Reduce data usage

What device are you using? Some devices have a setting you can change like "good, better, or best". 

Go to the settings on your streaming device (Roku, Fire Stick, etc.) and look for Display, Display Type, or something similar.  Change the setting from Auto detect or high(est) to 720p. You could go down to 480p if the option is there, but you may not be happy with the quality. Then again, if data usage is your biggest concern then you may be willing to settle for standard definition (SD). 

Another thing that I believe is a data hog is not completely exiting out of the DirecTV Stream app. Make sure you press the back button on your remote until you see the Cancel/Exit box on screen. Select exit. 

Update to my original post:

It looks like the DirecTV Stream app is getting a setting for stream quality (Good, Better, Best). The v4.x app for Fire TV and Apple TV have the setting. The app installed on my Roku Ultra is v3.x and it doesn’t have the setting. 

That good, better, best setting has been there for Firestick for at least a year. I've used it in the past. Also, on my sideloaded Tivo stream 4k.

I found the data control and am comparing the displays . Thanks for your configuration insights