cap. However, in general, you will either face a slowed down speed until the beginning of your new billing cycle or you will be charged extra bucks by your provider for every extra megabyte you use. Yet some providers will charge an overage fee upon you reaching your data cap which means that you won’t be charged above an extra 50 bucks without your permission.
What Uses Up Your Data?
Now that you know what data cap is and what happens when you reach your data cap, you must be wondering what activities utilize more data than the others. While every activity you do online consumes your data, the amount of data varies with different activities.
Following are some tips to help you check your data cap and to monitor what activity utilizes most of your data contributing most towards reaching your data cap.
Set a Data Limit
If you want to keep track of your data usage over the phone, you can set a limit to the data which will allow your phone to issue you a warning when you are nearing your data cap. To do this you need to follow these simple steps:
- In your phone’s Settings, go to “Network and Internet”
- Go to the “Data usage” option > “Data warning and limit”
Moreover, you can set a limit to the data you utilize on different apps individually by tapping on the “Digital Wellbeing” option available on many phones and then setting timers for the apps you spend the most time using.
Use A Data Management Application
While the data server can assist you in knowing which apps are using your data, you can get even detailed control over your data usage using apps such as Google’s Datally. There are many additional features available with the Datally app other than keeping a check on your background apps, such as an option for setting a bedtime mode with restricted data usage, an emergency data bank where you can keep extra credit in case you run slow by the end of the payment cycle, and hotspot data usage monitor.
The benefit that comes with using these apps is that they set you free of the worry of reaching your data cap without you knowing. You can set them and let them work in the background or customize them the way you want to.
Data Monitoring On PC
If you want to keep track and have a hold on your network’s security over your PC, you can use network security tools such as GlassWire. Once you install Galsswire over your Windows software, just go to the usage bar over the top menu and check the hosts and internal apps using your data. This will assist you to know what apps and hosts to avoid. Moreover, GlassWire will also give a warning every time an unknown device enters your network channel and lets you know if a new hacker or host is attempting to use your Wifi data. You can do this by simply following these steps:
- Open the GlassWire tool and go to the settings
- Go to the “Security” tab> “things monitor”> check the “report new unknown devices” option
Search for Suitable ISPs
To get rid of all the fuss of maintaining your data cap, your first intention is supposed to find a provider and the packages with no hidden data caps such as offered by Windstream internet. If your current provider has data caps, look up alternative providers in your region with no hidden data caps.
Wrapping Up
Ideally, you must keep an eye on internet providers with no data caps. In case you don’t find any, we have got you covered. By following the above-mentioned tips and using a combo of data monitoring tools and apps, you won’t have to worry about your data caps and can access your app data usage in detail while using any data bundle.