Google's new Android app will help save your data

Tara Donnelly

Last updated 04 December 2017

If you're struggling to stick to your monthly mobile data allowance - or wondering just where those gigabytes disappear to every month - Google may have a solution. The company has released a brand new data-curbing feature that's perfect for Android users looking to manage their megabytes.

Datally (see what they did there?) is a new Android-only app that monitors your phone's data use, and offers customised reports on how to save precious megabytes each month.

Once you've installed Datally, you can view and track your data usage both in real-time, and on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis. You'll be able to figure out which apps are sucking up the most gigabytes, and block or limit data use on specific apps or background programs.

Datally records your data metrics over time, and makes it easier to conserve your plan's data allowance by prompting users to switch to WiFi when available. The app also searches out public WiFi networks for you to connect to, with a 'rate and review' feature to help users identify the best available WiFi options.

Why Datally?

Even if you're happy with your domestic data use, Datally could be especially beneficial if you're planning an overseas jaunt and want to avoid roaming bill shock. Despite the use of plans with included roaming allowances and add-on data packs, international trips can still rack up hundreds of dollars in data overages - so an app such as Datally is a great way to keep an eye on your usage.

Google reports that after several months of testing in the Philippines, users have saved up to 30% more plan data thanks to Datally's recommendations and features. The best part? Datally is absolutely free to download and use, so you've got nothing to lose by giving it a test run.

Datally is available now from the Google Play store, and is compatible with all Android devices running 5.0 Lollipop and up. For more tips on saving mobile data, head over to our guide here; and to find a great value, big-data mobile plan, start browsing below.

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