Watching TikTok at the Airport? You Could Be Wasting Money
*We’ve all been there—scrolling through TikTok or Instagram while waiting for a flight. But did you know that autoplaying videos could be draining your data and blowing up your phone bill?
If you’ve ever received a shockingly high roaming bill after an international trip, you’re not alone. According to Georgia Brivida, a mobile communications expert at Sim Local, autoplay features on apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are one of the most overlooked causes of high roaming fees.
Why Autoplaying Videos Are a Problem When You Travel
By default, apps like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and even Spotify are set to automatically play videos as you scroll.
While this keeps content flowing smoothly, it also eats up mobile data, especially when you’re traveling abroad without an international data plan.
“The problem,” says Brivida, “isn’t the apps themselves, it’s how they’re set up to play content the moment you open them. If you’re outside the U.S. and not connected to Wi-Fi, you’re burning through data without realizing it.”
Scroll to continue reading
Here’s How Much Data You’re Really Using
Autoplaying just a few videos can lead to surprisingly high data usage. Here’s what it could cost you while roaming internationally:
- 10 minutes of video on YouTube or Netflix = up to 100 MB
- 3–5 minutes scrolling TikTok or Instagram = 20 MB
- Streaming music on Spotify = 15 MB in just a few minutes
If your phone is set to roam without a data plan, these megabytes can turn into hundreds of dollars in roaming fees—all from casual scrolling.
How to Turn Off Autoplay on iPhone and Android
The fix is simple and takes less than a minute. Before you leave the U.S., follow these steps to disable autoplay features on your smartphone:
For iPhone (iOS):
- Go to Settings
- Tap Accessibility
- Select Motion
- Turn off “Automatic video previews”
For Android Devices:
- Open Settings
- Tap Google
- Select All services
- Tap Search, Assistant and Voice
- Go to Other settings
- Turn off “Autoplay video previews”
Once you disable autoplay, you’ll still be able to watch videos—just on your terms.
This small setting change can save you big money and give you peace of mind while traveling.
How to Travel Smart Without Losing Content
If you still want to enjoy your favorite apps abroad, consider these smart travel tips:
- Download content over Wi-Fi before you leave home
- Use airplane mode when not actively connected to Wi-Fi
- Purchase an international data plan or travel SIM card
- Stick to Wi-Fi-only usage in airports, hotels, and cafes
Being prepared is the best way to avoid surprise bills. And now that you know how to stop autoplay on TikTok and Instagram, you’re ready to enjoy your trip without stress, reports unionrayo.com.
Final Word: One Setting Could Save You Hundreds
Whether you’re traveling for work or vacation, don’t let automatic video playback drain your wallet. Taking a moment to stop autoplay on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other apps could be one of the smartest travel moves you make.
So before you pack your bags, pack in some peace of mind—check your phone settings and avoid that dreaded post-vacation phone bill!
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Will Smith Embraces Welsh Roots, Considers ‘Welsh Smith’ Name Change
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
