How much traffic does WhatsApp consume per call and how to find out?

WhatsApp is a popular communication tool that allows text messaging, voice calls, and video calls. However, these features do consume data, which can be a concern for those with limited data plans. This article will look at how much data WhatsApp calls typically use and how you can find out your own usage statistics.

1. Data Consumption by WhatsApp Calls

On average, a WhatsApp voice call consumes around 0.3 MB to 0.5 MB of data per minute. Therefore, a 5-minute call would use approximately 1.5 to 2.5 MB of data.

On the other hand, WhatsApp video calls use more data because they transmit video as well as audio. A video call can consume around 3 MB to 5 MB of data per minute. Thus, a 5-minute video call might use around 15 to 25 MB of data.

Remember, these numbers can vary based on several factors, including the quality of your network connection and the device you're using.

2. Tracking Your Data Usage on WhatsApp

WhatsApp provides an in-app feature that allows you to track your data usage. Here's how you can find it:

For Android:

  1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the three dots at the top right corner to access the menu.
  2. Go to 'Settings' > 'Data and storage usage'.
  3. Here, you'll see 'Network usage', which provides detailed statistics about your data consumption.

For iOS:

  1. Open WhatsApp and tap on 'Settings' at the bottom right corner.
  2. Go to 'Data and Storage Usage'.
  3. Here, you'll find 'Network Usage' that details your data consumption.

3. Reducing Data Usage on WhatsApp Calls

If you're concerned about data usage, WhatsApp has a 'Low Data Usage' mode for calls. To enable it:

For Android: Go to 'Settings' > 'Data and storage usage' > Check 'Low data usage'.

For iOS: Go to 'Settings' > 'Data and Storage Usage' > Enable 'Low Data Usage'.

While WhatsApp calls do consume data, being aware of the usage and knowing how to track it can help you manage your data plan effectively. With the tips shared in this article, you can now take control of your data usage while enjoying uninterrupted communication on WhatsApp.