We’ve all been there – you load up a new data bundle only to get that dreaded “low balance” pop-up way sooner than expected. The truth is, it’s not always the big downloads; it’s the sneaky little habits we don’t notice.

Here are seven culprits you should watch out for:

1. Endless Instagram scrolls and TikTok reels

Those short videos may look harmless, but they’re incredibly data-hungry. A single hour of TikTok can gulp down 1GB or more.

2. Background apps running without your knowledge

From weather apps to email syncs, many apps run quietly in the background, eating up your data even when your phone is locked.

3. Auto-play on YouTube and streaming platforms

That “Up Next” feature is fun – until you realise it’s quietly draining your data as you binge.

4. Long Zoom calls or online classes

Video conferencing consumes about 500MB – 1.5GB per hour. Multiply that by several calls, and your bundle disappears fast.

5. Leaving apps open instead of closing them

Apps left running (like maps, games, or even social media) keep refreshing, which means data use.

6. Constant app updates on mobile data

Allowing automatic updates on data instead of WiFi can wipe out gigabytes in a single day.

7. Cloud backups are syncing in the background

Photos, WhatsApp backups, and Google Drive syncs often happen at night, but if you’re on mobile data, you’re paying the price.

Pro tip: Do a quick settings check today, and you might double the life of your bundle.

“Data is life, literally. That’s why MTN is focused on not just giving you bundles, but also helping you get the best value from them,” said Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, MTN Nigeria. “Sometimes it’s the little things, like adjusting your settings, that can stretch your data farther than you imagined.”