Enable Android Wi-Fi Assistant For Data Savings

When it comes to cell phone usage, saving precious data is a big deal to most of us. Even those so-called "unlimited" plans are often not truly unlimited and/or throttle speeds down if you use too much of that "unlimited" data.

Google has released an update that is currently available to Nexus branded phones only (and those running Android 5.1 or higher) that will allow you to use Wi-Fi Assistant. This is the same technology Google uses with their Project Fi which is a cell phone plan that gives it's users huge data savings.

How does it work? Without getting too technical, any time you're out and about in the world your phone is picking up on Wi-Fi hotspots. Google has a list of these as well from all over the world. If you're phone is close to one that Google says is "good" with reliable speed then you're phone will automatically connect to it. It will switch between your cellular (3G/4G) connection and Wi-Fi seamlessly.

What about security and privacy? As we all know, public Wi-Fi isn't the most secure system around. Google goes around that by adding secured VPN connections. Anything you do is routed through a separated network and thus everything is encrypted and secured.

So what's the downside? As I mentioned, it's only for Nexus phones. Just one more reason you shouldn't be following the Galaxy sheep! Other than that, there is no downside here.

Step 1

Open your main Android Settings and select Google from the main list of selections.

Step 2

You're now in the Google Settings area so look for and tap on Networking.

Step 3

Tap on the "enable" slider to enable the WiFi Assistant. When you do you'll see an information / confirmation popup like the one shown below.

Click on "Got It" and you're done. Tap your home button to leave the Settings area.

Enjoy Free Wi-Fi

That's all there was to it and any time your phone picks up a Wi-Fi access point that Google deems as being "good" it will automatically connect and use a secured VPN connection so you'll enjoy the same privacy and security as you would if you were using a 3G/4G data connection. Meaning, a far more secure connection than a normal public Wi-Fi hotspot.