In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected on the go is crucial, but the fear of blowing through your mobile data while using your phone as a hotspot can be a real concern.
Whether you’re on a train, in a café, or anywhere without Wi-Fi, here’s a practical guide to harnessing your phone’s hotspot capabilities without breaking the bank.
Windows Users: Enabling Metered Connection
- Step 1: Open the Settings app from the Start menu.
- Step 2: Navigate to Network & Internet, then click on the name of your current WiFi network.
- Step 3: Turn on the Metered connection feature.
Enabling this feature alters your Windows experience. Priority updates will be installed, and certain apps will use less data.
For those with a tight data cap, set a monthly limit for the network by clicking “Set a data limit” in the same menu.
Mac Users: TripMode to the Rescue
While macOS lacks built-in data management tools, a third-party application called TripMode steps in seamlessly.
- Step 1: Download TripMode (offering a seven-day trial, starting at $17).
- Step 2: Toggle the switch in the top-left corner to restrict all applications from accessing the internet.
- Step 3: Grant internet access selectively by checking specific apps.
TripMode not only tracks your data usage but also remembers your preferences for different networks and applications.
With this tool, you can ensure that only the essential apps have internet access, preventing unnecessary data consumption.
Whether you’re a Windows enthusiast or a dedicated Mac user, these simple steps can help you stay connected on the go without burning through your precious data.
Efficient hotspot usage is not only about convenience but also about smart data management in our data-driven world.
