How much data does WhatsApp use?

In this blog

How much data does WhatsApp use

How to use less data while using WhatsApp

How to check your data usage

WhatsApp is one of the most used apps around the world with more than 2 billion users in more than 180 countries. We use WhatsApp for a lot of reasons. Whether you're texting friends, making video calls with family, or sending photos and videos, WhatsApp is an app that millions of people rely on daily. But have you ever wondered how much data it uses? Getting a better understanding of how much data you spend can help you use WhatsApp more wisely. In this blog you will read about how much data WhatsApp uses and how you can save some data while using WhatsApp.

How much data does WhatsApp use?

In WhatsApp the data usage varies with different things. Below you will read per feature how much data it costs.

• Text Messages Sending text messages via WhatsApp consumes a very low amount of data. On average, a text message costs as little as 0.01MB. This means that even with intensive use, such as sending hundreds of messages daily, the data consumption remains relatively low. For most users, WhatsApp’s data usage for messages and calls will have little impact on their monthly data limits.
•   Voice Calls The data consumption for voice calls averages between 0.5 MB and 1 MB per minute. This makes it a cost-effective way to make calls, particularly when compared to traditional phone services. For an average 10-minute call, this would result in a data usage of 5 MB to 10 MB, which is still quite manageable.
• Video Calls WhatsApp’s video call data usage, on the other hand, is heavier than voice calls. Depending on the quality of the connection and the device you’re using, data consumption can range from 2.5 MB to 15 MB per minute. This means that a 10-minute video call could consume between 20 MB and 50 MB of data. This still is not a lot, but it is a lot more than a video call.
• Images and videos

o   Images: When you send an image via WhatsApp, the data consumption typically ranges from 100 KB to 1 MB. The exact size depends on the resolution and compression of the image. If you frequently send photos, this can result in a significant amount of data usage, especially if you send high-quality images.

o   Videos: Sending videos can consume considerably more data, with usage ranging from 2 MB to 10 MB. This can have a major impact on your data consumption, particularly if you regularly send or receive videos.

• Documents The data usage for sending documents via WhatsApp can vary in size depending on the file type and content. Documents like PDFs can range from a few kilobytes to several megabytes. This makes it important to check the size of the documents before sending them, particularly if you want to save on data consumption.

How to save data while using WhatsApp

There are a few ways you can save a little bit of data without giving all the quality that WhatsApp offers. Follow the tips below to save some data.

• Limit automatic downloads: WhatsApp can automatically download items like photos, videos and documents. In the WhatsApp settings you can choose to only download when on WIFI. This way you will save some data. Follow the steps below to enable this setting:

1. Open WhatsApp and click on the menu.

2. Click on settings and select ‘’storage and data’’.

3. Click on all the options in the media auto-download section.

4. Disable all the boxes and then press ‘’okay’’.

• Avoid video calls: As said before, video calls use a lot more data than audio calls. If you want to save some data, try to mostly use audio calls instead of video calls.
• Use data saver mode: WhatsApp has a data saver mode. When turned on audio and video calls will use less data. If you want to save even more data, you can turn on the data saver that your phone regularly has. Follow these steps to turn on your data saver mode.

For Android:      

1. Open your Settings app.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet, then tap on Data Saver.
3. Turn on Data Saver mode.

For iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Mobile Data, then choose Mobile Data Options.
3. Turn on Low Data Mode.

These settings can further help you minimize WhatsApp’s data consumption by preventing background activity and reducing video quality while on mobile data.

How to check WhatsApp data usage

It's essential to keep an eye on how much data WhatsApp uses to avoid unexpected charges, especially if you're on a limited data plan. Here’s how you can track WhatsApp data usage on your phone:

For Android:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Connections or Network & Internet.
3. Select Data Usage, then Mobile Data Usage.
4. Scroll down to find WhatsApp, and you'll see how much data it has consumed over a certain period.

For iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down to Mobile Data.
3. You’ll see a list of apps with their data usage. Find WhatsApp to check its data consumption since the last reset.

By frequently monitoring your data usage, you can identify if WhatsApp is consuming more data than expected and adjust your data usage if needed.

Using WhatsApp for extended periods can lead to high data usage, which may lead to significant roaming fees when traveling. A smart way to prevent this is by using Firsty, which helps you stay connected worldwide without excessive data costs. With Firsty Fast, you can use WhatsApp without worrying about high data fees. Simply choose how many days of Firsty Fast you need and enjoy texting and calling with friends and family throughout your travels.

With these tips and explanations, you now know exactly how much data WhatsApp uses and how you can manage it to avoid unexpected charges. Whether you're using Wi-Fi at home or mobile data while traveling, you can now enjoy WhatsApp more wisely!

If you are planning a trip or simply want to estimate how much data you will use, check out this data calculator. This tool helps you get a rough estimate of your data usage for your upcoming journey.