How much mobile data does WhatsApp use?

How much data does WhatsApp use?

The amount of data WhatsApp eats through depends on what app features you use. For example, sending a text message consumes next to no data, while video calling uses a lot more. Broadly speaking, here’s how WhatsApp uses your mobile data, ranked from least to most data intensive.

• Text messages use very little data.

• Uploading and viewing photos and videos will consume your data, but the exact amount depends on the size of the files you’re interacting with. 

• Voice calls use up more data than texts and most image sharing.

• Video calls burn through the most data of any feature on the app. 

How much data does WhatsApp use for different features? 

Every activity on WhatsApp uses slightly different amounts of mobile data. Here’s a rough breakdown of each activity and the amount of data used. Remember, these aren’t exact numbers, but they should work as rough estimates.

How much data does WhatsApp use over different time periods? 

Defining exactly how much data WhatsApp is using up over a set time period isn’t easy. It all comes down to the specific functions you use each day. 

In the table below, “light usage”  refers to someone who sent text messages every day, along with occasional photos and videos. They rarely use WhatsApp voice calling, and almost never video call their contacts.

“Moderate usage” refers to the activity of the average WhatsApp user. They message and share visual media every day, rely on WhatsApp as their main way to call friends, and make video calls a few times each week. 

People engaging in “heavy usage” probably make voice and video calls every day, perhaps for work or because they have family and friends in another country. 

What factors influence data usage on WhatsApp? 

Several factors impact how much data WhatsApp consumes, from the specific features you use to the strength of your network.

• Different types of communication: The main factor influencing your WhatsApp data consumption is the way you communicate on the app. For example, a WhatsApp video call will use a lot more data than a text.

• Video quality settings: The higher the quality of the videos you're sharing or downloading via WhatsApp, the higher the mobile data usage. 

• Usage frequency: How often you use the app dramatically affects the amount of data it uses.

• Auto-download settings: If you set your app to automatically download the media it receives onto your device, your data usage will increase.

• Network strength: An unstable or weak connection can prompt your device to retransmit data multiple times, using slightly more data than would normally be required. 

Tips to save WhatsApp data 

WhatsApp might use up a lot of your data allowance, but you probably still want to use it regularly. Here are some tips to help you save your data while still making the most of the app.

• Monitor data usage regularly in “Settings.”

• Turn off automatic downloads on photos, videos, and documents.

• Avoid video calls when using mobile data.

• Use WhatsApp over Wi-Fi whenever you can.

• Turn on your device’s low data mode.

How do you monitor WhatsApp data usage?

Monitoring how much data you’re using on WhatsApp is a good way to avoid unexpected charges. Managing WhatsApp data usage is a lot easier if you can track the app’s daily data burn.

1. Open WhatsApp.

2. Go to “Settings.”

3. Tap “Storage and data.”

4. Tap “Network usage” to see how much data the app is using.

This process will show you the exact amount of data being used by different app features, so you can learn what activities are draining the most.

How do you optimize WhatsApp data usage on your device? 

If you want to limit the amount of data being used by WhatsApp, follow the steps below. The process for optimizing your data usage is a little different on iPhone and Android devices. 

Optimizing WhatsApp data usage on iPhone

1. Open “Settings” in WhatsApp.

2. Tap “Storage and data.”

3. Under “Media auto-download,” tap “Wi-Fi only” for photos, videos, and documents.

4. Turn on “Use less data for calls.”

5. In your iPhone settings, tap “Cellular” and turn off background data for WhatsApp.

You can also save data on your iPhone by using your iPhone’s low data mode. This setting limits data consumption across all apps, including WhatsApp.

1. Open your device settings.

2. Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile data.”

3. Tap “Cellular data options.”

4. Toggle on “Low data mode.”

If you'd like to learn more about other apps as well, you can take a look at our guide on the iMessage data usage.

Optimizing WhatsApp data usage on Android

1. Open “Settings” in WhatsApp.

2. Tap “Storage and data.”

3. Under “Media auto-download,” tap “Wi-Fi only” for photos, videos, and documents.

4. Turn on “Use less data for calls.”

5. In your Android settings, tap “Mobile data” or “Data usage” and turn off background data for WhatsApp.

You can also turn on Data Saver Mode on Android to cut back on overall data consumption, which will affect WhatsApp and all other apps on the device.

1. Open your device settings. 

2. Tap “Network & Internet.”

3. Tap “Data Saver.”

4. Toggle “Data Saver” on.

WhatsApp data usage with eSIM services

Another way to avoid unexpected mobile data charges is to use an eSIM. With an eSIM app you can connect to local providers when traveling abroad, helping you avoid roaming fees while using WhatsApp.

Just download the Saily eSIM app from the App Store or the Google Play Store, pick and activate your data plan, and get online. With an eSIM data plan, you’ll be able to use your phone overseas without roaming charges. Saily covers 190 destinations, so you can keep using WhatsApp wherever you go.