Turn on Low Data Mode for the hotspot
- Join the hotspot
- System Settings › Wi-Fi › Details…Next to the hotspot's name.
- Turn on Low Data ModemacOS remembers it for that network. Apps that respect it pause background work.
Not every app respects Low Data Mode. Third-party sync and backup apps often don't.
Block apps on metered networks
- Mark the hotspot as metered in DrippyNetworks paid by the byte. Scheduled speed tests skip them too.
- Open the app's page in AppsDropbox, Steam, Backblaze or whatever you want offline on the hotspot.
- Add a rule: On metered networksThe app is blocked on the hotspot and works normally at home.
Other useful rules
- After a daily amount: let an app have 1 GB a day, then block it.
- Once the plan is 90% used: block the heavy apps near the end of the month.
- Outside free hours: if your plan has free night hours, let big downloads run only then.
Watch what gets through
Drippy keeps usage per network, so you can see exactly what used the hotspot today, and notifies you when an app uses the network for the first time.
Questions
Which apps use the most hotspot data?
Usually macOS updates, iCloud Photos, cloud sync, backups and game launchers.
Does iPhone Personal Hotspot turn on Low Data Mode automatically?
Often. macOS usually recognises your own iPhone's hotspot as a low-data network, but check the network's Details.