This post describes steps you can take to turn on or off metered connection in Ubuntu Linux.
A metered network connection will try to control and reduce data usage on the network. If your Ubuntu Linux device detects a cellular connection, it will automatically metered data flowing through that connection.
You can manually set Wi-Fi and Ethernet network connections to metered if you want to reduce the amount of data used by apps and services on those networks. However, if metered is set on your networks, some updates and other large downloads will not be started automatically.
Metered connections allow users to control the data so that they do not incur unnecessary network billing cost.
It is good when your device is connected via a mobile hotspot or other networks that are prepared.
Below is how to turn on metered connection for a network in Ubuntu Linux.
How to turn on or off metered connection in Ubuntu Linux
As described above, metered connection allows you to control and reduce the amount of data used by apps and services on that network.
When enabled, some updates and other large downloads will not be started automatically. Not downloading updates and packages may make your system vulnerable to threats.
Below is how to enable or disable in Ubuntu Linux.
Ubuntu Linux has a centralized location for majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating, all can be done from the System Settings panel.
To get to System Settings, open the Activities overview and start typing Settings.
Alternatively, click on the System menu at the top-right corner of the top bar on your desktop.
On the System menu, select Settings as highlighted below.
In the Settings app, click on Network tile.
In the System Settings -> Network settings pane, select the network adapter you want to enable metered connection.
If you Ubuntu Linux detect a network adapter, it will show up in the Network control panel.
Then click on the settings gear for the network.
On the network interface settings window, under Details, check the box for Metered connection, as highlighted below, then click Apply to save your changes.
Once you turn it on, data on that network should be reduced and limited. Some apps might work differently on a metered connection to help reduce your data usage.
That should do it! You can now close the Settings app.
Conclusion:
This post showed you how to enable or disable metered connection in Ubuntu Linux. If you find any error above or have something to add, please use the comment form below.
