How to Set a WiFi Network as Metered on a Chromebook

Key takeaways:

• Set your Chromebook WiFi to metered to save data and battery 🔋
• Easy steps in Settings, just a few clicks
• Some features might not work right after you do this

If you’re using a Chromebook with a limited data plan, you’ve probably noticed your internet vanishing way too fast. Background stuff like updates, syncing, and cloud uploads can eat through your data before you even notice. I’ll walk you through how to set your WiFi as metered on Chromebook so you can keep your data (and battery) in check.

This guide is super simple and will help you stop your Chromebook from quietly draining your internet. There are a few tradeoffs, but if you’re okay with a few features being limited, this is a must-do. Here’s how to take control of your Chromebook’s WiFi consumption.

Why Set Your Chromebook WiFi as Metered

Chromebooks are designed to always be online. That’s great until you’re on a capped data plan or a mobile hotspot. When you set a network as metered, your Chromebook will cut down on background data use. That means less auto-sync, fewer updates, and less cloud activity happening without you knowing.

You’ll also see a little improvement in battery life since your Chromebook isn’t working as hard to keep everything up to date in the background. If you’re traveling or using a mobile hotspot, this is a lifesaver.

Step-by-Step: How to Set a WiFi Network as Metered

Here’s how I do it:

1. Click the Launcher (the circle icon in the bottom left).
2. Open Settings.
3. Go to the Network section.
4. Click on Wi-Fi and select the network you’re connected to.
5. Click Network again if needed to see more details.
6. Scroll down to the Advanced section.
7. Find the Metered connection toggle and turn it on.

That’s it. Once you flip that switch, your Chromebook treats this WiFi like a mobile data connection. Less background data, less battery drain, more control.

What Changes When You Enable Metered Connection

When you set your WiFi as metered, Chromebook will:

• Pause or limit background updates and downloads
• Delay some app syncs and notifications
• Hold off on auto-uploading files (like screenshots to Google Drive)
• Use less battery

But there’s a catch: Some features won’t work right. For example, notifications might lag, and some cloud-based stuff (like auto-uploading screenshots) won’t happen until you’re back on an unmetered network.

If you want to learn more about managing files on Chromebook, check out how to delete downloads on Chromebook.

Is This Setting Permanent?

Nope. You can flip it on or off for any WiFi network. If you move to a different network, you’ll need to set it again. It’s perfect for switching between home WiFi (unmetered) and mobile hotspots (metered).

When You Should Use Metered Connection

• Using a mobile hotspot or tethered phone
• Limited data plans
• On public WiFi with bandwidth limits
• Traveling and don’t want surprise data bills

If you’re just on unlimited home WiFi, you probably don’t need this. But for anyone on the go, it’s a must-have trick.

What to Watch Out For

Some stuff won’t sync or update until you’re back on an unmetered network. For example, if you use Google Drive to back up files, uploads might pause. If you use apps that need constant updates, you might miss notifications or real-time changes.

If you want to keep your Chromebook running smooth while saving battery, check out these tips to save battery on Chromebook.

Quick Table: Metered vs Unmetered Network on Chromebook

Feature	Metered On	Metered Off
Background updates	Paused or limited	Automatic
Notifications	Delayed	Real-time
Cloud uploads	Paused	Automatic
Battery usage	Lower	Higher
Data usage	Lower	Higher

Pro Tips for Chromebook Data Management

• Always double-check which network you’re on before flipping the metered switch.
• If you need to upload a big file, wait until you’re back on unmetered WiFi.
• Some Android apps on Chromebook might not play nice with metered networks. If something isn’t working, try turning metered off for a bit.

Want to get more out of your Chromebook? Here’s how to check Chromebook storage and how to clear cache on Chromebook for even more control.

FAQs

How do I know if my WiFi is set as metered on Chromebook?

Go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi, select your network, and check if the Metered connection toggle is on.

Will this save battery life?

Yes, your Chromebook will use less battery since it’s not running as many background tasks.

Can I set all WiFi networks as metered?

You have to set each network individually. There’s no global switch for all networks.

What features might stop working?

Cloud uploads, some notifications, and background updates might pause or slow down.

How do I turn off metered connection?

Just go back to the same settings and toggle Metered connection off.

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That’s all you need to know to keep your Chromebook from burning through your data. If you’re curious about more Chromebook tricks, check out how to check Chromebook hardware specs or how to take a screenshot on Chromebook. Stay connected, but keep your data in check! 🚀