If every month You run out of gigabytes or you get warnings that your plan is about to run outIt's very likely that apps are connecting to the internet in the background without you even knowing. We often think that when we lock the screen, the phone "rests," but in reality, apps are still syncing data, downloading content, or displaying ads in the background.
Controlling this behavior is key to Avoid surprises on your bill, extend battery life, and keep your mobile device running smoothly.Social media, video platforms, map apps, games, and even some pre-installed apps can be silently consuming data and resources. The good news is that both Android and iPhone offer clear tools to detect and stop them.
What is background data and how does it affect your data plan and battery life?
When we talk about background data, we are referring to all the internet traffic generated by apps when you're not directly using themIt's not what you spend watching a YouTube video or browsing Instagram with the app open, but what it consumes while it's minimized or you think it's "closed".
This traffic allows the mobile phone to Receive instant notifications, sync files, update your feed, download messages, or upload backups without you having to do anything. It's very convenient, but if your data plan is limited or the app is poorly optimized, it becomes a drain on your data and a good portion of your battery.
On Android you'll see it under names like “background data”, “background data”, “background synchronization” or “restricted background data”On iPhone (iOS), Apple calls it "Background Refresh." The concept is the same: the app periodically connects to the network, even if you're not using it.
In addition to the data usage, this traffic means that the phone Keep the processor, data modem, WiFi, or GPS active for longer periods of time.It's useful to know what Apps use your locationThe result is usually twofold: increased battery consumption and a feeling of sluggishness or slight stuttering when many apps compete for the same resources.
This doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite apps, but it is essential. Identify the ones that consume the most resources and adjust permissions, notifications, and synchronization frequency. so they don't take advantage without you noticing.
Why some apps devour so much data and battery (and which ones are the worst)
There are apps that, by their very nature, need be connected to their servers almost all the timeThis is the case with apps that send real-time alerts, play video, load content before you see it, or continuously synchronize files and backups.
Social media and video platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Netflix and similar They are champions in data consumption: they load photos, clips, stories, ads, live streams and all kinds of multimedia content as soon as you open the app… and often continue moving data even after you close it.
Various mobile usage reports indicate that A large portion of data traffic in Latin America and Spain is concentrated on social networks and video.At the same time, performance analyses indicate that Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok are among the apps that consume the most battery on average, both due to constant background activity and their intensive use of screen, connectivity, and location services; if you need detect apps that drain battery You'll find it helpful to review those reports.
Security studies such as those by NortonLifeLock have shown that Over 90% of apps continue to maintain active processes even if you think you're not using them.Add to that GPS, Bluetooth, always-on WiFi, and high screen brightness, and you have the perfect recipe for running out of battery by mid-afternoon and using up your data before the end of the month.
The good news is that, with a few adjustments, you can Tame these data-hungry apps: limit autoplay, lower video quality, and restrict background activityAnd, if you use streaming music, you can also reduce data consumptionThis way you can continue enjoying the content, but without your data plan or battery suffering as much.
How to see which apps are using the most data on Android
Android includes a very visual panel for Check how much mobile data each app uses in a specific periodThe exact route varies slightly depending on the brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Pixel, etc.), but the logic is practically the same for all of them.
On most recent mobile phones you can log in from Settings > Network and Internet > Internet > Data usageThere you will see a graph showing your current cycle's data consumption and, below it, a list of apps ordered by the amount of data they have used.
In many models you will find a specific section called “App data usage” or “Mobile data usage”On Samsung devices, this is usually found in Settings > Connections > Data usage > Mobile data usage; on OnePlus, it's under Mobile network > Data usage. In all cases, it displays the total data consumption of each app in MB or GB during the selected time period.
You can usually Change the period by sliding or tapping on the billing cycle. which appears at the top. This allows you to see what has happened this month, in recent weeks, or even in previous periods if the manufacturer allows it.
Keep in mind one very important detail: This section only reflects mobile data traffic, not WiFi traffic.It helps you detect which apps are eating up your data allowance when you leave home, even though they might be using even more on your home network without you noticing.
How to tell if an app is using data in the background on Android
Once the list of the most energy-intensive apps has been located, the next step is separate which part of the consumption occurs while you use them and which part corresponds to the backgroundThat's where you find out who's secretly using up your data.
From the data usage screen, tap on the app you want to analyze. A sheet will open with the breakdown between “Foreground” (when the app is on screen) and “Background” (when it is in the shadow)The sum of both is the total consumed in the selected period.
If you notice a very high background usage in an app you rarely open, it's a clear sign that It connects too often behind your back, perhaps to sync, update the feed, or download ads.In these cases, it's worth taking action, from limiting permissions to using apps that hibernate processes, as Greenify did in older versions of Android, and if that's not enough, force the closing of apps.
There is usually a switch on the same screen to allow or block background dataIf you disable it, that app will only use mobile data while it's in the foreground; as soon as you close or minimize it, it will stop connecting. In return, its notifications will be delayed and the content won't refresh until you reopen it.
Another very useful tool is the Android's "Data Saver" mode, which acts globally: massively limits background traffic for almost all applications and allows you to mark exceptions for those you do want to continue working normally (for example, messaging or email).
Controlling mobile data usage on iPhone (iOS)
The philosophy is similar on iOS, although the menus are named differently. From your iPhone you can See at a glance which apps are using the most mobile data and cut off their access if needed.even individually.
To do this, go to Settings > Mobile data (On some models, it may appear as "Cellular"). At the top, you have the master switch to completely turn cellular data on or off, very useful if you want your iPhone to use only Wi-Fi for a while.
Below you will find the section with the usage of data for the current period and, just below, the complete list of applications with the amount of MB or GB each one has consumed. Usually, the ones that use the most appear first, so it's very easy to spot the culprits.
Next to each app's name you'll see a switch that allows block their access to mobile dataIf you turn it off, that app will only be able to connect when the iPhone is on a WiFi network, which is ideal for video streaming services, games you rarely use outside the home, or accessory apps.
In the part of System servicesWithin the same screen, iOS displays the data traffic generated by internal functions such as syncing, time zone settings, push notifications, and system updates. In most cases, you won't be able to disable them individually, but they are useful for detecting unusual data usage or excessive system activity.
How to limit background refresh on iPhone
In addition to the mobile data dashboard, iOS allows for detailed adjustments. Which apps can be updated in the background and with what type of connectionThis menu is key to cutting both data and battery while keeping the operating system easy to use.
Go to Settings> General> Background updateYou'll see a list of apps with a switch next to each one. By turning off the switch for a specific app, It will stop downloading content or updating while you are not using it.and it will only update when you open it manually.
At the top, if you tap again on “Background update”You can choose between three modes: off, Wi-Fi only, or Wi-Fi and cellular data. This tells your iPhone whether Do you want apps to sync with your mobile plan, only when there's WiFi, or never in the background?.
If you choose "Off", no apps will update in the background; with "WiFi", they will only update when you are connected to a wireless network; and with "WiFi and mobile data" you will maintain the standard behavior, which is more convenient but also more wasteful.
You can always return to this section and Adjust each app individually as you identify problems.It's advisable to review it periodically, especially if you install many new applications (newly installed apps (They are usually added to the list with background updates enabled).
See which apps are using battery, RAM, and storage on Android.
Normally, when an app abuses mobile data, it also Its battery consumption, RAM, and internal storage usage skyrockets.Some even generate wakelocks that prevent the device from going to sleep and drain the battery.
To see how much space the apps are using, go to Settings > Storage > Applications (The route may vary depending on the manufacturer) and sort the list by size. This way you will find Which apps are using up the most internal memory? and if any have grown excessively due to cache or temporary data.
If you notice that the battery life is much shorter than normal, open Settings > Battery > Battery usageThere you will see the Energy consumption over the last few hours or the last day, ordered by the apps that have used the most energyIf an app you rarely use appears high up and has a lot of background activity, it may be poorly optimized or have a bug.
To control RAM you can use the Developer OptionsIf you have them enabled, or in the memory sections of the latest Android versions. On many phones, you can find this in Settings > System > Developer options > Running services which services and applications are using memory at that momenteven if you didn't open them.
Starting with Android 12, there is usually a panel of Memory > Memory used by applicationsThis shows the RAM used by each app in the last 3, 6, 12, or 24 hours. You can sort by average or maximum usage. detect those that repeatedly overshoot the braking pointThis is very useful if you suspect a particular game or social network.
How to restrict background data on Android (by app and globally)
Once the main culprits have been identified, it's time to move on. Apply restrictions to prevent them from continuing to devour your data allowance.Android offers two main options: limit app by app or activate a global power saving mode.
To restrict a specific application, go to Settings > Networks & Internet > Mobile networks > App data usage (the name changes slightly depending on the layer), tap the problematic app and uncheck the box “Background data” or “Allow background data usage”From that moment on, it will only use megabytes when it is on screen.
On Samsung phones, the usual route is Settings > Connections > Data usage > Mobile data usageOnce there, select the app you're interested in and deactivate it. “Allow background data usage” if you don't want it to keep connecting in the background.
If you want to go one step further, you can activate the system's "Data saving" modeThis is usually found in Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver. When turned on, Android It blocks a large portion of the background traffic of most apps.allowing only limited connections when you're not using them.
Within that menu there is usually a section for “Unrestricted data”, “Unlimited apps” or similarwhere you can specify which apps will have unrestricted data usage even with data saving enabled (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, work email, or banking apps if you need real-time notifications). It's also worth reviewing the apps that start automatically and restrict your activity if you don't need them.
How to view WiFi data usage on Android
We tend to obsess over mobile data plans, but they're also useful. See which apps are overloading your WiFi connectionespecially if your router has a monthly limit, you experience reduced speed when you exceed a certain limit, or you notice that your home network is running very slowly.
You can find this information on many Android phones. using the settings search functionType “WiFi data usage” or “WiFi statistics” and, if your interface allows it, a screen will appear with statistics specific to the wireless connection.
In other models, simply go to the section of WiFi within Networks and Internet and look for a “Data Usage” or “Statistics” option. It looks very similar to the mobile data dashboard: List of apps with their total usage and, in some cases, separation between foreground and background.
This information helps you detect if you have apps that, although they don't use up your mobile data allowance, They are downloading backups, cloud files, large updates, or streaming content. and leaving the home network without bandwidth for the rest of the devices.
Just like with mobile data, from each application's details you can Adjust automatic downloads, limit aggressive syncing, or disable features that only make sense on Wi-Fi.A little order here can make all the difference when you share the network with more people.
Pre-installed apps and bloatware: the silent enemy
Not all data consumption comes from the apps you install. Often the blame lies with... pre-installed applications (bloatware) that come from the factory on the mobile phone And that you may have never opened, but they're still there, consuming resources and data without asking permission.
These types of apps exist for both Android and iPhone: some are from the manufacturer, others from the carrier, or from promotional services. Even if you don't use them, They can update themselves, send notifications, use mobile data, and run in the background.which reduces battery life and storage space.
To find them, check your phone's battery section and look at the list sorted by usage. If you see one you don't remember opening, it's probably because... He's working on his own behind your back.The same thing usually happens in the data usage panel.
On Android, many of these apps cannot be completely uninstalled, but they can Disable them from Settings > ApplicationsBy doing so, you stop them from running in the background or updating, reducing their impact on battery, data, and internal storage. Additionally, you can use App Ops to manage permissions and revoke unnecessary access.
On iPhone there are system apps that cannot be deleted, but you can disable background updates, block their access to mobile data, and silence irrelevant notifications. From the menus we've seen. That's usually enough to make them stop causing trouble.
View apps that use real-time data on Xiaomi phones with HyperOS
If you have a Xiaomi with HyperOS, you have a very practical tool for See which apps are using mobile data in real timeThis comes in handy when you notice the gigabytes are flying by and you want to catch the culprit right then and there.
To access, go to Settings > SIM card and mobile networks > Advanced settings > Manage mobile data connectionYou will see a table with all applications and their instant usage, without the need to install anything extra.
From that same section you can configure tariff limits, alerts when you're approaching the cap, and additional restrictions so that the line behaves exactly as you want it to.
Remember that, once you run out of your data allowance, many operators maintain the connection but they reduce the speed to almost unusable levelsThat's why it's so important to monitor your data usage if you're running low on gigabytes, especially in the second half of the month.
Developer options and advanced background app control (Android)
If you like to tinker a bit more, Android offers, through the Developer options, tools to view running services and stop rogue processesThese are features designed for advanced users, so use them with caution.
To enable developer options, go to Settings> About phone Then tap repeatedly (usually seven times) on “Build number” until the system confirms you are a developer. A new developer menu will then appear in Settings > System or similar.
Within those options you will find sections such as “Services in progress” or “Memory used by apps”From there you can see which processes remain active in the background, how much RAM they consume, and Manually stop those that don't make sense (for example, apps you never use and yet they appear there.)
However, it's not advisable to touch it. System processes identified by the Android, Google, or manufacturer iconas this could cause restarts or instability. It's best to focus on third-party apps that you recognize and that shouldn't be running all the time.
If you want to prevent certain apps from reactivating themselves, in addition to stopping them, you can Revoke unnecessary permissions (such as location, microphone, or background activity) and restrict your mobile data usageSome models even offer features to "hibernate" or "suspend" apps that you don't use for weeks, drastically reducing their impact.
Risks and limitations when restricting background data
Restricting background data is a very effective way to save, but It's not advisable to apply it haphazardly to all applicationsSome apps need that continuous connection to offer you basic functions.
If you block background data usage in Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or email clients like GmailYou will stop receiving messages, emails, and real-time notifications. They will only appear when you open the app, with the risk of missing urgent communications.
The same goes for banking apps, security apps, or services that depend on real-time location like Google Maps or Waze. If you limit their activity too much, they may stop showing important alerts, fail to update routes, or give connection errors.
The general recommendation is to apply the restrictions. especially on social media, games, news apps, online stores, streaming services, and tools that don't require immediate notificationswhile maintaining more data freedom for communication, work, banking, and browsing.
If after a few days you notice that something stops working as it should, check the list of apps for which you have cut off background data and Readjust your permissions until you find the balance between saving and comfort.It's better to try little by little than to overdo it.
Third-party apps to monitor and "clean" your mobile phone: are they really worth it?
In addition to the native options, you'll find them on Google Play and the App Store. Third-party applications that promise to control consumption, close processes, clean junk files, or even detect spyware appsSome are useful, but you have to choose carefully.
In general, these tools monitor Which apps use the most data, battery, or memory? They also automatically suspend apps they deem problematic. They typically offer cache cleaning, removal of residual files, and recommendations for optimizing performance.
If you decide to try any, make sure that It comes from well-known developers, has good ratings, and doesn't ask for excessive permissions.After all, it's also another application that will run on your mobile phone and that can consume resources if it's not programmed properly.
For most users, dedicating a few minutes a month to Review your Android or iOS settings, internal data and battery statistics, and uninstall apps you no longer use. It is usually more than enough to keep consumption under control.
Those who prefer to automate part of the process can rely on a monitoring app or a good mobile antivirus, but it's always advisable to verify that it does not generate more traffic and consumption than it savesIf you notice that since you installed it, the battery lasts less time or the data speed is very fast, it's probably not worth it.
Controlling which apps are using data, battery, and resources without you noticing isn't complicated if you know where to look: combining Android and iOS usage dashboards, limiting background updates, taming social media and streaming, and keeping an eye on bloatware. You can detect data-guzzling apps early, set limits on them, and adjust their settings to extend battery life, avoid surprises on your bill, and enjoy a much more responsive phone every day..
