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5 Common Mobile Data Mistakes That Are Draining Your Battery

  • Writer: Etel Marketing
    Etel Marketing
  • Dec 5
  • 3 min read

Ever notice your phone battery disappearing by lunchtime? You're probably making one of these common mobile data mistakes. The good news? Simple fixes can dramatically improve your battery life.


Wooden figure with a sad face under a nearly empty battery icon, symbolizing how common mobile data mistakes drain your phone’s battery

Mistake #1: Background App Refresh on Everything

Your phone constantly refreshes apps in the background: checking emails, updating social feeds, and refreshing news,all while you're not even using them.


The fix:

  • iPhone: Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Turn off for non-essential apps

  • Android: Settings → Apps → Select app → Battery → Choose "Restricted"

Keep it enabled only for messaging apps. Everything else can wait.


Mistake #2: Maximum Brightness While Using Data

Using mobile data outdoors? Maximum brightness combined with active data use creates a battery-draining double whammy.


The fix:

  • Enable Auto-Brightness: Settings → Display

  • Turn on Dark Mode for OLED screens

  • Find shade when checking your phone outdoors

  • Enable Battery Saver mode proactively


Mistake #3: Streaming High-Quality Content Over Mobile Data

Streaming HD video or high-quality music over mobile data doesn't just burn through your allowance, it kills your battery too.


The fix:

  • Download Netflix shows and Spotify playlists over Wi-Fi before leaving home

  • Reduce streaming quality in app settings when on mobile data

  • Use YouTube's offline download feature

  • Switch to podcasts instead of video content while commuting

Pro tip: Download a few playlists before your commute and save both battery and data.


Mistake #4: Leaving Mobile Data On 24/7

Many people never turn off mobile data, even when connected to Wi-Fi at home or work. Your phone constantly searches for mobile signals, draining battery—especially in areas with weak coverage.


The fix:

  • Swipe down and tap the mobile data icon to turn it off when on Wi-Fi

  • Use Airplane Mode in areas with poor signal (your phone stops searching)

  • Set up automation to disable mobile data when you arrive home


When to turn it off:

  • At home or office with Wi-Fi

  • During meetings or movies

  • Overnight while sleeping


Mistake #5: Location Services for Every App

GPS drains significant battery, and when apps constantly track your location using mobile data, it's a double hit. Many apps request location access when they don't really need it.


Apps that need location:

  • Navigation (Google Maps)

  • Rideshare (Uber, Didi)

  • Weather and food delivery


Apps that don't:

  • Social media (unless actively geotagging)

  • Shopping apps

  • Most news and gaming apps


The fix:

  • iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Change to "While Using" or "Never"

  • Android: Settings → Location → App permissions → Review each app

  • Disable "Precise Location" for apps that only need general area


Quick Win: Check Your Battery Usage Stats

See which apps are actually draining your battery:

  • iPhone: Settings → Battery (scroll down for app usage)

  • Android: Settings → Battery → Battery usage

Review this weekly and adjust app permissions accordingly.


The E.Tel Advantage

With E.Tel's flexible plans and the E.Tel mobile app, you can monitor your data usage in real-time to optimize both your data and battery consumption.


Download the E.Tel app to:

  • Track data usage throughout the day

  • Set usage alerts

  • Manage your plan efficiently

  • Avoid both data overages and battery drain


By avoiding these five mistakes, you'll dramatically extend your phone's battery life while still enjoying mobile data when you need it.


Ready to take control? Download the E.Tel app or explore E.Tel's flexible plans today.

Need help optimising your mobile plan? Contact E.Tel's Australian support team.

 
 
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