Yes, video calls definitely use mobile data. Any kind of video streaming or video calling requires a constant flow of data to work properly. The amount of data used depends on the video quality, call duration, and other factors.
How much data do video calls use?
The data usage for video calls can vary quite a bit depending on the specific app or service you’re using. Here are some rough estimates for data usage per hour of video calling:
| Video Call App | Data Usage Per Hour |
|---|---|
| FaceTime | 230 MB |
| Skype | 300 MB |
| 130 MB | |
| Facebook Messenger | 120 MB |
| Zoom | 200 MB |
| Google Meet | 230 MB |
| Microsoft Teams | 200 MB |
As you can see, data usage can range from around 100MB/hour on the lower end up to 300MB/hour or more for HD video calling. The exact data consumption also depends on factors like:
- Video quality – Higher quality video uses more data.
- Number of participants – More people in the call means more video streams.
- Device type – Mobile vs desktop usage can differ.
- Network connection – Weak connections may need more data rebuffering.
Ways to reduce data usage
If you’re worried about going over your data cap, there are a few things you can do to minimize data consumption on video calls:
Use lower video quality
Most video chat apps let you adjust the video resolution. Using a lower quality setting like 360p instead of HD can significantly reduce data usage.
Limit call duration
Keep calls short and sweet if you need to conserve data. The longer the call, the more data used.
Use WiFi when possible
Always make video calls over WiFi if available. This prevents any mobile data usage.
Download offline versions of apps
Some apps like WhatsApp have an option to download a small offline version that can make video calls without using mobile data.
Disable video entirely
You can always switch to a regular voice call which uses negligible data.
Data usage on mobile networks
When making video calls on a mobile network, data consumption can become an issue due to mobile data caps. An hour long video call at 300MB would use about 2.5GB of data if done daily for a week. Heavy video calling can eat through a monthly data allowance very quickly.
On many mobile plans in the US and Canada, the average data cap is around 3-5GB per month. On such plans, you could easily run over your data limit if you make a lot of long video calls. You’ll end up paying overage fees unless you’re on an “unlimited” plan.
Carriers like AT&T and Verizon now offer unlimited plans, but may throttle speeds after you exceed a certain threshold like 22GB. On throttled connections, video call quality can suffer.
Use WiFi whenever possible
To avoid exceeding your mobile data allowance, use WiFi for video calls whenever it’s available. At home, in the office, or public hotspots – WiFi doesn’t count against your monthly mobile data, so you can video call freely.
Monitor your usage
Keep an eye on how much mobile data you’re using if you make a lot of video calls outside of WiFi coverage. On iPhone or Android you can view per-app data usage to see if video calling apps are consuming excessive amounts of data.
Consider unlimited data
If you need to video call routinely while out and about, an unlimited data plan may be your best option to avoid any overage fees. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer unlimited plans now, just watch out for potential throttling.
Data usage on WiFi
When connected to WiFi, video calls don’t use your monthly mobile data allotment. However, too many video calls at high quality can still congest your home or office network.
Monitor overall usage
Keep an eye on total bandwidth consumption across all devices if you notice network slowdowns during video calls. High network utilization from video streaming may indicate you need a faster internet plan.
Prioritize video traffic
Some routers let you prioritize bandwidth for video calling traffic. This ensures your video calls get through even if someone else is streaming video.
Upgrade your internet speed
For consistent, high-quality video calls across multiple devices, upgrade to a faster internet plan. If you’re still on an old 5-10Mbps DSL plan, move to at least 25-50Mbps cable or fiber instead.
Tips for limiting data usage
Here are a few handy tips to minimize data consumption when video calling:
- Connect to WiFi whenever possible.
- Download offline versions of apps if available.
- Reduce video resolution – use 360p instead of 720p or 1080p HD.
- Limit call duration to essential conversations.
- Disable video and use audio-only when you just need to talk.
- Monitor data usage and watch for excess consumption by video apps.
- Consider an unlimited mobile data plan if you video call frequently on the go.
- For home WiFi, upgrade your internet speed if needed.
Conclusion
Video calls definitely use up mobile data, with usage ranging from 100MB to 300MB per hour depending on video quality. To minimize data consumption:
- Use WiFi whenever available to avoid tapping into your monthly mobile data allowance.
- Reduce video resolution and limit call durations.
- Monitor usage to avoid exceeding your data cap.
- Consider an unlimited mobile plan if you video call frequently without WiFi.
Following these tips will help ensure video calls don’t eat up too much of your monthly mobile data allotment or overwhelm your home WiFi network. With a few adjustments, you can enjoy video calls without worry about exceeding data limits.