Turning off mobile data for Facebook on your Android device can help reduce data usage and save money on your cell phone plan. Facebook can use a significant amount of data in the background if you don’t restrict its access. Here are the steps to turn off mobile data for Facebook on Android.
Check your Android version
The way to disable Facebook mobile data depends on your Android version. Newer versions of Android (Android 9 Pie and above) have simplified data restrictions, while older versions require more steps. Here’s how to check your Android version:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap About Phone or About Device.
- Look for Android Version or Software Version to see which version you have.
Android 9 Pie and above
Android 9 Pie introduced easier ways to restrict app data in the background. If you have this version or later, you can turn off Facebook mobile data with these steps:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications.
- Select Facebook.
- Tap Mobile data & Wi-Fi.
- Turn off the “Mobile data” option.
This specifically disables mobile data for Facebook while keeping Wi-Fi access on. The app won’t be able to use mobile data in the background.
Android 8 Oreo and below
Older versions of Android require using a special data saver setting to restrict Facebook mobile data.
- Go to Settings > Data usage.
- Select Data saver.
- Turn on Data saver by sliding the switch.
This enables Data saver for your device, which prevents apps from using mobile data when they are in the background. Facebook and other apps will only have data access when you open them.
Use Android’s data usage control
In addition to the previous steps, you can also restrict Facebook’s mobile data on Android by configuring its data usage settings:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > App info.
- Select Facebook.
- Tap Data usage.
- Tap the toggle next to “Mobile data” to disable it.
- You can also tap Data warning & limit and set a limit for how much data Facebook can use.
With Android’s data usage control, you can allow Facebook to only use a certain amount of data each month. This gives you more control over its data usage.
Use a firewall app
Another option is using a firewall app to block Facebook’s mobile data access:
- Install a firewall app like NoRoot Firewall or NetGuard.
- Open the firewall app settings.
- Find Facebook in the app list and restrict its Wi-Fi and mobile data access.
Firewall apps provide low-level blocking of internet access for specific apps. This ensures Facebook won’t be able to use mobile data at all while running in the background.
Disable background data for Facebook
You can also go into Facebook’s settings to disable its background data usage:
- Open the Facebook app.
- Tap the ≡ menu icon.
- Go to Settings & privacy > Settings > Data usage.
- Disable background data by tapping the toggle.
This setting specifically prevents Facebook from collecting data when running in the background. But it will still have data access when you open the app.
Restrict background activity
Some Android versions allow you to restrict apps from working in the background:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced.
- Select Special app access.
- Tap Background activity.
- Switch the toggle for Facebook off.
Restricting background activity prevents Facebook from updating, sending notifications, location access, and other data collection when you aren’t using the app. This provides comprehensive control over its background behavior.
Use Android’s Data Saver
Android’s built-in Data Saver mode restricts background data for apps. To enable it:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver.
- Turn on Data Saver.
When Data Saver is enabled, you can still allow certain apps to bypass the restriction:
- Tap Unrestricted data access.
- Set Facebook to ‘Restricted.’
This will block Facebook’s background data specifically while Data Saver is turned on.
Use airplane mode
One drastic option is enabling Airplane mode on your device when you aren’t actively using Facebook. Airplane mode disables all network connectivity, including mobile data and Wi-Fi.
To use Airplane mode to restrict Facebook:
- Enable Airplane mode via Settings or the quick settings menu.
- Only disable Airplane mode temporarily when you want to actively use Facebook.
This approach prevents apps from using any data connection unless you manually disable Airplane mode. It works as an extreme measure to limit Facebook’s data access if needed.
Third-party apps
Some third-party apps can help restrict Facebook’s data usage:
- NetGuard – Open source firewall for controlling app internet access.
- NoRoot Firewall – Firewall without needing root access.
- Hermit Lite Apps – Creates lite apps with limited permissions.
- Falcon – Privacy and security app with data restrictions.
These apps provide extra ways to limit data usage specifically for Facebook. They can automatically restrict Facebook’s background data access.
Free vs. paid solutions
Some data restriction solutions have free versions, while others require paying for the full functionality:
| App | Free | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| NetGuard | Limited functions | Full firewall features |
| NoRoot Firewall | Only 5 rule slots | Unlimited rules |
| Falcon | Limited data blocking | Premium data control |
The free versions can still help restrict Facebook’s data usage, but full functionality requires paying for the pro or premium versions.
Automate the process
You can use automation apps to easily toggle Facebook’s data access:
- Create an IFTTT applet to enable Airplane mode when you leave a location.
- Use MacroDroid to toggle Data saver when opening or closing Facebook.
- Set up Bixby Routines to disable background data when you’re asleep.
Automating the process ensures you don’t have to remember to restrict Facebook’s data manually. It saves time and makes managing data access easier.
Considerations
Some things to keep in mind when limiting Facebook data:
- Restricting data can affect notifications and background updates.
- Location services may not work properly without data access.
- Limiting data usage saves cellular data costs.
- Reducing background usage preserves battery life.
- Review notification settings so you don’t miss alerts.
Properly configuring data restrictions prevents unnecessary background usage without compromising essential functions.
Conclusion
Restricting Facebook’s mobile data usage on Android is important for many users to save money and cellular data. The process differs across Android versions, but includes settings like Data Saver, restricting background activity, using firewall apps, and enabling Airplane mode.
Automating data blocking for Facebook can make it easier to manage. Overall, controlling Facebook’s data access ensures it only uses mobile data when you want it to.