How much data iMessage uses, and how to check the usage
Apple’s internet-based text messaging app, iMessage, allows you to easily send texts, emojis, photos, and videos to other Apple devices, but how much data does iMessage actually use? This article has all the information you need about iMessage data usage, including how to monitor it, how to reduce your data, and how to use iMessage when you’re abroad.
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iMessage data usage based on what you do
Your exact iMessage data usage will vary based on what you do. Unlike traditional SMS texting, iMessage uses the internet to send and receive messages, so if you’re on Wi-Fi, you won’t consume any cellular data.
But if you’re out-and-about, iMessage uses mobile data for communication. Both sent and received messages affect how much data you use, while location sharing and iCloud sync across multiple iOS devices can also use a lot of cellular data in the background.
In general, iMessage is a very data-efficient app, and it compares similarly to WhatsApp data usage and other internet-based communication apps. However, it’s always good practice to know how much data your phone uses, especially if you have a limited data plan or if you’re traveling abroad.
Sending and receiving text messages
How much data does sending and receiving text messages use? Simply put, not much. Each iMessage character uses about 0.1 bytes of data, and with a billion bytes in a GB, plain text messages (without emojis or effects) are extremely data-efficient. Your average text message will usually be less than 1 KB, even if you have a lot to say. The more characters you send, however, the more data you’ll use.
Sending and receiving images and videos
iMessage allows you to send images and videos, as well as emojis, GIFs, links, files, and even digital touch messages. In fact, you can send files up to 1.7 GB over iMessage. However, all of these messaging add-ons consume more data than a standard text message.
If you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, you may be going through more data than you realize, especially if you’re part of a group chat. When multiple people are sending photos, memes, gifs, and animated emojis back-and-forth every day, you can run through a lot of data quickly.
Sending or receiving an image via iMessage usually consumes about 3 MB of data, although it could be higher depending on the image’s resolution. A one-minute video can use up to 60 MB of data, and longer videos will consume even more data.
How to monitor iMessage data usage
You can monitor your iMessage data usage through the System Services feature on your iPhone. Follow these simple steps:
Open “Settings.”
Tap “Cellular.”
Scroll down to “System services.”
Select “Messaging services.”
View mobile data for the current period.
To get the clearest picture of how much mobile data you typically use, reset statistics on your phone. Resetting statistics starts a new data tracking period. The command clears data usage information for all the apps on your phone and resets the counter to zero.
How to reduce iMessage data usage
You can reduce iMessage data usage with some simple best practices. If you’re concerned about your data use, it’s always a good idea to enable the low data mode on iPhone, which will automatically limit unnecessary cellular data consumption.
Use Wi-Fi
iMessage is an internet-based texting app, so when you use Wi-Fi, you can send and receive iMessages without using cellular data.
Send lower-resolution images
Sending images consumes significantly more data than an iMessage, so if you send lower-resolution images, you can use less data. iPhones have a low-quality image mode to reduce the size of images sent via iMessage to around 100 KB.
How to enable the low-quality image mode
To enable low-quality image mode on your iPhone, follow these steps:
Open the Settings app.
Scroll down to “Apps.”
Select “Messages.”
Toggle on “Low quality image mode.”
Limit video sharing
Videos are the number one culprit for iMessage mobile data consumption, so limit video sharing if you’re using too much data. Remember, receiving also counts towards your mobile data use, so you may want to ask your friends to avoid sharing videos, too.
Disable iCloud sync
Disabling iCloud sync can help you save data when you’re out-and-about, and you can always turn it back on again when you want to sync iMessage across multiple iOS devices.
To disable iCloud sync:
Open your Settings app.
Select “Cellular.”
Toggle “iCloud drive” off.
Using iMessage while traveling
Using iMessage while traveling requires an internet connection. That means that you either need a Wi-Fi network or cellular data to text internationally on iPhone. Otherwise, your iMessages will send as a standard SMS text message, even if you’re texting another iPhone.
International roaming can get very expensive very quickly, so if you want to use iMessage abroad, consider an eSIM. eSIMs are virtual alternatives to physical SIM cards that give you a high-speed data plan with just a few taps. Simply purchase an eSIM plan, download your provider’s app, and you’re ready to go!
Whereas physical SIM cards require you to wait to buy and swap out your SIM, you can purchase an eSIM at any point in your journey (including before you depart), and you can get internet access immediately when you arrive. Not to mention, an eSIM can’t get lost or stolen!
An eSIM helps you stay connected while you travel, and since iMessage is so data-efficient, your eSIM plan will still have plenty of data for posting to social media, searching for the best restaurants, and navigating to top tourist destinations.
Skip the high cost of international roaming fees and the hassle of traditional SIM cards by downloading an eSIM!
Looking to save mobile data? Try the Saily eSIM app
Saily’s security features help you get the most out of your data plan.
FAQ
Ugnė thrives on exploring new places and capturing moments on the go, so it’s no surprise her social media comes back to life whenever she’s abroad. An avid traveler, she believes staying connected with an eSIM is as essential as packing a passport, ensuring seamless adventures wherever she roams.
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