Suggestions on how to limit data usage in a simple way?

[Franziska]

Hi,

we all know that Windows 10 and Android and the associated Apps love to download updates and all sorts of crap in the background.
Many of us are on limited data plans per month and really want all this unimportant stuff only to download when connected to a shorebased wifi.

Only exception the stuff we really want to go in and out over the limited data plans.
i. e. Weather files & Email

I experienced it more than once that I had to retrieve one small email over the UMTS connection, only to realize than that most of my data for the month was gone because one software decided to use the connection in the background to update itself.

Now, here is the question, which simple to use and, for a non network or software developer understandable, software&apps do you use under Windows 10 or Android to achieve this.
Probably some sort of firewall.

Tell us all what you use successfully. Freeware, Shareware and Open Source are of course most welcome.

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[Marinetech]

I can only speak for Windows 10, you can set up your wireless connection as metered. When it is in that mode no aoftware will look for updates.

[Franziska]

Thanks, I knew about that, but thought it only affects the way windows updates and not what the apps do??

[JayH]

Originally Posted by Franziska

Thanks, I knew about that, but thought it only affects the way windows updates and not what the apps do??

You are correct. The metered connection setting does reliably limit Windows Update and Microsoft Office, but not much else that I have observed.

Chrome, as an example, happily updates itself over metered connections and has no setting to prevent automatic updates.

[Kelkara]

Android has an option to "Restrict background data" which ought to mean that only the currently active app can up/download any data (unless you are on wifi) ..."restrict background data" can also be turned on individually for each app, but you have to go through them one at a time after they have started eating data.

[Simi 60]

To turn updates on or off, follow these steps


https://www.google.com/search?ei=D22...21.jOJOdhRX-Ik

[dkenny64]

for Android.. you can disable all updates. -dkenny64

[Brian.D]

You can limit updates on Android to WIFI only.

Firewall all your apps on Windows 10. Only allow those apps that really need to phone home. You can do that by URL, app, IP address, or port. Not sure if Windows Firewall is smart enough, but Comodo Firewall is very smart and can be configured.

Also on the smart phone, put a cap on data. Meaning say you only have 2 mB or data remaining. Then no apps or OS will try and phone home.

[swampbush]

Newer versions of android allow each wifi to be restric ted to minimise usage. Go to settings, data usage, restrict networks and toggle it off for low data allowance wifi.

[Franziska]

Thanks Brian. Just installed Comodo & testing it. Looks good so far!
Does this include preventing windows from calling home?

Is there a simple app on Android which allows shutting all traffic down and selecting specifically those you do want to allow traffic?

[conachair]

Netlimiter is great for seeing whats using what with network traffic, paid version lets you have more control >
https://www.netlimiter.com/products/nl4

[Franziska]

Here is a firewall for Android which seems good and intuitive to use.

It's called

NoRoot Firewall

in the Playstore.

[Brian.D]

Originally Posted by Franziska

Thanks Brian. Just installed Comodo & testing it. Looks good so far!
Does this include preventing windows from calling home? ...

From what I have read, Windows can be prevented from calling home. My wife's PC has W10 and I have W8.1. I found how to do it on 8.1 but cannot find the same settings on W10. However, I am sure that it can be done, just have to find the right options. Maybe something in about:config can stop the PC from calling home.

[Bleemus]

Originally Posted by Franziska

Thanks Brian. Just installed Comodo & testing it. Looks good so far!
Does this include preventing windows from calling home?

Is there a simple app on Android which allows shutting all traffic down and selecting specifically those you do want to allow traffic?

Datally for Android works great. Only let's an app use data if you open it.

[Brian.D]

For Android apps, you want to turn off autoupdate in Google Play.

Start by going to Play Store on your device
Click the 3 horizontal lines in the upper left corner
Click Settings bottom of menu
Click Auto-update Apps
Select Don't auto-update apps

As for OS updates, have to search for that. If this was already mentioned, apologies.