ByIn today’s digital age, saving data and controlling the network has become extremely important, especially for users who use limited data plans. In such a situation, setting WiFi as a metered connection on Android devices becomes an essential feature. This feature ensures that your device does not use unnecessary data, and apps running in the background consume limited data.
In this article, we will explain in detail how to change the WiFi network on your Android mobile to a metered connection, its benefits, and for whom this option is handy.
What is a metered connection?
A metered connection is a network connection where data consumption is limited or controlled. Android devices restrict background data on this type of network and defer tasks such as updates or sync.
This option is mainly useful for those who use hotspots or limited WiFi plans.
How to Make WiFi a Metered Connection on Android?
1. Go to Settings
First of all, open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Select Network or WiFi option
Tap on “Network & Internet” or “Connections” (may vary according to the device).
Click on the “WiFi” option.
3. Select the connected network
Tap on the WiFi network you are currently connected to.
Now you will see the advanced settings related to the network.
4. Set Metered Network
Go to the “Advanced” or “Network usage” option.
There, you will see an option named Metered Network.
By tapping on it, select “Treat as metered” or “Metered”.
> In this way, now your Android device will consider this WiFi network as a limited data network and will reduce data consumption in the background.
Why is it necessary to set Metered Connection?
1. Avoid unnecessary data consumption
Many apps keep using data in the background, which can also drain your WiFi data. Setting a metered connection reduces this data consumption to a great extent.
2. Control over automatic updates
Your Android device does not perform automatic app or system updates while on a metered network, which saves your data.
3. Data control while using a hotspot
This setting saves data when you are using another device’s mobile hotspot and does not consume more data than necessary.
In which Android versions is this feature available?
This feature is mostly available in Android 8.0 Oreo and all versions after that. In some older versions, it has to be changed by going to the “Data usage” tab.
How to remove a metered connection
If you want to make this network a normal network again in the future, repeat the same process and select the “Treat as unmetered” or “Detect automatically” option.
Some important tips
1. Be cautious while using public WiFi
If you are using a public WiFi, set it as a metered connection so that background apps do not consume unnecessary data on that network.
2. Keep the Data Saver mode active
Along with the metered network, keep Android’s Data Saver mode on as well. This controls background data even more strictly.
Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver > On
3. Keep updates on WiFi only, but not on metered
You can set the Google Play Store to update apps only on unmetered WiFi.
Play Store > Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps > Over WiFi only
Which apps consume the most data?
Pay special attention to these apps while setting up a metered connection:
YouTube
Google Drive/Photos (Auto sync)
Streaming apps (Netflix, Hotstar)
Metered Connection: Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ———————– | —————————————- |
| Data savings | Some updates may be missed in the background |
| Battery consumption is less | Some apps may not work fully |
| Controlled network usage | Videos and photos do not auto-load |
Conclusion
Changing WiFi to a metered connection on Android devices is an extremely useful option, especially for users who are working on a limited data plan or hotspot. This feature protects your data, reduces battery consumption, and customizes the device’s behavior to suit you. Once set up correctly, you can rest assured that your device will only use the network for essential tasks.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – How to set a metered connection on Android WiFi
Q1: What does a metered connection mean?
Answer: A metered connection is a network where data consumption is limited or controlled. When you enable it, the Android device reduces background data usage.
Q2: Where do you find the Metered Connection option in Android?
Answer:
Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi
Tap your connected network
Select Advanced > Metered Network > Treat as metered
Q3: Do all Android phones have this feature?
Answer: Most Android 8.0 (Oreo) and above have this feature. In older Android versions, this option may have a different name or location.
Q4: Does Metered Connection completely block background apps?
Answer: No, it does not block completely, but it limits background data and prevents unnecessary activities.
Question 5: Does Metered Connection save mobile battery?
Answer: Yes, because background data and app activity are reduced, which also reduces battery consumption.
Question 6: Can I set a public WiFi as metered?
Answer: Absolutely, and you should do it so that no app can misuse your data on public WiFi.
Question 7: How to turn off Metered Connection?
Answer:
Go to WiFi settings and select the relevant network
Select Advanced > Metered Network > Detect automatically or Treat as unmetered
Question 8: Does Metered Connection prevent apps from auto-updating from Google Play?
Answer: Yes, but you have to go to Play Store settings and change “Auto-update apps” from “Over WiFi only” to “Don’t auto-update apps”.
Question 9: Do Data Saver and Metered Network work together?
Answer: Yes, both settings support each other and give better data control to your device.
