Facebook Messenger is a popular instant messaging platform. It’s free and convenient. However, you need a data connection to use Messenger on your phone or PC. So, what amount of data do you use each time you launch and use Messenger to connect with your friends?

Messenger’s data usage rate may go unnoticed if you have a stable WiFi connection. However, if you’re relying on cellular data losing 1 megabyte each minute veers towards the extreme side. That’s why it’s essential to comprehend how Facebook Messenger consumes your data.

So, let’s break down how Facebook Messenger uses data.

What Can Facebook Messenger Do?

The instant messaging app can do many other things apart from sending and receiving texts:

  • What Can Facebook Messenger Do?How Does Facebook Messenger Use Data?Launching Facebook Messenger AppSending a TextSending a VideoMaking a Voice CallMaking Video callsHow To Monitor Facebook Messenger Data Usage on Your PhoneOn an Android PhoneOn an iPhoneWays To Limit Facebook Messenger Data ConsumptionRestrict Facebook Messenger Background DataOn an Android PhoneOn an iPhoneUse Facebook Messenger LiteUse Data Saver Option on Facebook MessengerIn Conclusion

  • You can send or receive photos and videos using your Messenger app.The app supports moving GIFs.If you lack words to communicate your reaction or how you feel, you can attach emojis to your messages.The app allows you to make voice and video calls.You can watch videos on the app.The app has a send money option. You not only talk to your family but also send them money.It’s possible to play games with your friends via Facebook Messenger.

How Does Facebook Messenger Use Data?

All these functions consume different levels of data. Let’s break it down to get the exact data usage.

Launching Facebook Messenger App

When you launch the app, it consumes close to 1 megabyte. The figure may vary depending on your internet connection. You may use more data at launch if you’re using a WiFi connection than cellular data.

Sending a Text

The data usage for sending a text is quite low on Messenger. Texts are lighter. Hence, they consume less data compared to other features on the app.

A text-only message may consume 10-20 kilobytes. Attaching emojis, photos, or GIFs may use more data to open and read the text.

Sending a Video

Sharing a video via Messenger consumes 1 to 5 megabytes per video. The usage rate may increase if you’re on the receiving end. The usage may go up by 20 megabytes, depending on the length and content of the video. 

Making a Voice Call

Voice calls use more data than sending or receiving texts. Your consumption rate may be low or high based on your internet speed. Voice calls may consume 333 kilobytes to 0.75 megabytes per minute. You’ll need 20 to 45 megabytes of data to make an hour of voice calls via Messenger.

Making Video calls

A video call via Messenger is the most convenient way to connect with your family and friends. But it comes at a cost.

A video call may take 5-15 megabytes per minute. It may vary depending on your internet speed and video quality.

A poor internet connection results in poor video quality. The low-quality video will result in a lower consumption rate. You may consume up to 260 megabytes an hour on such a network.

The video quality will be spectacular if you’re on a fast network. But, this will cost more data. Your consumption rate can shoot to 15 megabytes per minute.

That’s why it’s advisable to make video calls via Facebook Messenger when you’re on a WiFi connection.

Nonetheless, you can always check your consumption rate using your phone.

How To Monitor Facebook Messenger Data Usage on Your Phone

On an Android Phone

  • Go to your phone’s Settings.Search and click “Network & Internet.” Some android phones may come with the “Wireless & Networks” option.A screen with various options will appear. Select “Data Usage.”Tap “Mobile Data” to view your mobile data usage.A graph showing how your phone consumes data will appear. Select “Mobile Data Ranking“/“View Detail“/ or the menu icon (three dots) on the top right corner.A list of applications will appear. Scroll down to “Messenger” and click on it. You have the option to view your daily, weekly, or monthly usage rate.

You can also tap the WiFi option if you wish to view your WiFi usage rate.

On an iPhone

  • Open Settings.Select “Mobile Data.”Scroll down to “Messenger” to see how it consumes your mobile data.

Ways To Limit Facebook Messenger Data Consumption

You can limit the app’s data usage rate. Here is how to do it.

Restrict Facebook Messenger Background Data

You can turn off or restrict background data right for a particular app on your phone.

On an Android Phone

  • Go to Settings.Select “Wireless & Networks.”Click on “Mobile Data” and select “Mobile Data Ranking“/”Mobile Data Usage.”Go to Facebook Messenger and turn off “Background data.”

Or, switch to Data saver mode:

  • Go to Settings.Tap on “Wireless & Networks.”Select “Data Saver.”Toggle on Facebook Messenger.

On an iPhone

  • Open Settings.Go to “General.”Select “Background App Refresh.”Toggle off “Messenger.”

Use Facebook Messenger Lite

Facebook Messenger Lite is a bit lighter. Thus, you can make calls and send photos or texts without draining your data.

Use Data Saver Option on Facebook Messenger

The data saver helps users on mobile data plans consume less data. Once turned on, you’ll save your data as you chat with your friends. The app will not download the videos and photos sent to you unless you’re on an active WiFi connection. So:

  • Launch the Messenger app on your device.Tap the profile picture in the top left corner.Scroll down to the “Preferences” section and select “Data Saver.”Toggle on the option.

In Conclusion

Facebook Messenger consumes lots of data. But the app does a lot, and these functions consume data. Fortunately, there are various ways to save your data. You can opt to restrict background data. Also, the lite version will let you save data.

Another option is strictly using Messenger while on an active WiFi network. Or better still, turn on the data saver option on your app. All in all, I guess you’ve learned something about Messenger data usage and how to save your data. If you have more concerns, share them below.