How Much Data Do WhatsApp Calls Consume?

The popularity of WhatsApp has grown exponentially over the years, with its wide range of features making it a preferred choice for both voice and video calls. However, a common concern among users is the data consumption during these calls. Understanding how much data WhatsApp calls use is crucial, especially for those on limited data plans.

Understanding WhatsApp Call Data Usage

WhatsApp calls typically consume data at the following rates:

Voice Calls

Approximately 0.5 MB to 1 MB per minute. This can vary based on network conditions and the quality of the call.

Video Calls

Approximately 1.5 MB to 3 MB per minute. Again, this can fluctuate based on the quality settings and network stability.

To manage data usage, you can adjust settings in WhatsApp to use less data during calls, especially if you are on a limited data plan.

Managing Data Usage During WhatsApp Calls

The actual data consumption during WhatsApp calls can be influenced by several factors. If you have marked on low data usage in settings, it will consume around 12 to 15 MB per hour. However, without any adjustment, it could consume 20 to 25 MB per hour.

Factors Affecting Data Consumption

Data usage can vary based on the following factors:

Network conditions Quality of the call Quality settings for video calls Enabling the low data usage feature

WhatsApp updates have played a significant role in reducing the data consumption. Specifically, mid-2015 updates and subsequent ones have reduced the data usage for calls. On Android, with the low data feature enabled, calls use around 80 KB per minute. On regular use, WhatsApp calls consume about 200 KB per minute.

Additional Data Usage Insights

It is worth noting that WhatsApp not only uses data during calls but also during navigation within the app. Typically, WhatsApp uses just 2–4 KB for navigating around the app for a minute, whereas Facebook Messenger uses 3–7 KB.

Monitoring Data Usage

You can monitor how much data your WhatsApp calls have consumed and other network usage from the WhatsApp settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Open WhatsApp on your device. Navigate to Settings Data Usage Network Usage. Check for detailed information on data consumed during calls and other activities.

Conclusion

With a clearer understanding of how much data WhatsApp calls consume, you can make informed decisions on using the app, especially if you have a limited data plan. By optimizing usage settings, you can significantly reduce data consumption, ensuring that your calls remain within budget.

Remember, data usage can vary, and the values provided are approximate. Always monitor your usage to ensure optimal performance and cost control.