How do I manage data usage?Updated 2 months ago
Quick Answer
You can reduce data usage by enabling Low Data Mode in your workout settings and connecting to WiFi before streaming videos. On average, 5 minutes of video uses up to 60MB of data.
Understanding CENTR Data Usage
Video streaming requires significant data. A typical CENTR workout video uses approximately 60MB of data per 5 minutes of video content. A full 30-minute workout can use 300-400MB of mobile data if you're not connected to WiFi.
To avoid unexpected data charges and ensure smooth video playback, we recommend connecting to WiFi whenever possible before starting a workout.
Enable Low Data Mode
CENTR offers a Low Data Mode feature that reduces video quality to minimize data consumption. This is especially helpful when you're in an area with poor network connection or limited mobile data.
For Coached Workouts
- Open a Coached Workout video in the CENTR app
- Tap the mixer icon on the video player
- Toggle "Low Data Mode" to ON
- The video quality will adjust automatically to use less data
For Self-Guided Workouts
- Open a Self-Guided Workout in the CENTR app
- Tap the kebab icon (three dots) at the top right of the screen
- Toggle "Low Data Mode" to ON
- Your workout will use reduced data throughout the session
Low Data Mode works on both iOS and Android apps, and helps improve video streaming when you're in areas with poor network coverage.
Tips to Reduce Data Usage
- Connect to WiFi: Always connect to a reliable WiFi network before starting workouts to avoid using mobile data
- Download for offline: If your app version supports downloading workouts, download them while on WiFi to watch later without any data usage
- Check your connection: Before starting a workout, verify you're connected to WiFi by checking your device's network settings
- Monitor your usage: Check your device's data usage settings regularly to track how much data CENTR is consuming
- Adjust video quality: Use Low Data Mode whenever you're not on WiFi or have limited mobile data available
Troubleshooting Network Issues
If you're experiencing buffering, slow loading, or connection problems:
Switch Between WiFi and Mobile Data
- If the video won't load on WiFi, try switching to mobile data temporarily
- If mobile data isn't working, switch back to WiFi
- This helps identify whether the issue is with your WiFi network or mobile connection
Check Network Strength
- Move closer to your WiFi router if the signal is weak
- Ensure other apps and devices aren't using too much bandwidth
- Test your internet connection by opening a web browser
- Consider restarting your WiFi router if connection is unstable
Improve Streaming Quality
- Close other apps that might be using data or bandwidth
- Pause the video for 10-15 seconds to allow buffering
- If on mobile data, enable Low Data Mode to reduce buffering
- Restart the CENTR app if video playback is consistently problematic
Platform-Specific Data Settings
iOS Devices
To monitor CENTR data usage on iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings on your iOS device
- Scroll down and tap "Cellular" or "Mobile Data"
- Scroll down to see data usage by app
- Find CENTR in the list to see how much data it has used
- You can toggle off "Cellular Data" for CENTR to force WiFi-only usage
Android Devices
To monitor CENTR data usage on Android:
- Open Settings on your Android device
- Tap "Network & internet" or "Connections"
- Select "Data usage" or "Mobile data usage"
- Find CENTR in the app list to view data consumption
- You can restrict background data for CENTR to reduce usage
Web Browser (centr.com)
If you're using CENTR on a web browser, video quality and data usage depend on your browser settings and internet connection speed. The browser will typically auto-adjust video quality based on your connection speed.
Need Help?
If you're experiencing persistent network issues, excessive data usage, or problems with video streaming, contact our support team at [email protected]. Include details about your device, internet connection type, and the specific issues you're encountering.