FaceTime, Apple’s video and audio chatting app, can use up a decent amount of data. If you do need to keep track of data use, you might want to check how much data is being eaten up when you make a call.
Does FaceTime use data if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi? Yes, it does. But you can turn FaceTime’s access to your cellular data off and just use Wi-Fi, or vice versa. We’ll cover how to do that in this article.
On average, FaceTime video appears to use somewhere around 70 to 80MB per 20 minutes, but it can vary based on connection speed and other factors.
Page Contents
How Much Data Does FaceTime Use?
FaceTime data usage varies depending on your device, cellular network, and the strength of your connection. On my iPhone, FaceTime using a Wi-Fi connection amounts to between and four and seven MB per minute.
FaceTime on cellular, according to our tests, uses a range of 2-20 MB per minute. Weaker cellular connections will result in lower quality video and less data usage.
If you’re making a five-minute FaceTime call, it’s probably not going to break your data plan. The time you spend using games and social media will use far more. However, if you use FaceTime to catch up with distant friends and family, make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi. Longer FaceTime calls equate to higher data usage, but you can learn how to track FaceTime’s data usage below, as well as how to disable FaceTime from using data.
Also read: Fixing FaceTime Issue Error Occurred During Activation
How to Check FaceTime Usage Data in the App
- Open the FaceTime app.
- In the list of recent calls, tap on the “i” next to a persons name.
- At the top of the contact card, it will list the date of the call, the time, and the data that was used.
How to Check FaceTime Usage Data in the Phone App
The FaceTime app has a limited number of recent calls, while the Phone app keeps information for a longer period.
- Open the Phone app.
- In the list of calls, find one that says “FaceTime Video” or “FaceTime Audio” in the text underneath the caller’s name or number.
- Tap the “i” button next to the name or number.
- At the top of the contact card, it will list the date of the call, the time, and the amount of data that was used.
How to See Overall FaceTime Usage
You can also check your overall usage during the current period, which aggregates all FaceTime data since the last time the counter was reset.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Cellular.
- Scroll down to FaceTime.
- The counter can be reset manually, and it also resets when a new version of iOS is installed.
To keep track of total data usage on a weekly or monthly basis, make sure to reset the counter regularly by scrolling to the bottom of the Cellular interface and then choosing Reset Statistics.
Also read: How to Record FaceTime Calls on iPhone and Mac
How to Make Sure FaceTime Uses No Data
Have you tried the suggestions above and concluded that FaceTime calls use too much data for you? The good news is that you don’t have to stop using FaceTime. As with any Apple app, you can turn off FaceTime’s ability to use cellular data. Once you do so, you will need a Wi-Fi connection to make or receive FaceTime calls, but it won’t use any more of your data.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Cellular.
- Scroll down until you find FaceTime.
- Toggle it off.
Editor’s recommendations:
- How to Turn Off Moving Faces in Group FaceTime on Mac
- Fixing FaceTime Issue Error Occurred During Activation
- How to Record FaceTime Calls on iPhone and Mac
- How to Cast Zoom Meetings to Chromecast
