iPhone and Android users urged to make three simple changes to avoid costly text message from network providers

IPHONE and Android owners are missing three tricks that can help them avoid the dreaded 'low data' message from their network provider.

While the message itself isn't so scary, the hefty data roaming bill that may follow can give anyone the spooks.

“The best way to make the most out of your data, and avoid the dreaded low data text, is to be savvy about how to avoid wasting data," Pierre Coppin, Deputy Managing Director of Sky Mobile, told The Sun.

Close your apps

A good portion of your data can be spent on background activity.

This is when apps refresh and update using data behind the scenes.

"Smartphones often use data without us even knowing," Coppin exlpained.

"So, closing unused apps is an easy and quickfire way to prevent data being zapped and help keep data consumption low.”

Disable auto-play

One feature that can ramp up your background data usage is auto-play.

This is a common feature on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or even apps like Netflix.

It means a video clip has loaded in the background, ready to be played automatically, as soon as the app is opened.

But it's also a sure-fire way you suck you into a doom scroll.

“If you often find yourself scrolling and switching between social media apps, it might be a good idea to disable auto-play," Coppin recommended.

"Those videos that can get you hooked and watching for long periods of time can drain a lot of data."

Download episodes

If you're a big streaming fan, then it's likely you do this already.

But streaming episodes or movies using mobile data can leave you with a nasty bill at the end of the month.

According to Netflix, you use about 1GB of data per hour for streaming a TV show or movie in standard definition.

In high-definition (HD), you can drain up to 3GB of data from your monthly allowance in just one hour.

"Streaming episodes of your favourite show is one the biggest drains of data on your phone," added Coppin.

"So, it’s always a good idea to download what you want to watch when you’re connected to Wi-Fi.”