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What to Do When You Run Out of Data?

Picture this: you're in the middle of a crucial task on your phone, and suddenly you receive the dreaded notification – 'You've run out of data!' 

We've all been there, and it can be frustrating, especially when you rely on the Internet for most of your things. But fear not! There are a few tricks you can use to make the most of your limited data and avoid going over your limit. From optimising your device settings to using data-saving apps, we've got you covered. 

In this blog post, we'll share some handy tips and tricks to help you stay connected even when you're running low on data. So sit back, relax, and get ready to become a data-saving pro!

What Happens When You Run Out of Data?

Here’s what can happen when you run out of data:

• ​​Speed throttling: Some service providers may reduce your internet speed after you've used up your daily data quota. This means that while you can still use the internet, your connection may be slower, and certain activities, such as streaming videos or downloading large files, may take longer.
• Extra charges: If your postpaid plan has a daily data limit, you may be charged extra for any data usage beyond that limit. This could either be a per-MB charge or a fixed charge for a certain amount of extra data. Make sure to check your plan's terms and conditions to see if this applies to you.
• No data access: In some cases, your service provider may completely block your internet access once you've used up your daily data quota. This means you won't be able to use any data until the next day when your daily limit resets.

It's important to note that the specific policies and outcomes may vary depending on your service provider and plan. It's always a good idea to check with your provider to understand their policies and any potential charges or limitations on your data usage. 

What to Do About It?

If you are about to run out of data and have received a notification for the same on your device, you must take the decision. Here are a couple of things you can consider in such situations:

• Switch to WiFi: Connect to a WiFi network and save your data for an emergency.
• Opt for Top-Up Recharge Packs: If you don’t have WiFi, recharge your prepaid or postpaid plan with additional data packs while you still have internet access. They are nominally priced and are mostly titled data top-ups. It means that the extended amount of data will be merged with your current plan's expiry date or billing cycle. 

Jio Data Top-Up Plans

₹182 data top-up pack I 28 days I 2 GB/day 

₹122 data top-up pack I 28 days I 1 GB/day 

₹86 data top-up pack I 28 days I 0.5 GB/day

₹62 data top-up pack I 28 days I 6 GB

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Airtel Data Top-Up Plans

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₹98 data top-up pack I Existing I 5 GB/day 

₹118 data top-up pack I Existing I 12 GB/day 

Existing means till your current pack expires

Vi Data Top-Up Plans

₹181 data top-up pack I 30 days I 1 GB/day 

₹151 data top-up pack I 30 days I 8 GB 

₹118 data top-up pack I 28 days I 12 GB 

₹108 data top-up pack I 15 days I 6 GB 

₹58 data top-up pack I 28 days I 3 GB 

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₹75 data top-up pack I 7 days I 6 GB 

₹39 data top-up pack I 7 days I 3 GB 

₹29 data top-up pack I 2 days I 2 GB

₹19 data top-up pack I 1 day I 1 GB

BSNL Data Top-Up Plans

₹98 data top-up pack I 22 days I Unlimited (40 Kbps) 

₹151 data top-up pack I 28 days I 40 GB 

₹198 data top-up pack I 40 days I Unlimited (40 Kbps after 2 GB/day) 

₹251 data top-up pack I 22 days I 2 GB/day 

₹1515 data top-up pack I 365 days I Unlimited (40 Kbps after 2 GB/day)  

Tips on How You Could Prevent Using All of Your Mobile Data

As of 2022 the number of smartphone network subscriptions around the world reached the count of around 6.6 billion. To be precise, the United States, India and China are the countries that have the highest number of mobile network subscriptions. As per Statista, the count is expected to rise to 7.8 billion by the end of 2028. With more and more people relying on fast data services to enjoy uninterrupted internet streaming, it's no surprise that many of us are looking for ways to make our limited per-day data last longer. To help prevent running out of data, here are a few tips to consider.

1. Adjust the Device Settings

Some settings on your device may be why your mobile data exhausts before time. Consider changing the following:

• When on an iOS device, turn off Wi-Fi Assist. When you leave it turned on, your device will automatically switch to the mobile network when your Wi-Fi has a poor connection. 
• Turn off the automatic application updates on your device, or set it to update only when connected to a Wi-Fi network. 
• Photo and media backup on the cloud should be allowed only when the device is connected to a Wi-Fi network. 

2. Save Content for Offline Streaming

Mostly all entertainment apps allow downloading the content on their platform for offline streaming. If you are using an online music streaming application, you can download your favourite songs, playlists or albums to access them offline. It will save your data usage when you are not at home or office Wi-Fi proximity. Do the same with video streaming applications. Download your favourite streaming content while on Wi-Fi. It will store the select contents over the official ‘Downloads’ hub of the dedicated streaming application. Now, you can access them anytime without enabling your mobile data.

3. Track Your Usage of Mobile Data

Even with all of the data-saving measures, you must still track your data usage to know where to limit the usage. Therefore, you can download the Prune app to monitor your data usage and speed. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. 

4. Consider Upgrading Your Plan: 

Consider whether the existing prepaid mobile network plan offers sufficient data to meet your daily needs. If you frequently run out of data before the day ends, you should consider an upgrade. For instance, if you are currently on a 1.5GB/day prepaid plan, but are consistently exhausting it every day before the reset time, then you should try the 2GB/day plan. 

For postpaid plans, you will mostly be provided with a fixed amount of high-speed data for the billing cycle, such as 80-100GB or more, depending on the plans and providers. Observe your internet usage for a month or two, and if you are draining the high-speed data before the next billing cycle, then you need an upgrade for the plan. 

Conclusion

Running out of data is a panic situation, especially when you are out and need data for situations such as making some urgent payments, submitting the last document to your manager, or others. You should always pay attention to the data usage notifications and buy the data top-up plans before the last megabyte runs out. 

You will eventually be saving yourself from a lot of hassle! And keep in mind the data-saving tips to ensure you perfectly optimise the available plans. If all of that still doesn’t work, upgrading your plan would be the best-fit suggestion!