How many times do you check Facebook from your mobile device?
“Multiple times a day” is how many people answer that question. If this describes you, then this “how to” post may help save you on your mobile data usage, which might even save you some cash.
A recent update to the Facebook App enabled autoplay of videos in your News Feed. What does that mean to you? According to Facebook, this will improve your experience. I disagree. Autoplay of videos on a mobile device can be cumbersome.
Video files are large and consume bandwidth. Autoplaying videos will impact your data usage and can create a couple of issues for you:
- Most unlimited data plans will throttle your bandwidth after you pass a threshold of use and slow down your connection.
- You may incur overage charges on a limited data plan.
How to disable Facebook autoplay video:
Autoplay video on Facebook’s App can be disabled… kind of. You can change a setting in the App to disable autoplay of video on mobile data. This will only allow the autoplay when you are connected to WiFi – saving you on unwanted use of your data plan.
Autoplay Video on WiFi Only – Android
- Open your Facebook App
- Navigate to the App Settings
- Select the “Auto-play videos on Wi-Fi only” checkbox
Autoplay Video on WiFi Only – iOS 7
- Go to your Settings App
- Scroll down and select “Facebook” under Apps
- On the Facebook settings screen, select “Settings >”
- Then turn on “Auto-play on Wi-Fi only”
It’s not a perfect solution, but it has the potential to save on the data you use and, by extension, keep your cell phone bill from getting out of hand. Will you enable WiFi only video autoplay on your Facebook App?