Tag: internet data

The Guide to Smartphone Data: Understanding Gigabytes and Avoiding Bill Shock

Ah, the magical energy that keeps us informed, entertained, and connected: smartphone data. However, understanding gigabytes (GB) and data plans might be like reading ancient manuscripts. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to manage your data usage, prevent bill shock, and make sure your smartphone continues to be a window into the infinite possibilities rather than a financial black hole.

Breaking down Gigabytes:

A gigabyte (GB) is what? Consider a bucket of data. Approximately 1,000 images, 300 songs, or one hour of high-definition video streaming can be stored on one gigabyte.

Understanding Data Usage:

  • Data Consumption Culprits: Streaming music and videos, browsing the internet, and using social media applications are all data guzzlers. Background app refreshes and automatic updates can also silently drain your data. let us show you how to minimize it.

How to avoid bill shock

  • Know your plan: Familiarize yourself with your data plan’s inclusions and limitations. Most carriers offer tiered plans with varying data allowances. Choose a plan that aligns with your typical usage.
  • Monitor Your Data: Most smartphones have built-in data usage monitors. Utilize these tools to track your data consumption and identify any spikes to easily avoid bill shocks
  • Data-Saving Tips: Download content for offline viewing when connected to Wi-Fi. Opt for lower video streaming quality and limit background app refresh. Consider using data compression apps to optimize data usage.

Getting good at the data game:

  • Wi-Fi is Your Friend: To reduce data usage, connect to Wi-Fi hotspots whenever you can. Free Wi-Fi is available at cafes, public libraries, and even in some public transit systems.
  • Data Saver Mode: Several applications come with built-in data saver modes that lower data usage by reducing the amount of background data used and the quality of the images.
  • Watch Out for Autoplay: Autoplay features on social media sites and video streaming services can rapidly consume your data. Turn these functions off to maintain control.
  • Think about data carryover: plans that allow unused data from one month to be carried over to the next are available from some carriers. you can check them on VTpass. If you routinely have extra data at the conclusion of your billing month, look into these solutions.
  • Buy cheaper data: Always opt for cheaper data plans offered by service providers. Sme plans and cheaper data bundles like the ones offered on the vtpass app and website.

Bonus Tip: Take advantage of apps that allow you to monitor your data usage, set data usage limits, and receive alerts when you’re nearing your data limit. These are some of the tips for avoiding bill shocks with your trusted VTpass

The Big Data Consumers: Showmax vs Netflix

Netflix vs. Showmax. This does not seem like a fair comparison, right? Well, all is fair in entertainment. Netflix and Showmax are really big streaming services for movies and series, and they equally have dynamic audiences. while Showmax caters to mostly African movies and series, Netflix is worldwide and even has some of the Showmax moves integrated into them.

However, Showmax provides football streaming services. I mean, who does not want to watch football on the go? tell me, I will be waiting. This, for me, places it above Netflix; of course, it would have a wider audience.

I asked a few people where they spend most of their streaming time, and the answers were quite funny. Most people said it usually differs depending on what trending series or movies they are watching, but it is really the same amount of time on each streaming platform. whether you are watching Netflix or Showmax, one thing is certain: you must have data, and you must have lots of it.

Which uses more data?

Which consumes more data, you may ask? I think they both share the same responsibility; it just depends on the amount of time you spend on it. Remember to also have a life (side eye) and go outside once in a while.

VTpass for Data and cable subscription

For instance, you are watching Netflix and chilling with Bae, and you get the “your data has been exhausted” message (cringe moment). What do you do? you can easily top up with the already downloaded VTpass app on your phone or just simply use the website.

Want to also binge-watch the real housewives of Lagos, but you totally forgot about your expired Showmax subscription? just open the app and subscribe. I say it is easy and efficient.

Here is how to buy data and pay for showmax on VTpass

Download the VTpass app and login, or sign up if you do not have an account, to get started.

Navigate to the data payment page and pick your preferred data service provider.

Thirdly, you can navigate to the Pay Subscription page, click on Pay Showmax, and then pick from the different options.

Done and dusted!! In conclusion, enjoying a good time with loved ones watching movies and having fun should not cost you your time or peace; it should only cost you data, which you can easily buy on VTpass

Top Tips for Long-Distance Love (and Staying Connected!)

Falling in love, they say, is a beautiful thing, and what makes it even more beautiful is if the person you are in love with is in love with you too (side eye).Have you ever been in a long-distance relationship? if yes, then some of the things I’ll say might sound familiar, but if not, come on board and let me hold your hands. With a little effort, communication, and the right tools to stay connected, you and your special someone can thrive in your LDR.

Here are some tips to keep the spark alive, even when miles apart:

Embrace the power of communication.

  • Schedule regular calls and video chats: Set dedicated times to talk, even if it’s just for a quick catch-up. Seeing each other’s faces can make a big difference.
  • Send thoughtful messages throughout the day: A quick text or meme showing you’re thinking of them can brighten their day.
  • Get creative with communication: explore virtual date nights, play games online together, or even watch movies simultaneously virtually. Remember, quality time doesn’t always have to be in person.

Stay connected effortlessly wth VTpass

  • Ditch the high phone bills and unreliable internet: Invest in affordable data plans and airtime to ensure smooth communication. Look for bundles that offer both data and airtime for a truly convenient price. All of these can be found on VTpass, which is convenient and efficient. all you need in one place
  • Utilize communication apps: Take advantage of free video calling apps and messaging platforms to stay in touch without breaking the bank. Just make sure you have enough data to support your needs!
  • Share your experiences: Send pictures and videos of your daily life, hobbies, and achievements. How best can you do this? by making sure your devices never run out of data and airtime, and you can do so with the VTpass app. Make them feel included in your world, even when you’re apart.
  • Plan for the future: Talk about your goals and dreams, and make plans for when you can finally reunite. Having something to look forward to can keep the motivation strong.
  • Express your love and appreciation: Don’t take each other for granted. Send data bundles with the VTpass app, care packages, or small gifts to show you care.

Staying connected and keeping the love alive in an LDR requires effort, but it’s definitely achievable. With the right communication strategies and affordable data and airtime on VTpass, you can bridge the distance and keep the spark alive!

Ready to stay connected with your loved one, no matter the distance?

VTpass offers a wide range of affordable data plans and airtime options to keep you connected, always! visit our website or download our app to find the perfect plan for your needs.

Happy connecting!

Stream the new Netflix Show ANIKULAPO with VTpass

Hey, movie lovers, serial binge watchers, and couch potatoes! We’ve all experienced the struggle: you finally discover a show that interests you, settle down for an extended viewing, and then—BOOM! Your data is exhausted. let VTpass help you

But fear not, fellow streamers! With VTpass, you can say hello to uninterrupted Netflix bliss.

Here is why VTpass is your binge-watching BFF

Affordable Data Plans: To meet your streaming requirements, we provide a range of data plans and cover all data service providers. We have you covered, whether you’re a die-hard binge-watcher or a casual observer.

Fast & Reliable Speeds: With our high-speed Internet connections, buffering is no longer an issue. Watch your favorite Netflix series without annoying lagging.

Convenient Top-Up Options: Use our user-friendly app or website to top up your data whenever and wherever you choose. Never lose data in the middle of an episode again!

Introducing Anikulapo: your new streaming obsession

I don’t know about you, but ever since Netflix dropped this new series, I have been stuck to my screen. The first few episodes had me wanting more and of course I had to top up my Glo data to give me endless streaming. with the number of positive reviews this series has, I would say it is perfect for a weekend binge watch.

Don’t let Data Worries Stop Your Entertainment

Head over to VTpass or download our app to find the perfect data plan for you. Top up your data, grab your snacks, and get ready to dive into the world of ANIKULAPO—carefree!

So, what are you waiting for? Unleash your inner binge-watcher with VTpass!

Data-Saving Settings on Popular Apps You Should Apply

We love data, don’t we? The invisible glue that connects us to the internet while draining the life out of our wallets as well. Love or hate it, data has become as important as the food we eat. That is why we must learn to manage it efficiently. Many apps we use on our devices contain data-saving settings to help you manage data. The problem is, we just don’t know where to look.

In a previous article, we covered smart ways to save big on mobile data; in this article, we have detailed out data-saving settings on popular apps that you should apply right away if you are looking to browse more data efficiently:

how to save mobile data

Facebook

Video autoplay consumes the most data on Facebook. You can turn-off autoplay by doing the following:

  1. Tap Menu (the three lines buttons) in the top right.
  2. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy > Settings.
  3. Scroll down and tap Media and Contacts (for iPhones users, you would select Videos and Photos before you proceed)
  4. Tap Autoplay.
  5. Select Never Autoplay Videos.

You can control how fast Facebook pictures loads by adjusting how many photos you want to see. To do this:

  1. Tap Settings & Privacy at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Edit next to Data Usage.
  4. Choose Less or Normal or More
  5. Click Save.
how to save mobile data

Instagram

By default, Instagram preloads videos so they start faster whenever possible. To use less data on Instagram:

  1. Go to your profile and tap the Menu button (the three-line icon)
  2. Tap Settings below the Menu page.
  3. Tap Account > Cellular Data Use.
  4. Next to Use Less Data (iPhone) or Data Saver (Android), toggle on.

WhatsApp

Videos sent to you on WhatsApp can download automatically even when you don’t want to play it? To disable video autoplay on WhatsApp:

  1. Tap the three vertical dots on the top right > Settings.
  2. Now tap Chat settings > Media auto-download. (You’ll see three options: When using cellular data, When connected on Wi-Fi and When roaming)
  3. Tap each one and disable auto-downloads by unchecking all three options – Images, Audio, and Video.

For iPhone users:

  1. Open WhatsApp and tap the Settings button at the bottom-right, and tap on Data and Storage Usage.
  2. In this menu, you will see the Media Auto-Download option on the top.
  3. For Photos, Audio, Videos, and Documents, select the Never option.

Twitter

Like Facebook, Twitter also has an autoplay feature embedded in the app. You can disable this by following these steps:

  1. Go to your Twitter profile icon
  2. Click on Settings and Privacy
  3. Select Data Usage
  4. Set video autoplay to Never
how to save mobile data

YouTube

The video king app consumes a lot more data than most apps. To limit data usage on YouTube:

  1. Tap on your profile icon on the option right corner
  2. Select Settings
  3. Click on General
  4. Turn on Limit Mobile Data Usage

Google PlayStore

Apps auto-updates over mobile data are the main data drainer when it comes to PlayStore. You can choose to auto-update only over Wi-Fi or never auto-update. To disable mobile data auto-updates, do the following:

  1. Open PlayStore
  2. Click on Menu > Settings
  3. Click on Auto-update Apps
  4. Select Auto-update Apps over Wi-Fi Only (or you can choose Do Not Auto-Update Apps)

iPhone AppStore

Similar to PlayStore, apps on iPhone would auto-update by default unless you disable this feature or set it to Wi-Fi only. To do this:

  1. Go to Settings on your iPhone
  2. Click on iTunes and App Store
  3. Turn off the apps you do not want to update
  4. Turn off auto-update over mobile data below the menu

Manage your Sync Settings

While this is not an app, it is important to know that Google on Andriod and Apple on iPhone regularly sync with your phone data such as videos and pictures automatically. This is to provide backing and retrieval of data in case you lost your device, but it equally consumes a lot of data.

To manage your sync settings on Andriod:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Click on Account Option
  3. Click on the App whose sync settings you want to adjust
  4. Turn off sync on apps you don’t need synchronizing

For iPhone users:

  1. Open iTunes
  2. Connect your device to a computer
  3. Select your connected device from the Top device button
  4. Go to Options in Summary Sections
  5. Disable Automatic sync when this iPhone is connected
  6. Close iTunes for change to take effect
how to save mobile data

Conclusion

Hopefully, these details save you more data for efficient browsing. Don’t forget that these settings apply to all mobile networks: MTN, Airtel, 9mobile, and Glo. If you are using a Wi-Fi connection such as Smile, you might need to go through the Wi-Fi settings to see how to manage data or reach out to Smile support.