4 Effective Ways to Monitor Data for Internet Usage (& 3 Ways to Limit It)
Are you tired of constantly worrying about going over your data limit and getting hit with extra fees from your internet service provider? Luckily, there are ways to monitor internet usage and see how much data you use.
In this blog post, we’ll go over different methods for monitoring internet usage, including how to monitor by device and set up usage limits on smartphones.
1. Monitor Internet Usage with a Router
One way to monitor internet usage is through your router or modem. Many routers and modems have built-in tools that allow you to see how much data each device on your network uses.
To access them, you’ll need to log in to your router or modem’s web-based interface. Typically, you can find out how to log in and additional information in the documentation that came with the device or by doing a quick online search. Additionally, you’ll need your IP address. You can find your IP address by simply Googling “what is my IP address.”
Once you’re logged in, you can go to the router’s settings to see usage information about all connected devices. Additionally, newer routers and modems will allow you to set usage limits or restrict access to certain websites.
2. Monitor Internet Usage with ISP’s Home Network Management App
The easiest way to monitor internet usage is to use your ISP’s home network management app. Many ISPs offer apps that allow you to view your data usage, set usage limits, and even set up parental controls to restrict access to certain websites.
Additionally, these apps often have features that allow you to manage your WiFi network, such as setting up guest networks or scheduling times when the WiFi is turned off.
For example, Race’s Race CommandIQ app tracks your data usage and provides insights into which apps are using the most data. It also allows you to set usage limits and alerts to help you stay within your data limit.
3. Use Third-Party Internet Monitoring Tools
Another option is to use a third-party tool like GlassWire. GlassWire is a program that runs on your computer and monitors your internet usage in real-time. It provides detailed information about the transferred data, including the websites and applications that use the most data.
GlassWire also has features like alerts that let you know when you’re approaching your data limit, and the ability to set usage limits for specific devices or applications.
Source: Glasswire
4. Monitor Internet Usage on Your Smartphone or Tablet
If you want to monitor internet usage on your smartphone or tablet, you can use the built-in tools on the phone’s operating system. On an iPhone, for example, you can go to the “Cellular” section of the Settings app to see how much data each app has used. In addition, you can set usage limits or turn off cellular data altogether for specific apps to help you stay within your data limit.
Android phones have similar options in the “Data usage” section of the Settings app. You can see how much data each app is using, and you can set limits or restrict data usage for specific apps.
How to Limit Your Internet Usage Data
If you find that you’re using too much data, there are several steps you can take to limit your internet usage.
You can reduce data consumption with these three methods:
- Set usage limits: Many abovementioned tools allow you to set usage limits for specific devices or applications. For example, you can set a limit on the amount of data a device can use in each time period. Alternatively, you can restrict access to certain websites or apps that use a lot of bandwidth.
- Turn off unnecessary features: Some features and services on your devices, such as automatic software updates or high-quality streaming options, can use a lot of data. Turning off these features or choosing lower-quality options can help reduce your data usage.
- Use data-saving apps: Several apps can help you reduce your data usage, such as Opera Max for Android or My Data Manager for iOS and Android. These apps can track your data usage and suggest ways to save data, such as turning off background data for certain apps or compressing web pages.
By following these steps, you can effectively limit your internet usage and avoid exceeding your data limit.
And finally, it’s also a good idea to check with your ISP to see if they can increase your data limit. You can also switch to a different data plan that better fits your needs. And remember – most fiber internet plans come with no data caps.
Source: iOS Hacker
Final Words on Monitoring Internet Usage
In conclusion, there are several ways to monitor internet usage, including using your router’s built-in tools, third-party programs, and smartphone operating system settings.
The easiest way, however, is to use your ISP’s app, which often provides a range of features for managing your internet usage and WiFi network.
Whether you’re worried about going over your data limit or just want to keep an eye on how much data your devices are using, these tools can help you stay on top of your internet usage and avoid any surprise fees from your ISP.
