AndroidTutor2018- Facebook is one of those apps that people love to hate. Nobody likes to admit it but many of us spend an unhealthy amount of time browsing through the social network, eavesdropping on the fabulous lives of our acquaintances and scrolling past Buzzfeed quizzes and fake news. If being addicted to a social network wasn't bad enough, the Facebook app has the tendency to not only kill your battery life, but also drain your data. We've gathered a few tips on how to reduce data usage in Facebook.
We've broken down this guide into tips for Android and iPhone. Jump to the section that applies to your device:
Android
iPhone
Reduce data usage in Facebook for Android
Adjust your app settings
Data Saver mode
Mobile data protect
Facebook Lite
Adjusting your app settings to reduce Facebook data usage
Now, this is the first step that you should undertake if you're worried that Facebook is using too much data. Coincidentally, this is also the easiest thing you can do. If you share a lot of photos and videos on Facebook, this might be the root cause of your data woes. As might be the (super annoying) video auto playing feature. To curb this unnecessary data usage, you'll need to do the following:
Inside the Facebook app, tap on the hamburger menu on the right hand side and scroll down to App Settings.
Tap on App Settings and you'll see a list of toggle features. Untoggle 'Upload photos in HD' and 'Upload Videos in HD'.
To disable the dreaded Facebook video auto-play feature, tap on Auto-play.
Now you can choose if, when and how videos will now auto-play in your Facebook feed.
Stop uploading images in HD to save data / © ANDROIDPIT
Disabling the video Auto-Play on Facebook / © ANDROIDPIT
Turn on Data Saver mode in Facebook
Facebook for Android also has a built-in Data Saver mode, which in theory reduces image sizes and disables video auto-play. This setting can easily be accessed the same way as the app settings.
Inside the Facebook app, tap on the hamburger menu on the right hand side and scroll down to Data Saver.
Tap on Data Saver and you'll get a toggle feature to turn Data Saver on and off.
If you turn Data Saver on, you'll also have the option to automatically turn the feature off when you are connected to Wi-Fi.
It's worth noting that when you turn Data Saver on, Upload photos and videos in HD settings in the app settings remain untouched. So if you didn't switch those off, they will appear to be left on despite having Data Saver on.
Data Saver on Facebook for Android / © ANDROIDPIT
Opinion by Georg SeebodeI love Facebook, but I spend too much time on it
What do you think?
5050112 participants
Mobile data "protect"
Interestingly, Facebook also recommends a third party app to "control your mobile data and protect your personal information". The app can confusingly be found in the settings menu, under "Mobile data". If you click on the install button, you'll be shuffled off into the Google Play Store and be greeted by a host of "interesting" reviews. Personally, I would not recommend this app - just looking at the reviews should deter anyone from trying it out.
A questionable recommendation - the date "Protect" app / © ANDROIDPIT
Android
iPhone
Reduce data usage in Facebook for Android
Adjust your app settings
Data Saver mode
Mobile data protect
Facebook Lite
Adjusting your app settings to reduce Facebook data usage
Now, this is the first step that you should undertake if you're worried that Facebook is using too much data. Coincidentally, this is also the easiest thing you can do. If you share a lot of photos and videos on Facebook, this might be the root cause of your data woes. As might be the (super annoying) video auto playing feature. To curb this unnecessary data usage, you'll need to do the following:
Inside the Facebook app, tap on the hamburger menu on the right hand side and scroll down to App Settings.
Tap on App Settings and you'll see a list of toggle features. Untoggle 'Upload photos in HD' and 'Upload Videos in HD'.
To disable the dreaded Facebook video auto-play feature, tap on Auto-play.
Now you can choose if, when and how videos will now auto-play in your Facebook feed.
Stop uploading images in HD to save data / © ANDROIDPIT
Disabling the video Auto-Play on Facebook / © ANDROIDPIT
Turn on Data Saver mode in Facebook
Facebook for Android also has a built-in Data Saver mode, which in theory reduces image sizes and disables video auto-play. This setting can easily be accessed the same way as the app settings.
Inside the Facebook app, tap on the hamburger menu on the right hand side and scroll down to Data Saver.
Tap on Data Saver and you'll get a toggle feature to turn Data Saver on and off.
If you turn Data Saver on, you'll also have the option to automatically turn the feature off when you are connected to Wi-Fi.
It's worth noting that when you turn Data Saver on, Upload photos and videos in HD settings in the app settings remain untouched. So if you didn't switch those off, they will appear to be left on despite having Data Saver on.
Data Saver on Facebook for Android / © ANDROIDPIT
Opinion by Georg SeebodeI love Facebook, but I spend too much time on it
What do you think?
5050112 participants
Mobile data "protect"
Interestingly, Facebook also recommends a third party app to "control your mobile data and protect your personal information". The app can confusingly be found in the settings menu, under "Mobile data". If you click on the install button, you'll be shuffled off into the Google Play Store and be greeted by a host of "interesting" reviews. Personally, I would not recommend this app - just looking at the reviews should deter anyone from trying it out.
A questionable recommendation - the date "Protect" app / © ANDROIDPIT
Facebook Lite
Now, if you really want to save data and also live in some part of the world where your data connection is frustratingly slow, Facebook Lite is the solution for you. Facebook Lite is a slimmed down version of the Facebook app designed to give people a better and faster experience on slow mobile networks. Android users have got a leg up here compared to their iPhone counterparts, as the app is currently only available for Android. To read more about the ins and outs of what Facebook Lite is all about, check our article here.
The only caveat here is that Facebook Lite is not available in all markets. This shouldn't really hinder any true Android fans as you can easily download the Facebook Lite APK (we normally recommend AKP Mirror).
Facebook Lite vs Facebook / © ANDROIDPIT
Reduce data usage in Facebook for iPhone
Turn off photo and video HD upload
Stop auto-playing videos
Disable background refresh
Disable Wi-Fi assist
Stop videos from auto-playing on iPhone
The first thing you should do if you want to reduce the amount of data Facebook uses on your iPhone is to disable auto-playing video. The process is quite simple:
Open the Facebook app and tap on the hamburger menu in the bottom right corner.
Scroll down and tap on Settings, and then tap on Account settings.
Tap on Videos and photos.
Now you can select when and how auto-videos play.
Turn off Photo and video HD upload.
Stop facebook videos from auto playing on your iPhone / © ANDROIDPIT
Turn off photo and video HD upload
If you're sharing lots of photos and videos on the go from your iPhone, you might be unknowingly uploading them all in HD quality. This might be eating away at your data plan. To turn this feature off, you'll need to follow the same path that you took to disable auto-playing videos:
Open the Facebook app and tap on the hamburger menu in the bottom right corner.
Scroll down and tap on Settings, and then tap on Account settings.
Tap on Videos and photos.
Toggle the Upload HD selection for videos and photos off.
Turn off HD uploads on Facebook for iPhone / © ANDROIDPIT
Disable background refresh for Facebook on iPhone
IOs apps have the nifty little feature that they can update silently in the background. The reason they have this feature is so that they can launch instantly and give you the latest news. Facebook is a prime candidate for background refresh, the only problem being that it has a habit of downloading new updates that you might not even see. To stop Facebook from performing a background refresh on your iPhone, follow these simple steps:
Go into the Settings.
Tap on General.
Tap on Background app refresh.
And then select Facebook to turn it off (or on).
Stop background app refresh on iPhone / © ANDROIDPIT
Disable Wi-Fi assist
The Wi-Fi assist feature on the iPhone helps you (and your phone) to maintain a stable internet connection. If you're on a wireless network that is a bit unstable, Wi-Fi assist automatically lets your data plan connect and fill the holes. It's a smart little feature, and if left on will burn through your data plan. To turn Wi-Fi assist off follow these steps:
Go into the Settings.
Tap on Mobile data.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and toggle Wi-Fi assist off.
Turn off Wifi Assist on iPhone / © ANDROIDPIT
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by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links
14 comments
Write a comment!
Write new comment:
SubmitCancel
1 Stephanie May 6 months ago Link to comment
I do not am not interested in getting points and adding more data with a GAME please take me out
0
Reply
24 Georg Seebode 6 months ago Link to comment
are you referring to the points that you get when you comment on AndroidPIT? This is an integral part of our comment and community system. If you do not like this then youll have to refrain from participating in the AndroidPIT community (which would be a shame).
0
Reply
1 Stephanie May 6 months ago Link to comment
Why have you not answered the question that really is what this article is supposed to be about WHAT are you using that brings up the opinion for data saving, it's not on mine devices??
0
Reply
24 Georg Seebode 6 months ago Link to comment
its in the latest android version -> V. 116.0.0.17.69
0
Reply
2 Gilbert A. 6 months ago Link to comment
It is really interesting to note that you can do some many things on Facebook and also remove unnecessary use of your information and control your data usage. I'm highly encourage by this piece of information. Thanks
0
Reply
14 Craig Lewis 6 months ago Link to comment
I am currently using version 116.0.0.17.69, and there is NO data saver setting available. What version were you using for this article?
0
Reply
24 Georg Seebode 6 months ago Link to comment
im using version 116.0.0.17.69 as well and it appears in my app. how odd
0
Reply
38 Mark Admin 6 months ago Link to comment
I am glad I do not have to worry about this one. I will never use Facebook or any other social media. Social media creates more anti social behavior than social. Hey lets all stay home and stare at a computer screen or grab some friends head out for a brew. I will take the latter, thanks.
0
Reply
27 storm 6 months ago Link to comment
Frankly, I do think Facebook collects more. Google provides a record you can wipe, settings on data collection and it's use, and interaction with 3rd party tools that don't collect the data at all. You can filter and remove yourself from interaction with Google in many ways.
I can run Android completely separate from Google services and collection. I can search, or map or email or browse and never send Google anything. And if I do use Google, I can wipe it.
Facebook requires the use of their tools, you have little if any say on what data is collected and what is done with it. Facebook builds shadow profiles on people who don't even use the service.
1 Mark
Reply
38 Mark Admin 6 months ago Link to comment
Exactly, saved me some typing.
0
Reply
24 Georg Seebode 6 months ago Link to comment
**As much as im enjoying this discussion - weve veered a little bit off topic here. This article is how to reduce the amount of data facebook uses and not if you should use facebook or not**
I think your mixing up a few issues here:
You can choose to use Facebook, be it the web or the app version. The personal info that you give it is as fake or as real as you want it to be, though they still monitor what and how you consume while using the network.
If you dont want facebook to collect your data you can simply not use it. The same goes for almost any app. Thats the tradeoff.
Now google - regardless if you use and gapps or not collects a whole host of data that you might not even be aware of. Google analytics is probably the best example. So you dont use chrome? or google search? well doesnt make a difference because +50 million websites use google analytics which tracks everything you do here. While the data is *anonymous* for the end customer, google still sees what you clicked, how far you scrolled, what internet connection you have, which phone you use, what your local carrier is etc etc.
Of course you can obscure and hide certain things - but not everything. And its certainly too much hassle for the every day user.
"Facebook requires the use of their tools, you have little if any say on what data is collected and what is done with it. "
well you know what, google is collecting your data through analytics and you have no real way of giving consent or opting out. The only real thing you can do is not visit sites that use analytics.
0
Reply
27 storm 6 months ago Link to comment
Script blocking kills a lot of the analytics as well.
0
Reply
27 storm 6 months ago Link to comment
Facebook is spyware. Just uninstall it and save all the data and your time.
2 MarkAbrar
Reply
24 Georg Seebode 6 months ago Link to comment
feel free to elaborate on the spyware topic? what makes you think that? do you think they collect more data than google?
0
Reply
Write a comment!
Now, if you really want to save data and also live in some part of the world where your data connection is frustratingly slow, Facebook Lite is the solution for you. Facebook Lite is a slimmed down version of the Facebook app designed to give people a better and faster experience on slow mobile networks. Android users have got a leg up here compared to their iPhone counterparts, as the app is currently only available for Android. To read more about the ins and outs of what Facebook Lite is all about, check our article here.
The only caveat here is that Facebook Lite is not available in all markets. This shouldn't really hinder any true Android fans as you can easily download the Facebook Lite APK (we normally recommend AKP Mirror).
Facebook Lite vs Facebook / © ANDROIDPIT
Reduce data usage in Facebook for iPhone
Turn off photo and video HD upload
Stop auto-playing videos
Disable background refresh
Disable Wi-Fi assist
Stop videos from auto-playing on iPhone
The first thing you should do if you want to reduce the amount of data Facebook uses on your iPhone is to disable auto-playing video. The process is quite simple:
Open the Facebook app and tap on the hamburger menu in the bottom right corner.
Scroll down and tap on Settings, and then tap on Account settings.
Tap on Videos and photos.
Now you can select when and how auto-videos play.
Turn off Photo and video HD upload.
Stop facebook videos from auto playing on your iPhone / © ANDROIDPIT
Turn off photo and video HD upload
If you're sharing lots of photos and videos on the go from your iPhone, you might be unknowingly uploading them all in HD quality. This might be eating away at your data plan. To turn this feature off, you'll need to follow the same path that you took to disable auto-playing videos:
Open the Facebook app and tap on the hamburger menu in the bottom right corner.
Scroll down and tap on Settings, and then tap on Account settings.
Tap on Videos and photos.
Toggle the Upload HD selection for videos and photos off.
Turn off HD uploads on Facebook for iPhone / © ANDROIDPIT
Disable background refresh for Facebook on iPhone
IOs apps have the nifty little feature that they can update silently in the background. The reason they have this feature is so that they can launch instantly and give you the latest news. Facebook is a prime candidate for background refresh, the only problem being that it has a habit of downloading new updates that you might not even see. To stop Facebook from performing a background refresh on your iPhone, follow these simple steps:
Go into the Settings.
Tap on General.
Tap on Background app refresh.
And then select Facebook to turn it off (or on).
Stop background app refresh on iPhone / © ANDROIDPIT
Disable Wi-Fi assist
The Wi-Fi assist feature on the iPhone helps you (and your phone) to maintain a stable internet connection. If you're on a wireless network that is a bit unstable, Wi-Fi assist automatically lets your data plan connect and fill the holes. It's a smart little feature, and if left on will burn through your data plan. To turn Wi-Fi assist off follow these steps:
Go into the Settings.
Tap on Mobile data.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and toggle Wi-Fi assist off.
Turn off Wifi Assist on iPhone / © ANDROIDPIT
160 Shares
Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Share on Google+ 160 Shares
More from the web
Single in Monterey Park? See Who’s on MatchMatch.com
Say Goodbye to Phone Bills Forever With One Super-Low Wireless Payment Per Year!MintSim
A Chef's Honest Review Of HelloFreshPopdust for HelloFresh
First Pics: See the New Cars Coming for 2018Kelley Blue Book
by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links
14 comments
Write a comment!
Write new comment:
SubmitCancel
1 Stephanie May 6 months ago Link to comment
I do not am not interested in getting points and adding more data with a GAME please take me out
0
Reply
24 Georg Seebode 6 months ago Link to comment
are you referring to the points that you get when you comment on AndroidPIT? This is an integral part of our comment and community system. If you do not like this then youll have to refrain from participating in the AndroidPIT community (which would be a shame).
0
Reply
1 Stephanie May 6 months ago Link to comment
Why have you not answered the question that really is what this article is supposed to be about WHAT are you using that brings up the opinion for data saving, it's not on mine devices??
0
Reply
24 Georg Seebode 6 months ago Link to comment
its in the latest android version -> V. 116.0.0.17.69
0
Reply
2 Gilbert A. 6 months ago Link to comment
It is really interesting to note that you can do some many things on Facebook and also remove unnecessary use of your information and control your data usage. I'm highly encourage by this piece of information. Thanks
0
Reply
14 Craig Lewis 6 months ago Link to comment
I am currently using version 116.0.0.17.69, and there is NO data saver setting available. What version were you using for this article?
0
Reply
24 Georg Seebode 6 months ago Link to comment
im using version 116.0.0.17.69 as well and it appears in my app. how odd
0
Reply
38 Mark Admin 6 months ago Link to comment
I am glad I do not have to worry about this one. I will never use Facebook or any other social media. Social media creates more anti social behavior than social. Hey lets all stay home and stare at a computer screen or grab some friends head out for a brew. I will take the latter, thanks.
0
Reply
27 storm 6 months ago Link to comment
Frankly, I do think Facebook collects more. Google provides a record you can wipe, settings on data collection and it's use, and interaction with 3rd party tools that don't collect the data at all. You can filter and remove yourself from interaction with Google in many ways.
I can run Android completely separate from Google services and collection. I can search, or map or email or browse and never send Google anything. And if I do use Google, I can wipe it.
Facebook requires the use of their tools, you have little if any say on what data is collected and what is done with it. Facebook builds shadow profiles on people who don't even use the service.
1 Mark
Reply
38 Mark Admin 6 months ago Link to comment
Exactly, saved me some typing.
0
Reply
24 Georg Seebode 6 months ago Link to comment
**As much as im enjoying this discussion - weve veered a little bit off topic here. This article is how to reduce the amount of data facebook uses and not if you should use facebook or not**
I think your mixing up a few issues here:
You can choose to use Facebook, be it the web or the app version. The personal info that you give it is as fake or as real as you want it to be, though they still monitor what and how you consume while using the network.
If you dont want facebook to collect your data you can simply not use it. The same goes for almost any app. Thats the tradeoff.
Now google - regardless if you use and gapps or not collects a whole host of data that you might not even be aware of. Google analytics is probably the best example. So you dont use chrome? or google search? well doesnt make a difference because +50 million websites use google analytics which tracks everything you do here. While the data is *anonymous* for the end customer, google still sees what you clicked, how far you scrolled, what internet connection you have, which phone you use, what your local carrier is etc etc.
Of course you can obscure and hide certain things - but not everything. And its certainly too much hassle for the every day user.
"Facebook requires the use of their tools, you have little if any say on what data is collected and what is done with it. "
well you know what, google is collecting your data through analytics and you have no real way of giving consent or opting out. The only real thing you can do is not visit sites that use analytics.
0
Reply
27 storm 6 months ago Link to comment
Script blocking kills a lot of the analytics as well.
0
Reply
27 storm 6 months ago Link to comment
Facebook is spyware. Just uninstall it and save all the data and your time.
2 MarkAbrar
Reply
24 Georg Seebode 6 months ago Link to comment
feel free to elaborate on the spyware topic? what makes you think that? do you think they collect more data than google?
0
Reply
Write a comment!
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