How Much Data Does Netflix Use? Tips to Reduce Data Usage

Netflix is the broad online streaming platform that is the most intensive data consuming app. It contains thousands of shows and movies to entertain viewers. But did you notice why your monthly data allowance is higher than ever time? If you spend most of your time streaming on Netflix, consider how much data Netflix uses. 

In this article, I will go through the details of how much data Netflix consumes, how you can confirm it, and what steps you can take to reduce the data consumption. 

How much data does Netflix consume?

Like YouTube, watching video content on Netflix consumes data faster. The data usage varies based on the video quality and the time you spend on the Netflix app. At higher resolution, the data consumption will be faster because more digital information needs to be transferred. Netflix allows users to adjust the resolution quality according to users' needs. The following is the estimate of how much data Netflix consumes in an hour of streaming at different levels. 

Netflix Data Usage at Variant Resolution Qualities 

• Low Quality: It is the basic streaming quality that consumes approximately 0.3 GB of data in an hour. If you are using the mobile data connection, it is the ideal level to save your data. At low quality, you can still watch the latest episodes of your favourite shows without overspending data. 
• Medium Quality: Medium quality is also an ideal level for streaming with a clear picture. It takes approximately 850 MB to spend an hour. 
• Standard Defination (SD): Streaming Netflix at standard definition is also perfect for users with data limits. At SD quality, Netflix consumes around 1GB of data in an hour. 
• High Defination (HD): Streaming at HD quality takes 3GB of data in an hour. If you are a traveller and using a mobile data connection for Netflix streaming, you should consider data consumption. 
• Ultra High Defination (UHD): Streaming at UHD takes 7GB of data in an hour. With a UHD subscription, you should have an unlimited data plan or stream with a strong data connection. 

How to check Netflix data usage on your device?

Whatever the device you are using, Android or iPhone, you can confirm how much data Netflix consumes and how much time you spend streaming on Netflix. Follow the given steps according to your device settings.

iPhone Devices 

• Open your iPhone Settings app. 
• Move to the Mobile Data or Cellular section. 
• Scroll down to find Netflix.
• Click the app and check your current data usage. 

Android Devices

• Open the Settings of the Android device. 
• Move to Network & Internet.
• Find the Netflix app here. 
• Click the app to check data consumption. 

How to reduce Netflix data consumption?

Once it is confirmed that Netflix consumes most of your data allowance, how to manage this overconsumption? The following steps will help you to save your data. 

Adjust Video Quality

Streaming at high video quality consumes data faster. Netflix has the feature to adjust the video quality according to your data connection. You can also adjust the quality manually from the Netflix settings to reduce data consumption. Streaming at the standard level is an ideal option compared to high definition or ultra-high definition. You can set the video quality according to your cellular data plan.

Set Data Usage Limit

Use the data trackers to monitor Netflix data usage. It indicates how much data you have consumed in the recent hours. When you set the data limit, your device sends you a warning notification when you approach the limit. It helps you avoid the extra data allowance. 

Use the WiFi Network

If you are travelling abroad or anywhere outside of your data coverage, connect your device to the public WiFi to stream Netflix for a while. Download your favourite movies and TV shows for watching later without using your cellular data. 

Buy a Phonico eSIM Plan.

The flexible solution is to buy an eSIM. Embedded SIM is a travel-friendly SIM card that offers a seamless internet connection to connect worldwide. Compared to public WiFi and local SIM cards, eSIM is a cost-effective solution that provides data, voice and text services for travellers. 

If you are travelling to the USA for a business or vacation trip, consider Phonico eSIM. Carrier offers a variety of data plans with unlimited talk and text that allow you to stream anywhere and at any time with zero roaming charges. 

Thus, buy a Phonico USA eSIM because eSIM and Netflix are the best combination to keep you connected and entertained throughout your travel. 

Conclusion 

Most Netflix users complaint that our Cellular data plan runs out early; why does it happen every month? It may happen if you spend most of your time on Netflix streaming. Like every other video streaming app, Netflix is also a data-hungry platform. If you stream at HD or UHD, Netflix is definitely the main reason for your early data runout. You can confirm the data usage from your device settings. 

Are you surprised by how much of your data Netflix uses? Don’t worry, you can minimise this data consumption. I have mentioned the steps in the article to reduce your data consumption. Follow the instructions, and feel free to enjoy.

FAQs

How much data does Netflix use per minute?

It varies according to the video quality you choose for streaming. At low quality, it takes 5 MB, while at standard definitions (SD), Netflix consumes 12 MB per minute. Similarly, at higher resolutions like high definition (HD) or Ultra HD, it takes 50 MB to 70 MB per minute.  

Why is my Netflix using so much data?

Like other video streaming apps, Netflix uses a lot of data because it requires larger-than-average data to show the picture and audio as well. Netflix automatically streams at HD quality, which requires more data than standard quality.