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Once and for All: Does FaceTime Use Data?
Does FaceTime use data? Yes. it can use data, but you can connect to WiFi instead. Learn how much data FaceTime uses and how to reduce usage.
The question: Does FaceTime use data?
- Yes, if you connect to the Internet through your data plan.
- No, if you connect to a Wi-Fi network.
FaceTime was created primarily for Apple users. At first, you could only use FaceTime to communicate between Apple devices over a Wi-Fi connection. In 2012, that changed, and FaceTime became available over cellular service. In time, Apple opened up its options a bit more, so now you can even have FaceTime calls with people who use Android devices if you send them a FaceTime link.
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Is FaceTime Charged as a Call or Data?
Your FaceTime calls will be charged as data and not as calls. However, you can avoid charging your calls entirely using FaceTime via Wi-Fi. Before using FaceTime, you must check whether your iPhone uses your cellular plan or Wi-Fi. For that to happen, you will need to do two things:
- Make sure your iPhone connects to a Wi-Fi network
- Turn off FaceTime in your Cellular settings (Settings>Cellular>toggle FaceTime off)
How Much Data Does FaceTime Use?
On average, a FaceTime call uses up to 3 to 4 MB per minute. Remember that this is a rough estimate and greatly depends on what you consider a FaceTime call.
Usage can range from 0.5 – 2 MB per minute for FaceTime audio calls to almost 5 MB per minute for demanding FaceTime video calls.
How much cellular data you will use depends mainly on your iPhone model and internet connection strength.
If you are doing a FaceTime video, and your iPhone has a high-resolution camera, you send a consistent high-definition video via your cellular network. Therefore – you are digging into your cellular data plan.
If the network connection is at lower speeds, you will use less data because the FaceTime app will try to adjust and send a video of lower quality during your video call.
So, how much data does FaceTime use? It depends. But here’s how to find out the precise number for your particular case:
How to Check How Much Data FaceTime Is Using
You can easily check how much data FaceTime uses on your iPhone. Go to Settings and look for the Cellular or Mobile Service option. The name of the choice depends on your iPhone model. This is where you can check your data usage for all apps.
How to Save Data Using FaceTime?
There are several simple ways to save data while using FaceTime:
- Turn off your video – An audio-only FaceTime call uses drastically less data than your usual video call. Video is quite demanding, so by opting for a FaceTime audio call instead, you won’t spend as much.
- Switch to Wi-Fi—The best way to save data is not to use it at all! If you switch and receive FaceTime calls via Wi-Fi, you’ll save a lot.
- Use Unlimited Data Plan – The best cure for excessive data usage is to get an unlimited data plan at a flat rate. Your provider doesn’t offer that plan, and you don’t want to change numbers? You can buy eSIM online with unlimited data in the Holafly store.
Holafly offers unlimited data plans with their eSIM cards. You get to choose in which country or region you want to use the data, how many days you need it for, and the rest is very easy. Installing an eSIM on your iPhone is a quick process.
Does FaceTime Use Data on WiFi Internationally?
If you are connected to WiFi, your iPhone will not use data. However, if you are connected to your data and your roaming option is enabled, be very careful about your data usage, as it can get quite expensive.
Conclusion
FaceTime can be connected through your cellular plan – or via Wi Fi. You can avoid spending allowance by switching your connection to Wi-Fi and disabling FaceTime in your settings. Data usage varies with call type and connection quality, with video calls consuming more data than audio calls. Consider an unlimited plan or eSIM if you never want to think about your data allowance for your video calls.
FAQs
Many online sources say that 1-hour FaceTime calls use around 200 MB on average. If you know that FaceTime video calls use between 3 MB – 4 MB per minute, you can expect it to spend between 180 MB- -240 MB per hour.
FaceTime calls don’t show on your bill as spent minutes. They do affect your data usage.
You can FaceTime someone if they don’t have data, but they would have to be connected to WiFi.
Yes. FaceTime audio uses data, but significantly less than a video call.
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With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.
