# Smart Data Usage

Verkada optimizes video streaming on cameras connected to gateways with smart data usage. When smart data usage is enabled for a gateway, its connected cameras will have the following behavior:

* Live streams will default to standard quality (SQ). Users can manually switch to high-quality (HQ) if needed.
* On grids and viewing stations, thumbnails will be displayed when no motion is detected. The cameras will begin streaming video once motion is detected.
* Cloud backup and RTSP cannot be enabled.

***

## Disable smart data usage

Smart data usage is enabled by default on Cellular Gateways and disabled by default on Wi-Fi Gateways. You can disable this feature on cellular gateways that are using a non-Verkada SIM card.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### In Verkada Command, go to **All Products** > **Gateways** .

{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Select a gateway.

{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### In the top right, click **Settings** **.**

{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Under **Device**, turn off **Smart Data Usage**.

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><img src="https://1814166542-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiAGnzScvko5PkG7YBy3i%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-63b390530bf5e21725e7c3282ba93373ba8fb628%2F51248fb7a2b736950c84259091bb625d86c47423.png?alt=media" alt="" width="820"></div>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Smart data usage cannot be disabled when using the Verkada data plan.
{% endhint %}

***

**Need more help?** Contact [Verkada Support](https://www.verkada.com/contact/).
