IF you’re using WhatsApp without Wi-Fi your monthly phone bill may be higher than you expected.
And here’s why…
1
Is WhatsApp free?
WhatsApp is free to download to your smartphone from the App Store or Play Store.
For Apple devices you will need to use the App Store, and for Android devices or tablets you would need to use the Play Store.
The instant messaging app is designed to use your phone’s internet connection – allowing users to send unlimited messages, pictures and videos, without using your allocated text or call allowances.
However, WhatsApp users should be aware that they could end up with extra charges if they go over their data allowance.
When downloading videos from the app or making video calls, it is a good idea to connect to Wi-Fi – as these use up a large amount of data.
You can find out how much data you are using on WhatsApp by going to your Settings, then Storage and data, followed by Network usage.
Why am I being charged for using WhatsApp?
Users may notice extra charges on their monthly phone bill as WhatsApp, like many other app uses data when not connected to a Wi-Fi network.
If your data consumption exceeds your plan’s limit, the network will apply extra charges according to the amount of data you use.
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If users are connected to a 4G network – more data will be consumed.
Who pays for a WhatsApp call?
When making a WhatsApp call, both the caller and the recipient of the call will incur data charges.
However, if both parties are making a call over a Wi-Fi network – then no data rate applies.
How much data does a 1 hour WhatsApp call use?
WhatsApp consumes around 740Kb per minute over a voice call – but data consumption increases with video calling.
WhatsApp video calls have been found to use approximately double the amount of data used by FaceTime.
For a 1 hour video call made via WhatsApp – around 300mb of data is used.
How can I chat on WhatsApp without using data?
Connect to your Wi-Fi whenever you can – If you’re at home and have access to Wi-Fi this will save using your data allowance.
Or if you are away from home – use the Wi-Fi Hotspot located around your local area, then using the app becomes completely free – including when making calls.
