Typical unlimited data plans can be a bit pricey, that's why most users are always carefully not to exceed their the monthly data allowance allocated to their smartphones. But what if you could slash the amount of data you used and extend your usage throughout the month?

1. Get rid of the Facebook app

It is a well known fact among Android 'experts' that the Facebook messaging app is a major data consumer, not to mention resource intensive and battery draining on any device. Therefore, try substituting it for something less demanding like the Tinfoil for Facebook app.Alternatively, create Facebook shortcut from the Chrome web browser. Open your Facebook account in the Chrome browser, go to the overflow menu then choose Add to Home Screen.

2. Use Offline apps and games

While most apps and games need continuous internet access to work, there are other apps able to function without need for an internet connectivity once installed on your device.

3. Compression of Chrome pages

If you use Chrome for all your web browsing then this is one way you can save up 30 to 35 percent of your the mobile data used up by your browser. You need to use the Data Saver feature to compress the web pages you want to load on your browser.Unfortunately, the application of the Data Saver option will lead to reduced speed, but it is totally worth it for a lasting data usage. Simply open the Chrome app then tap the three-dotted options menu at the top right corner, scroll to Settings and then select Data Saver to enable it.

4. Restrict background data usage

Background data simply refers to all the internet traffic that continues even when an app is not actually in use, this can be feed updates, weather widget updates, email syncing and even app updates installing.You can either restrict background data by going to Settings >> Data Usage >> Restrict Background Data or for specific apps by heading to Settings >> Apps then selecting the app you want to restrict.You also have the option of changing your Google services' sync settings, go to Settings >> Accounts >> Google >> tap the account and then un-tick the services you want disallow automatic syncing.

5. Use Opera's video compression

The Android Opera browser now includes an highly efficient video compression feature, which can save you a ton of data especially if you are constantly watching videos.Just download the Opera browser app on your device, go into its Settings, then Data saving and tick the Video compression box option.Along with saving data, the setting allows your videos to load even faster.

6. Disable apps from auto-updating

Setting apps installed from the Google Play Store to automatic update can significantly drain your data even without your knowledge.To disable this, launch your Play Store app, swipe to the left navigation drawer. Hit Settings, tap the Auto-Update Apps entry at the top and then check that it is set either to Do not auto-update apps or Auto-update over Wi-Fi only. For individual apps, swipe to My Apps, tap the app and then hit the overflow menu and either tick or un-tick Auto-Update.

7. Identify and Ditch high data consuming apps

Go to Settings then the Data Usage section and check the apps that have been consuming most of your data even in the background. This is important in deciding the specific apps you need to restrict.

8. Opt to save music on your device

Instead of constantly streaming music from YouTube, Spotify, and other music streaming services and drain out all your data, why not load it onto your phone instead?If possible opt to download the music to your microSD card or your internal storage if you have adequate space. Also, you could save music for offline listening, which allows you to listen to the music as many times as you want without affecting your data.What other method do you use to mange your data consumption? Let us know in the comments.

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What's my model number?

There are several ways to locate your model number:

Option 1
On your device, go to Settings, then "About device" and scroll down to "Model number"
Option 2
Often times you can view the model number inside the device, by removing the battery
Option 3
Using Samsung's model/serial number location tool

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