Are you interested to know about the HughesNet unlimited data hack? We have the guide that will show you how!
HughesNet is a satellite provider useful in situations when you can’t get wired internet service.
The downside to it is that you’ll need to pay a premium for its plans.
They’re also notorious for throttling users if they use more than their allocated data.
HughesNet offers unlimited data. However, they throttle it once you go over your monthly data budget. To bypass it all, you need to do is use a VPN. Connect to your favorite server and experience unthrottled speeds once again. If you don’t have a VPN, you will need to lower your overall data usage.
Let’s explore this a bit further, so you’ll know what you’re up against with HughesNet.
We can then move on to the steps on how you can take full advantage of your internet plan.
What to Consider When Using HughesNet
HughesNet offers excellent satellite internet service for areas where wired internet is impossible. Now, their plans come with a specific data allocation.
However, they do not have hard data limits. So, essentially, they’re offering internet with unlimited data.
Let’s take a look at what HughesNet offers, so you’ll have a better idea of how to allocate your data budget properly.
1. Unlimited Data
HughesNet offers unlimited data. Your plan will have a data budget, but they will not cut you off from connecting to the internet if you exceed it.
2. Data Allocation
HughesNet’s internet plans come with a certain data budget. You’ll still effectively enjoy unlimited data, but if you go over, the speeds are going to be slower.
3. Internet Throttling
If you’re checking your data usage, you will see that you’re nearing your limits.
However, if you’re not, you will significantly feel the reduced internet speeds whenever you download files or stream video content.
4. Budgeting your Data and Tools
You can perform steps to reduce your overall data usage without affecting your online activities. You can also use tools that can bypass the slow throttled speeds.
Let’s move to our troubleshooting solutions so you can manage your data usage properly.
Guide to Getting Unlimited Data with HughesNet
Can you get unlimited data with HughesNet? Yes, you can. However, that’s not the entirety of the problem you’re facing.
The primary concern here is to ensure that you’re getting high-speed internet all the time, whether you go beyond your data budget.
You have two ways to deal with this problem. One is to use a few data budgeting techniques, which can significantly extend your allocation.
The other option is a more permanent solution that will get you fast speeds even if you’re over your data token allocation.
If you’re looking for a more robust solution, we recommend jumping straight to Solution #5.
Solution #1: Closely Monitor Your Data Usage
The easiest way to continue enjoying high-speed satellite internet is to monitor your data usage. This way, you will have a good idea of your monthly usage.
You will be able to adjust your plan or get additional data tokens, so you will not suffer from slow internet speeds.
It’s also a way to know if you’re nearing your allocation so you can slow down on your usage.
Here’s how to check your data usage on HughesNet:
- Download the HughesNet app.
- Log in to your HughesNet account.
- Tap on the Menu icon on the top left.
- Go to Usage Status.
- Check if you have gone over your data tokens.
Tip: If you have, you can get more tokens on the app or jump to Solution #6 for a more robust way to get faster internet on HughesNet.
Solution #2: Stream in SD to Save Data
Video streaming is by far the activity that uses the most data. There is a way to save a ton of your data token allocation without affecting your activity.
You want to stream in SD or standard definition rather than HD. The quality will take a bit of a hit, but you will still be able to watch your favorite movies or TV shows.
Here’s how to stream in HD:
On Netflix:
- Open your Netflix app.
- Select your Profile.
- Go to App Settings.
- Tap on Cellular Data Usage, then select Save Data.
- Under Downloads, change Download Video Quality to Standard.
On YouTube:
- Open the YouTube app on your phone.
- Select your Profile, then Settings.
- Tap on Video Quality Preferences.
- Select Data Saver for both sections.
Note: You can save up to 50% of your data budget allocation by switching all your streaming apps to SD.
Solution #3: Turn Off Autoplay on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok
Since videos can use up a lot of your data, autoplay videos on social media sites can inadvertently cause you precious MBs throughout the day.
The quickest way to deal with this is to turn it off so you can extend your data budget.
Here’s how to turn off autoplay on your social media apps:
On Facebook:
- Open your Facebook app.
- Tap the menu icon on the top right.
- Tap on the gear icon.
- Under Preferences, select Media.
- Check Data Saver and Never Autoplay Videos.
On TikTok:
- Launch TikTok on your phone.
- Tap the menu icon on the bottom right.
- Open the Security and Privacy page.
- Under General, select Data Saver.
- Toggle the switch ON.
On YouTube:
- Open YouTube on your phone.
- Select your Profile, then Settings.
- Tap on Autoplay.
- Toggle the Autoplay next video switch to OFF.
Note: This will save you a ton of data since leaving autoplay on can potentially waste a lot of it since the videos will just go on and on.
Solution #4: Use a Third-Party DNS
Using a third-party DNS will not necessarily speed up your internet, but it will improve your overall experience.
It will not add to the speed, especially if you are already throttled down. However, it will quicken loading times every time you browse the web.
Here’s how to use a third-party DNS with your HughesNet:
- Open your computer’s Control Panel.
- Go to Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on Change Adapter Settings.
- Right Click on your active connection, then select Properties.
- Double Click Internet Protocol 4, then enter the DNS Address.
Note: If you want to use Google DNS, enter 8.8.8.8. You can also use Cloudflare by entering 1.1.1.1.
Solution #5: Connect to HughesNet Using VPN
If you’re looking for a way to use HughesNet internet and enjoy fast speeds, especially when you’re over the data limits, the only solution is to use a VPN.
Even when you’re way past your data budget, it’s the only way to connect at 25 to 30 Mbps.
Here’s how to use a VPN for the HughesNet unlimited data hack:
- Get a trusted and reliable VPN service.
- Sign up for the VPN and decide on the plan to get.
- Install the VPN app on your computer or phone.
- Log in to the VPN app.
- Connect to the server of your choice.
After getting a VPN and using it, you can forget about the data budgeting techniques described above.
You will not have to worry about them since you’ll always get the best speeds on HughesNet, whether you’re 20GB under or over your data allowance.
Note: For best results, it’s best to choose the nearest server to your location.
Of course, if you don’t want to use a VPN or any of the solutions above, you can always upgrade to a HughesNet plan that offers more data.
You can also get additional data tokens to enjoy faster speeds. However, if you don’t mind connecting to the internet at 1 to 3 Mbps, you should be fine with the throttling issue.
Read Next: Why Is Hughesnet System Control Center Not Working?
Bottom Line
Now that you know how to do the HughesNet unlimited data hack. You’ll be able to enjoy their high-speed services wherever you are.
Follow the steps we outlined, and you should be able to get decent unlimited satellite internet. If you run into issues, you can always contact HughesNet to ask for assistance.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.