Mobile internet

Does texting use data?

Do text messages use data? This depends on the message itself. Learn about how SMS, MMS, and messaging apps can affect data usage on Android and iPhone devices.

Does texting use data? Well, it depends on the message you’re sending.

Below, we break down answers to common questions: do texts use data? Does texting use data on iPhone and Android? Does iMessage use data? How can I save data while texting?

Whether you’re using an Android phone or an Apple device, understanding how text messages work regarding your data plan can help you avoid any unexpected charges.

Read on to learn about the different types of texts and avoid any surprise charges on your next phone bill.

In this article

What is SMS?

Texting, also known as Short Message Service (SMS), allows you to send short messages from one device to another. It’s one of the oldest and most reliable communication methods between mobile devices.

When you send SMS text messages, you use a cellular network, not an internet connection. Unlike messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Message, or iMessage, SMS doesn’t require WiFi or an internet connection.

An SMS text message is typically limited to 160 characters and consists of plain text — no images, videos, or multimedia content. Your phone plan usually covers your SMS text messages with an unlimited or limited text message allowance. This is highly convenient in cases where you may have a limited data plan or no access to WiFi.

Does SMS use data?

SMS text messages do not use data. When you send or receive text messages, they’re sent over the cellular network — not through data connection or WiFi. So, the precise answer to this question is no.

You can send and receive text messages via SMS as long as your phone has a cellular connection. This is a reliable option when you have a poor internet connection or a limited data plan and are trying to save data, which can get inconvenient, especially when you’re on vacation.

What is MMS?

On the other hand, MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service, an extension of SMS that allows you to send multimedia content such as pictures, videos, audio, and even emojis. It also supports rich and expressive text, enabling you to bold, italicize, or underline content in your texts.

When sending media through your phone’s default messaging app, you’ll probably use Google Messages for Android and the Messages app for Apple devices. MMS may or may not be included in plans, especially when on a limited plan. Ensure whether MMS messages are included or not to avoid any extra charges.

Does MMS use data?

Yes, MMS messages use data since they are not plain text messages. You’ll need cellular data or a WiFi connection to send or receive pictures, videos, and audio messages.

Depending on the multimedia you’ve included and its size, sending and receiving an MMS can consume between 295 KB and 5 MB per message. In turn, if you’re on a limited data plan, you might incur unexpected charges or reach your cellular data limit sooner.

Does iMessage use data?

If you’re wondering, “Does texting use data on iPhones?” The short answer is yes if you’re using iMessage, a messaging app. On iMessage, you can send various forms of multimedia content, including emojis, pictures, videos, voice recordings, and files. You’ll also need a WiFi connection or mobile data to send or receive such messages.

With Holafly’s eSIMs for international travel, you can get unlimited data plans in over 200 destinations, so you’ll never have to worry about running out of data. Plus, every eSIM is connected to major eSIM carriers for broader coverage, reducing the chances of a poor connection.

Do messaging apps use data?

Like MMS, messaging apps use data to send messages, whether you’re on an Android or Apple device.

Apps like WhatsApp, Instagram DM, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, and Google Messages all let you send and receive texts. These texts have fewer constraints than SMS messages, enabling long messages with GIFs or emojis, multimedia content such as pictures and videos, and even voice messages — all through your data connection.

Since they require an active WiFi or data connection to function, you’ll find that sending messages on these apps uses your data the most. Some messaging apps, like WhatsApp, use less data as they are focused primarily on texting and calls. Apps that use the most data also act as a more all-round social media platform, like Instagram or Snapchat.

If you’re not connected to WiFi, this will consume your mobile data, which can quickly add up if you’re on a limited data plan. You can use a travel data calculator to help estimate your mobile data usage while abroad.

Tips on how to save data while texting

There are many ways to save mobile data while texting if you’re on a limited data plan or trying to reduce your data usage.

While SMS text messages don’t use mobile data, many popular contemporary messaging apps do. There are typically other costs involved as well, especially when you’re traveling out of your home country.

Here are some smart ways to save data while texting:

Stick to SMS texting whenever you can. Turn off mobile data completely in areas with poor connection, and switch to sending and receiving SMS messages only.
In your app settings, turn off auto-download for media. This will allow you to download media files on your phone only when you’re connected to WiFi, not mobile data.
Connect to WiFi safely whenever you can, and turn your mobile data off.
Monitor your data usage on your iPhone and Android, and check how much data MMS or messaging apps use. Take action to cut back accordingly!
Turn off mobile data for certain apps. Mobile data may be spent on apps you’re not even actively using, such as weather, food delivery, email, and shopping apps. In your settings, turn off mobile data for any individual apps you don’t need internet for to help save data while texting.

Ensure peace of mind with Holafly Connect’s unlimited data

When traveling internationally, Holafly’s unlimited data plans make it easy to stay connected to loved ones back home and fellow travelers — without depending on traditional SMS or MMS messages.

Holafly Connect is a monthly subscription service that offers reliable and stable connectivity in 170+ destinations. You can choose from three plans based on your internet needs:

10 GB for $39.90/month
25 GB for $49.90/month
Unlimited data and hotspot for $64.90/month

While the first two plans will let you send and receive texts as you travel, the unlimited data plan is a more convenient option. You won’t have to worry about text messaging or mobile data running out, and you’ll face no problems jumping back into using your preferred messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Google Messages!

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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