TripMode 2 and 3: Control internet data usage with macOS app

Whether you're on the go in a hotspot, consuming data with a surf stick or in a WLAN network - with the macOS app TripMode you can surf the Internet with full traffic control - not only on the Mac, but also on Windows. You can deny individual apps access to the web, grant and see which background program consumes so much data. The Mac software TripMode was recommended here in the blog already. At this point I would like to show you all the information, data and TripMode 2 and 3 download options for OS X, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, Windows 10 and Co.

Always mobile, always online? With TripMode 2 you manage the apps that are allowed to access the Internet. You can find information, details and download here!

TripMode features

The Mac app TripMode has been around since 2015, and the second version was released in 2017. You can use the software under macOS on a mobile Mac as well as on a Windows laptop under the Microsoft operating system. With the second run of the program there were some great changes in 2017, which I have summarized for you below:

TripMode 2 and TripMode 3 – who is what for?

The distinction between version 2 and 3 came with the upgrade of macOS to the Big Sur version. The developers also offer the download of TripMode 2 on their homepage, which is suitable for macOS Sierra 10.12, macOS High Sierra 10.13, macOS Mojave 10.14 and macOS Catalina 10.15, while TripMode 3 runs from macOS Big Sur 11, but also with macOS Monterey is working.

So most Mac users will need to load the TripMode 3 version if they have a reasonably recent Mac - such as the Apple Silicon Macs with M1, M1 Pro and M1 Max processors.

With the TripMode app, you can get mobile data consumption under control, for example if you use an iPhone to access the Internet with a Mac.

Price, free demo and subscription for TripMode

The TripMode app costs $7,99 for both the Apple Mac or mobile MacBook (Pro) and Windows notebooks. However, you can also download a free demo version. After the download, it can be used in full for 7 days. After that, you can use them for 15 minutes each day. If you only surf the web for a quarter of an hour a day via Mobile Data, then you get away with it for free ;)

You can also use TripMode in a package with other apps via a software subscription from SetApp. You can find the direct subpage of Tripmode at SetApp via this link. What is SetApp and how it works you read that here.

The version for Apple macOS Sierra / High Sierra compared to the Windows version for the Microsoft operating system.

More information about the program

If you are a mobile data user and set a hotspot for your Mac in the iOS of iPhone or iPad, for example, then TripMode is actually indispensable. Because your mobile data volume is limited and quickly used up by background processes, updates and apps that interact with the Internet. But if you don't want to have a whole month left at the end of the data volume when you're travelling, on vacation or if your home WiFi network fails, then I recommend the TripMode download!

To give you a small overview of all functions, I have translated the features listed on the developer site into English for you. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment:

• Blocks unwanted data hogs: Only apps that you have selected are allowed to connect to the Internet. The rest is blocked.
• Automatically saves data: TripMode switches itself on automatically in the networks in which you have used it before.
• Record your data usage: See the data consumption per app, session, day and month. Identifies the data-hungry apps.
• Set up a data limit: All traffic will be stopped automatically when you reach the maximum you have chosen. Never use too much again!

New in TripMode 3: a live monitor, a sleeker user interface and reports that can be output at different time periods.

What's new in TripMode 3?

The new version of TripMode, which is for Macs with macOS Big Sur and higher, comes up with a few new features, which are listed in the screenshot above:

• While using TripMode, you can see a small window with a live view of data usage. When I'm working on the MacBook Pro and the screen space is already limited anyway, I only show the window here and there. It's floating and sits on top of all the other windows, which is a bit annoying if you're short on space.
• The TripMode user interface has been heavily revised with the 3rd version. You can tell that everything is integrated much more nicely into the new macOS and the setting options are also more delicate.
• Another new feature are reports, which can now be issued for past periods. I haven't used the feature because I can't find a use case on mine.

Installing TripMode on Mac running macOS Monterey and later

Apple's operating system is becoming more and more isolated to provide more security. As a result, you have to grant some rights to apps like TripMode during installation so that these programs can run properly. I made screenshots of my installation process so you can see where to click.

In principle, there are two actions that you must carry out so that TripMode has the appropriate rights. In the course of the installation, however, TripMode will lead you to the appropriate places in the system so that you have to search here on your own.

The first thing to do is allow the TripMode system software to load. To do this, first click on the lock at the bottom left and then on the Allow button.

In order for TripMode to be able to see which program is using how much mobile data, it must monitor network traffic. This also requires your permission.

FAQ: Questions and Answers

To round off the letter of recommendation for TripMode, here is an FAQ in German that answers the most important and most frequently asked questions about the Mac app. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a note below the post ;)

How does TripMode save mobile data for me?
When TripMode is switched on (slider set to ON), it prevents all apps from connecting to the Internet - except those that you have whitelisted. Automatic updates, online backups, photos synchronization (iCloud) and other apps / services with regard to uploading and downloading are stopped.

Is TripMode also available in the Mac and Windows bundle?
Yes, the bundle does not have any financial advantages over the individual downloads, as it costs $ 15,98.

Can I also use TripMode with a surf stick (3G, 4G LTE)?
Yes, it may be necessary to set TripMode to ON in the corresponding network in the menu bar of macOS Sierra / High Sierra.

Can TripMode be downloaded from the Apple App Store?
No, the Mac App Store guidelines prohibit the apps offered there from using the "Kernel Extensions" feature, which under Mac OS X or macOS can, among other things, regulate the Internet access of apps. The download can, however, be implemented via TripMode.ch or via SetApp.

Are user data (history, search queries, etc.) saved?
No. The developers collect data on traffic volume in order to optimize the offer, but that's all. Information about the pages visited, submitted content, data and files and so on is never recorded. User privacy is taken seriously.

Summary

TripMode for macOS on the Apple Mac or the mobile MacBook (Pro) and Windows PC or laptop is a useful helper if you use a mobile iOS or Android hotspot, Telekom hotspots at the train station, on the Deutsche Bahn train, in the aircraft, at the airport or with a surf stick accesses a limited internet network. Data blocking is very difficult without this app - with TripMode you just tick a few boxes and only leave upstream and downstream open for those apps that you really want to connect to the Internet. A clear recommendation from Sir Apfelot!

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.