Mobile Data Mystery: Does Scrolling On Your Phone Drain Your Hotspot?

Using your phone as a hotspot is a great way to connect to the internet when you're on the go. Most smartphones have built-in hotspot functionality, allowing you to share your phone's data plan with other devices like laptops, tablets, or TVs. However, it's important to note that computers can consume a lot of data, and unlimited mobile data plans are rare. Therefore, it's essential to monitor your data usage to avoid exceeding your monthly allotment, as going over can be expensive. Additionally, the performance of your hotspot connection will depend on your phone's cellular signal strength.

Computers use more data than phones

Using your phone as a hotspot can be a convenient way to connect other devices, like laptops and tablets, to the internet. However, it's important to note that this will use up your mobile data plan. The amount of data consumed will depend on the activities performed on the connected devices. For example, streaming videos or downloading large files will consume more data than simply browsing the web or checking emails. Therefore, it's essential to monitor your data usage to avoid exceeding your allocated data limit and incurring additional charges.

Now, let's discuss why computers use more data than phones.

While smartphones have become increasingly capable, with many people using them as their primary device for a range of tasks, computers still have several advantages when it comes to data usage.

Firstly, computers are generally more powerful devices that can run software and perform tasks that smartphones may not be able to handle. This is especially true for tasks that require significant processing power, such as video editing, 3D modelling, or running specialised software for accounting, data analysis, or graphic design. These types of tasks often result in higher data consumption.

Secondly, the larger screen size of computers provides a better user experience for certain activities. For example, reading or working on detailed and data-heavy projects can be more comfortable and efficient on a larger display. This is also true for multitasking, as computers offer more screen real estate, making it easier to switch between multiple applications.

Additionally, computers are often preferred for tasks that require deep concentration and the use of multiple resources. For instance, data analysis, content creation, or any work that requires accessing and processing large amounts of information. These types of tasks can quickly consume a significant amount of data.

Furthermore, computers are typically used for more data-intensive activities, such as downloading large files, streaming high-quality videos, or playing online games. These activities can result in higher data usage compared to the typical tasks performed on smartphones.

Lastly, computers are often used as a more reliable option for important tasks. For example, when making online purchases, people tend to opt for the larger screen and more robust interface of a computer to ensure a smooth and secure transaction. This preference for computers over smartphones can also be seen in the higher conversion rates for online shopping on desktop devices compared to mobile phones.

In summary, while smartphones have become indispensable tools for daily tasks, computers still offer more processing power, a larger display, and a more robust interface for tasks that require higher data usage.

How to limit data usage on Windows and macOS devices

Using your phone will indeed use up your mobile data. To avoid this, you can connect to a Wi-Fi network.

Windows

• Set a metered connection: This will stop your Windows computer from performing certain data-consuming activities in the background. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change network properties > Set as metered connection.
• Disable auto-updates: Go to Settings > Microsoft Store > App Settings > Update apps automatically and toggle this off.
• Pause Windows Updates: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Pause updates.
• Restrict background data: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage > Background data and select 'Never'.
• Turn off background apps: Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps and toggle off 'Let apps run in the background'.
• Disable settings synchronisation: Go to Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings and toggle this off.

MacOS

• Disable automatic macOS updates: Go to System Preferences > Software Updates > Advanced and uncheck 'Download new updates when available'.
• Use data-saving web browsers: Browsers like Brave and Opera have data-saving technology that reduces the amount of bandwidth used to load web pages and apps.
• Force quit unused apps: Go to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor > Network and double-click any unused apps that are using an unusual amount of network traffic. Select 'Quit' and then 'Force Quit'.
• Pause iCloud synchronisation: Go to System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud and uncheck synchronisation for data-hungry apps like Photos and iCloud Drive.
• Disable automatic app updates: Go to App Store > App Store Preferences and uncheck 'Automatic Updates'.
• Reduce video streaming quality: If you're streaming videos on the Music app, go to Music > Preferences > Playback and click the 'Video Playback Quality' drop-down button. Select 'Better (Up to 1080p)' or 'Good' to reduce data usage.

How to turn on your phone's hotspot

Using your phone as a hotspot will use up your mobile data. The amount of data used will depend on what you are doing on the other devices that are connected to your phone's hotspot.

Now, to turn on your phone's hotspot:

For iPhone:

• Go to Settings.
• Tap "Cellular", then "Personal Hotspot" or just "Personal Hotspot".
• Tap the slider next to "Allow Others to Join".
• If you don't see the option for Personal Hotspot, contact your carrier to make sure that you can use Personal Hotspot with your plan.
• Connect to the Personal Hotspot with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB.
• On the device you want to connect to, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and look for your iPhone in the list.
• Tap the Wi-Fi network to join. If asked, enter the password for your Personal Hotspot.

For Android:

• Swipe down from the top of the screen.
• If you don't find "Hotspot", tap "Edit" at the bottom left, then drag "Hotspot" into your Quick Settings.
• On the other device, open its list of Wi-Fi options, pick your phone's hotspot name, and enter the password.
• If you don't want your hotspot to require a password, swipe down from the top of the screen, touch and hold "Hotspot", then tap "None" under "Security".
• To connect via Bluetooth, pair your phone with the other device, then set up the other device's network connection with Bluetooth.
• To connect via USB cable, connect your phone to the other device with a USB cable. A notification will show at the top of the screen.

How to find the best mobile hotspot plans

Using your phone as a hotspot will indeed use up your mobile data. If you have a smartphone, you can use it as a mobile hotspot, but your data will be limited to just a few GB every month. If you need to connect to a hotspot more than a few times a month, it is recommended to get a mobile hotspot device instead.

• Consider your data needs: Determine how much data you typically use per month and choose a plan that offers enough data to cover your needs. Keep in mind that hotspot plans have a set amount of data per month, but if you don't need a hotspot regularly, consider a prepaid plan to save money.
• Network coverage: Opt for a plan that offers a large network coverage so that you can stay connected while travelling.
• Speed: Choose a plan that provides high-speed data options like 4G LTE or 5G for faster upload and download speeds.
• Cost: Hotspot plans can vary in price, so consider your budget and choose a plan that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
• Device compatibility: Ensure that the hotspot plan you choose is compatible with your device. Some plans work better with specific devices, so check the fine print.
• Additional features: Look for plans that offer extra perks like international roaming, data rollover, or additional data at a discounted rate.
• Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate Plan: Offers 60GB of high-speed hotspot data with an optional 100GB add-on.
• AT&T's Unlimited Premium PL: Provides 60GB of hotspot data and access to AT&T's 5G network.
• T-Mobile's Go5G Plus: Includes 40-50GB of mobile hotspot data and unlimited high-speed data.
• Visible Wireless: Offers unlimited mobile hotspot data at an affordable price, although speeds are capped at 5Mbps.
• US Mobile: Provides 50GB of mobile hotspot data and the choice of two networks (Verizon or T-Mobile).
• Google Fi's Unlimited Plus: Includes unlimited hotspot tethering with shareable data for other devices, although data is limited to 50GB per month.

How to get a Wi-Fi connection without a hotspot

Using your phone as a hotspot will use up your mobile data plan to connect to the internet. Here are some ways to get a Wi-Fi connection without a hotspot:

Tether Your Smartphone or Tablet

If you only need occasional access to the internet on your laptop, you can tether your smartphone or tablet. This option is fast and easy, but has some drawbacks: you're dependent on your mobile carrier's signal, your carrier may not support tethering or hotspots, and laptops typically use much more data than smartphones.

Find a Public Wi-Fi Network

You can often find public Wi-Fi networks in libraries, coffee shops, restaurants, and transport hubs. You can use apps like Wi-Fi Master on Android and Wi-Fi Connect on iOS to find nearby free Wi-Fi. However, be aware of the dangers of logging on to public Wi-Fi.

Use a Wi-Fi USB Dongle

A Wi-Fi USB dongle, or internet stick, is a cheaper and more portable version of a mobile hotspot. You can insert a standard SIM card and use its data connection without committing to an expensive long-term plan. However, the signal strength, speed, and range may not be as good as a hotspot device.

Share a Friend's Internet Connection

If someone near you has an internet connection, you can ask to share their bandwidth. On a Windows computer, go to Settings > Network and Internet > Mobile Hotspot, and on a macOS device, go to Apple > System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing.

Buy a Portable Cellular Router

Some mobile internet providers sell data-only SIM cards that can be used with battery-powered portable 4G routers to create a dedicated Wi-Fi hotspot. This can be an expensive option, but it provides a Wi-Fi connection without an internet provider wherever you go.

Cable Tethering to a Mobile Device

If you only need to connect one device to the internet, you can use a USB cable to tether your phone or tablet directly to your computer. This option provides faster speeds and more security than a Wi-Fi hotspot, but the same data prices and tethering policies apply.

Use Your Phone or Tablet as a Wi-Fi Hotspot

Most smartphones and tablets can act as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, but this option uses data from your mobile plan to feed all connected devices, so it may not be suitable if you have a small data cap or expensive data plan. If you choose this method, be sure to set a data limit and password for your hotspot, and connect your device to a power bank or wall charger to counteract battery drain.

Frequently asked questions