There may be times when you need to use a Wi-Fi connection with limited bandwidth. This could be the case when you're visiting a friend or if you're using Connect your mobile hotspot With a laptop or another phone. How does your phone know it's not supposed to consume a lot of bandwidth on the network it's connected to? Some laptops automatically detect metered Wi-Fi connections. But it's different on phones. You'll have to manually tell your phone that you're connected to a network with limited bandwidth and can't consume as much data. Here's how to set Wi-Fi as metered on Android and iPhone.
What is limited connectivity?
For those unaware, a metered connection is where the network you're connected to doesn't offer unlimited data, so you need to be careful about your internet usage. For example, you might have a 2GB data usage limit per day on your mobile data connection. Therefore, if you're using your phone as a hotspot, you'll need to ensure you don't exceed your data limit.
A good way to do this is to set the Wi-Fi network created by the hotspot as a metered connection. This way, your phone will recognize that the network it's connected to has limited bandwidth, so it won't be able to perform actions like updating apps, downloading system updates, and so on.
How to set Wi-Fi as metered connection on Android
If you have connected your Android smartphone to a Wi-Fi network that you want to set as a meter, here is the procedure.
Step 1: Open Settings app on your Android phone.
Step 2: Locate Communication options. On some phones, this can be: Wi-Fi option.
Step 3: Next, tap Wi-Fi access.
Step 4: If you haven't already, connect your phone to the Wi-Fi network you want to set as a metered connection.
Step 5: Click on Settings icon next to Wi-Fi Which you are connected to.
Step 6: Locate View More Option Next to the small arrow to expand Reveal additional settings.
Step 7: Choose Limited network option.
Step 8: Now, press Dealing with the limited.
This will ensure that every time your phone connects to the designated Wi-Fi network, it will be treated as a metered connection.
Additionally, you can also restrict background internet use for certain apps that you think will consume data. If you think an app will consume too much data when connected to the internet, you can Temporarily block the app from accessing the internet connection..
These steps should ensure that your Android phone doesn't consume too much bandwidth when connected to a particular Wi-Fi network.
How to set Wi-Fi as metered connection on iPhone
Setting a Wi-Fi network as a metered connection is a fairly straightforward process on the iPhone as well. While there isn't a specific option for metered connections, Low Data Mode on iOS does the same thing. Here's how to enable it.
Step 1: Open Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Locate Wi-Fi option.
Step 3: If you haven't already, connect to the Wi-Fi network you want to set as Limited.
Step 4: Once connected, click The “i” button next to The network.
Step 5: Enable the toggle next to Low data mode.
Now, your iPhone will treat the network as a metered connection.
Alternatively, you can turn off the background refresh option for specific apps that you think will consume additional background data. Here's how.
Step 1: Open Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Scroll down and search for The application whatever you want Disable background refresh for it. Click on it.
Step 3: Disable the toggle next to Background app refresh.
Repeat this process for all apps you think will consume a significant amount of bandwidth. However, don't forget to enable the option again later, as failing to do so means you may not receive notifications from these apps.
That's all you need to do for your iPhone to not use too much bandwidth when connecting to certain Wi-Fi networks.
Use your hotspot without worry.
You may be concerned about connecting multiple phones or devices to your mobile hotspot, as it can consume a lot of data. However, setting your Wi-Fi as a metered connection is a good way to keep your data usage in check. This way, you don't have to worry about running out of your daily quota.
