Why is my data running out so fast, and how can I save data?

A few settings stop most of it. Change them before you travel, while you are still on Wi-Fi.

iPhone

1. Low Data Mode: Settings > Mobile Data > your TraveleSIM line > Data Mode > Low Data Mode. This pauses automatic updates and backups and reduces background activity.
2. Background App Refresh: Settings > General > Background App Refresh > set to Wi-Fi or Off.
3. Photos and backups: Settings > Photos > Mobile Data > off. Do the same in other backup apps.
4. Per app: Settings > Mobile Data, then scroll to the app list and switch off apps that do not need mobile data.
5. Wi-Fi Assist: Settings > Mobile Data > Wi-Fi Assist (at the bottom) > off, so a weak Wi-Fi does not silently fall back to mobile data.

Android

1. Data Saver: Settings > Network & internet > Data Saver (Pixel), or Settings > Connections > Data usage > Data saver (Samsung).
2. Background data per app: Settings > Apps > choose an app > Mobile data > turn off Background data.
3. Backups and updates on Wi-Fi only: in Google Photos (Backup settings) and in the Play Store (Network preferences > App download preference > Over Wi-Fi only).
4. Data warning: set a warning in the data usage settings of the eSIM so you know when you are close to your limit.

Good habits on any phone

• Download offline maps, playlists and films on Wi-Fi before you leave.
• Turn off video autoplay in social apps and lower the streaming quality.
• Switch off your VPN when you do not need it: it uses extra data and keeps connections open in the background.
• Keep a laptop off your hotspot unless needed: computers download updates in the background too.

Check how much you have left anytime: check your data or top up.