"Where did our 100GB go?" is one of the most common questions we hear from travellers. Usually it isn't the movies. It's phones quietly backing up and updating in the background. Here's where your data really goes and how to make it last.
How much things actually use
| Activity | Roughly per hour |
|---|---|
| Netflix or YouTube in HD | 3GB |
| The same video in SD | About 1GB |
| Video call, standard quality | 0.5GB (around 1.5GB in HD) |
| Social media scrolling | 100–300MB |
| Web browsing | 30–60MB |
| Music streaming | 40–150MB |
| Podcasts | 30–60MB |
One hour of HD video uses about the same data as 40 hours of music.
The hidden data drains
- Phone and app updates. A single phone update can be 2–5GB.
- Photo backups. iCloud or Google Photos can upload gigabytes the moment you connect.
- Background app refresh. Across a family's phones this can easily use 5–15GB a month.
- Speed tests. Each one can use up to 1GB. Run one a day for a month and you've lost a big chunk of your plan.
- Autoplay videos on social media.
iPhone settings to change
- Low Data Mode for Starlink: Settings > Wi-Fi > tap the (i) next to your Starlink network > Low Data Mode on. This only affects the Starlink network.
- Background App Refresh: Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Off, or turn it off for data-hungry apps.
- iCloud Photos: pause syncing while you're travelling and catch up when you're home.
- Automatic downloads: Settings > App Store > turn off app updates.
- Wi-Fi Assist: Settings > Mobile > scroll down > Wi-Fi Assist off. Otherwise your phone may quietly switch to mobile data.
Android settings to change
- Mark Starlink as metered: Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > your Starlink network > Advanced > Metered.
- Data Saver: Settings > Network > Data Saver > On.
- Auto-sync: turn off account syncing you don't need while travelling.
Streaming smarter
- Set Netflix, YouTube, Stan and Kayo to standard definition on phones and tablets. You'll barely notice the difference on a small screen and use 60–70% less data.
- Download shows, maps and playlists at home before you leave.
- Use music or podcasts instead of video for background noise.
Check your usage any time in the Starlink app. If you're regularly running out, it may be time for Roam Unlimited. See Starlink plans & current prices.