Does blocking videos save data
There are times when I am traveling that I am out of range of any wi-fi and I have to use my data plan to access websites. Many websites have videos that play automatically. I have seen methods to block auto play. My question is, are these blocked from using my data or do they download to firefox but just don't get played? If the latter, is there some way to block the use of my data?
Chosen solution
Wow, three great solutions. I will be experimenting with them as I have time.
RobertJ, I think I will stop the prefetching described in your link.
I know the Block Autoplay works but it is good to know that the video isn't downloaded. The starting image seems to show up but nothing plays.
I will try to mark all three as solutions.
Read this answer in context 👍 0All Replies (6)
Hi petejc, Blocking the autoplay of video does block the data from being downloaded.
For example, A visit to MSN with Standard Enhanced Tracking Protection and only Block Audio enabled resulted in 22.6 MB of data downloaded. A visit to MSN with Standard Enhanced Tracking Protection and Block Audio & Video enabled resulted in 8.8 MB of data downloaded.
Blocking ads , unwanted cookies and trackers also prevents the data from being downloaded.
There may be some other ways to save on your bandwidth here:
How to stop Firefox from making automatic connections https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-stop-firefox-making-automatic-connections
An option which might make life a little easier is to create another profile or get Firefox Portable from PortableApps installed on a flash drive to use when you travel. Either way, you can streamline the functionality and enable the maximum blocking to save on bandwidth in addition to being personalized to your travel needs.
To completely prevent buffering, you also could consider using an add-on. You might check out the "Image Video Block" extension referenced in the following thread:
Stop auto "Download" of videos on web sites
I'm not sure I figured out how it works, but I'm attaching a screenshot of the menu showing global settings and how to make site exceptions.
Chosen Solution
Wow, three great solutions. I will be experimenting with them as I have time.
RobertJ, I think I will stop the prefetching described in your link.
I know the Block Autoplay works but it is good to know that the video isn't downloaded. The starting image seems to show up but nothing plays.
I will try to mark all three as solutions.
@jscher2000's suggestion to completely prevent buffering should prevent the starting image.
Anyway, we're glad we could help.
Browse Safe !
hi ich haben eine fragen zum das wie kann ich dier Weibe-Blocker deakenwin
MFG thomas