Pokémon Go requires a WiFi connection or mobile
data to play. The data can add up quickly and not all of us have
unlimited data plans, so here are ways to save as much of your precious
data as possible to catch ‘em all.
Data usage depends on what you’re doing, how long you’re playing, and
if you let the app run in the background. According to Pokémon Go
Database, the data usage for playing Pokémon Go can range between 2
megabytes to over 8 megabytes an hour. One reddit commenter mentioned
that he’s used approximately 87 megabytes of data to get to about level 8 and catch over 500 Pokémon, and that’s in the first week and a half of play.The first thing you can do to limit data usage is restrict playing Pokémon Go to places where there’s wi-fi. But part of the fun is exploring new places and finding new Pokémon, so try these other helpful tips:
- Keep those automatic app updates in check: Some app updates are downloaded automatically, using up your mobile data. To undo this setting, turn off “Wi-fi assist” in your iPhone’s Settings. For Androids, choose “Update Apps automatically only through Wi-Fi.”
- Browse mobile-optimized sites: Mobile-friendly sites load faster and won’t require as much data. A browser like Opera Mini saves you data and lets you browse with faster speeds. Alternatively, Chrome extension Chrome Data Saver does something similar for Google Chrome browsers.
- Reduce data usage by other apps: Many other apps will run in the background and use up data, but thankfully, you can control which ones will. For iPhones, go to your Settings, choose Cellular, and tick off the Apps that you don’t want to be draining your cellular data. On Android phones, you’ll find this under “Wireless & connections” or “Connections.”
- Open Pokémon Go only when you need to: The more you leave the app open, the more data is used. One thing you can do is to only open Pokémon Go when you’re in a new area, check for Pokémon, catch it, and then turn it back off.