Hearing about data disappearing is a common occurrence here in South Africa. If you have problems figuring out where your mobile data is going, or at least need a way to manage it better, Google has launched a new app that can help with that.

Datally is available now from Google Play, and helps smartphone users understand, control, and save mobile data. If you have a smartphone running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and higher, your data worries should, hopefully, be coming to an end.

The app includes four key features:

Data Saver. Apps frequently use data in the background for updating content and information. Datally’s Data Saver feature lets users control data on an app-by-app basis, so that data only goes to apps they care about. People testing the app saved up to 30% of mobile data, according to Google, depending on the way they used Datally.

Data Saver bubble. Once Data Saver is turned on, Datally’s Data Saver bubble will appear when a user goes into an app. Whenever that app uses data, the Data Saver bubble will show the current rate of data usage, and users can easily choose to block that app’s data use if things start to get out of control. Google believes the Data Saver bubble is like a speedometer for mobile data.

Personalised alerts. Datally alerts users when apps start consuming a lot of data, and it allows them to see how much data they’ve used on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Wi-Fi finder. There are also times when users want to use more data than they have on their mobile plans, such as when they want to watch HD videos. Public Wi-Fi is an important access point for high-bandwidth connectivity, so Datally’s Find Wi-Fi feature reveals the networks nearby, rated by the Datally community. Once connected, users can rate the Wi-Fi networks based on their own experience.

Google tested Datally in the Philippines for most of 2017, and the insights from the product tests there shaped the final app.

Understand, control and and save mobile data with Datally

Still not sure? Below are 7 things to know about Datally:

#1 - Datally helps you understand where your data is going

Datally shows you how much data you’ve used on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis and alerts you when apps consume a lot of data. Over time, Datally will learn your usage patterns and offer more recommendations to save data.

#2 - Data Saver helps you save up to 30% of your data

Apps frequently use data in the background to update content and information. Many times, you might not know this this is happening. Datally’s Data Saver feature turns off background data for these non-essential functions and lets you manage data usage on an app-by-app basis.

#3 - Turn on the Data Saver bubble to see a real-time speedometer for your data

The Data Saver bubble blocks background data and tracks real-time data usage, whatever app you’re in — it’s like a speedometer for your data. You can also block data with one tap if data usage gets out of control.   

#4 - Datally helps you find great Wi-Fi nearby

Finding quality public Wi-Fi can be a challenge. If you’re in range of a public network, Datally’s Wi-Fi finder will notify you and help you connect. You can even get directions on how to get there.

#5 - Rate Wi-Fi networks and help others

Once you’re connected to a network, don’t forget to rate it to help others in the Datally community find great Wi-Fi.

Datally shows nearby Wi-Fi with quality ratings from other users

#6 - Light on your phone

The Datally app takes about 6MB of space, so it’s easy on your phone’s storage.

#7 - Made for you

Datally works on all phones running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and higher, and it’s available globally on the Google Play Store.