Facebook Messenger is a popular messaging app used by millions of people around the world to stay in touch with friends and family. However, the app can use a lot of mobile data, especially if you make video calls or send media files like photos and videos.
If you are worried about exceeding your monthly data allowance or want to reduce your data usage, there are several ways to cut down on how much data Facebook Messenger uses on your smartphone.
Use Messenger Lite
One of the easiest ways to reduce Facebook Messenger’s data usage is to use Messenger Lite instead of the regular Messenger app. Messenger Lite is a stripped down version of Messenger that uses less data.
Some key differences between Messenger Lite and regular Messenger:
- Messenger Lite is less than 10MB, versus over 100MB for the regular Messenger app.
- Messenger Lite uses fewer background resources, reducing passive data usage.
- Photos and videos are compressed in Messenger Lite, using less data.
Other than reduced data usage, Messenger Lite has most of the same core features as regular Messenger. You can still text chat, make voice and video calls, and send photos and stickers.
To get Messenger Lite, simply download it from your device’s app store in place of the regular Messenger app. When you log in with your Facebook account, all your messages and contacts will be synced from your regular Messenger app.
Enable Data Saver Mode
The Data Saver setting in the Messenger app limits background data usage and compresses photos and videos before sending and receiving them. This can reduce your mobile data usage by up to 70%, according to Facebook.
To enable Data Saver mode:
- Open the Messenger app.
- Tap your profile picture in the top left.
- Go to Settings & Privacy.
- Tap Data Usage.
- Enable Reduce Data Usage.
With Data Saver enabled, you’ll see a leaf icon in the text box when composing messages. This indicates the data compression is active.
Limit Auto-Download for Media
By default, Messenger will automatically download media like photos and videos sent to you. To reduce data usage, you can disable auto-download and only manually download media when connected to Wi-Fi.
To change auto-download settings:
- Open Messenger and tap your profile picture.
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Media Auto-Download.
- Tap the switch next to When Using Mobile Data to disable auto-download on mobile data.
With this setting disabled, you’ll get a notification when someone sends you media, but it won’t automatically download until you tap to view it. Remember to manually download any media over Wi-Fi that you want to view later when offline.
Use Messenger Over Wi-Fi
One simple way to cut down on mobile data usage is to primarily use Messenger when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network. Avoid making voice and video calls, sending media files, or having lengthy text conversations over your mobile data connection.
Here are some tips to force yourself to use Messenger on Wi-Fi more often:
- Disable Messenger notifications when not on Wi-Fi. You’ll be less tempted to open it and chat.
- Turn off mobile data periodically if you have poor self control!
- Favor Wi-Fi networks like at home, school, or work to use Messenger.
Review Data Usage
It’s important to keep an eye on how much data Messenger is using every month. Both Android and iOS allow you to see cellular data usage by app.
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage.
- Review data usage for Messenger.
- You can set a data warning and limit if needed.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Cellular.
- Scroll down to see cellular data usage by app.
- Compare Messenger’s usage to your monthly allowance.
Checking this periodically can help identify if any Messenger features like video calling may be using more data than expected. You can tweak your usage to stay under your plan allowance.
Use Facebook’s Data Manager
If you use Facebook in addition to Messenger, consider enabling Facebook’s Data Manager tool. This allows you to set a monthly data limit that applies to both Facebook and Messenger usage combined.
Once enabled, Data Manager will notify you when you reach a certain percentage of your monthly limit. You can also view your daily and monthly usage.
To enable Facebook Data Manager:
- Open the Facebook app and tap the Menu icon.
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Mobile Data Use.
- Enable Data Saver and Set Data Limit.
Avoid Large Group Chats
Group chats with several participants can use more mobile data, especially if media is being shared. Having lengthy text conversations in big groups can also add up.
If you’re part of any very active group chats, consider leaving them or muting notifications if you aren’t very active. You can also let group members know you’re reducing Messenger usage and chat with them one-on-one instead.
Limit Message Requests
Messenger’s active status indicator and read receipts can encourage message requests from friends outside your main conversations. Disable these features to avoid chatty friends driving up your usage.
To limit message requests:
- Open your Messenger profile.
- Tap Active Status and switch it off.
- Tap Read Receipts and switch it off.
Conclusion
Messenger doesn’t have to be a major data hog if you take steps to limit and optimize your usage. Key tactics include using Messenger Lite, enabling Data Saver, limiting media auto-downloads, and shifting usage to Wi-Fi instead of mobile data whenever possible.
Keep an eye on your monthly data usage within Messenger and make adjustments as needed. With a few tweaks, you can continue enjoying Messenger without it eating up your mobile data allowance.