How to Save Mobile Data When Using WhatsApp

Although telecom companies in India have started giving away more data to its users to keep them stick with their network, some still try to control their data consumption for each app. Facebook’s main app is usually a massive data gobbler but its subsidiary, WhatsApp is also not behind. The instant messaging firm, which recently made in to the headlines for its WhatsApp for Business app, also takes up a generous level of Internet data.

While text chats take only a fraction of the internet data, most of them are taken by images and videos shared on the platform. Thankfully, WhatsApp has included a feature in its app using which people can have a better control on how much data it consumes and in what conditions. The app lets you switch off a feature that automatically downloads the media content when on cellular data or on Wi-Fi.

So here’s how you can save more data by turning off the particular feature:

Step 1: Open the app and tap on the three dot or gear icon to access the Settings page.

Step 2: In the Settings page, tap on ‘Data and storage usage’.

Step 3: Under the ‘Media auto-download’ tap on ‘When using mobile data’ option.

Step 4: In the dialogue box tap on the media type you want WhatsApp to auto download when using cellular data.

Step 5: Repeat the same step with ‘When connected on Wi-Fi’ and ‘When roaming’ options.

Step 6: Under the ‘Call Settings’ segment you can turn on ‘Low data usage’ option. This will lower the amount of data used during a WhatsApp call.


It is worth adding that except for the Voice messages, you can control auto-downloads of all the other type of media that is shared on WhatsApp. The instant messenger specifically mentions that, “Voice messages are always automatically downloaded for the best communication experience.”