Snapchat can use up a lot of data, especially if you’re viewing Stories, using video chat, or sharing media-heavy Snaps. Here are some tips to reduce Snapchat’s data usage on your iPhone.
Use Data Saver Mode
Snapchat has a “Data Saver” mode that optimizes videos, photos, and Stories to use less data. To enable it:
- Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left.
- Go to Settings > Manage Preferences.
- Turn on “Data Saver.”
This will make Snapchat use significantly less mobile data. Keep in mind it may lower the quality of videos and images.
Limit Automatic Video Playback
By default, Snapchat will automatically download and play Stories as you scroll through them. To limit data usage:
- Go to Settings > Manage Preferences.
- Under “Stories,” disable “Auto-Play Video Stories.”
Now Stories will only play when you tap on them. This prevents Snapchat from continuously streaming Stories in the background.
Disable Auto-Download for Stories
You can also stop Snapchat from automatically downloading Stories when on cellular data:
- Go to Settings > Manage Preferences.
- Under “Stories,” disable “Auto-Download Stories on Cellular Data.”
This will prevent Stories from loading until you manually tap to download them. It’s another way to limit background data usage.
Use Travel Mode
Snapchat’s “Travel Mode” pauses automatic Background App Refresh, disabling auto-downloads and background traffic while roaming. To turn it on:
- Go to Settings > Manage Preferences.
- Enable “Travel Mode.”
This is useful for preventing unexpected data usage while traveling internationally.
Disable Group Stories
Group Stories from your friends and the wider Snapchat community can use a lot of data in the background. To turn them off:
- Go to Settings > Additional Services > Manage.
- Disable “Group Stories.”
You can also choose to only enable Group Stories when on Wi-Fi here.
Limit Replay Usage
Constantly replaying Snaps and Stories can consume data quickly. Limit how often you re-watch Snaps to reduce background traffic.
Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible
Using Snapchat exclusively on Wi-Fi is the best way to minimize mobile data usage. Avoid using data-heavy features like video chat, long videos, and Group Stories when not on Wi-Fi.
Enable Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode in iOS will pause all background activity, including for Snapchat. While enabled, you won’t receive notifications or automatic updates until you open Snapchat.
Close Out of Snapchat Entirely
Closing the Snapchat app when you’re done will prevent any background data usage. Snapchat can’t use mobile data in the background if the app isn’t running.
More Tips for Reducing Snapchat Data Usage
- Avoid using live filters and lenses, which use more data.
- Turn off Map Emoji updates in Ghost Mode.
- Disable any notifications you don’t need.
- Send photos instead of videos when possible.
- Download media only when connected to Wi-Fi.
Monitoring Your Snapchat Data Usage
You can see how much data Snapchat is using in your iPhone’s Settings:
- Go to Settings > Cellular.
- Scroll down to see Snapchat’s cellular data usage.
- Tap into Snapchat for more details.
You can use this to identify if Snapchat is consuming too much data. On an Android phone, you can view data usage in Settings > Data usage > App data usage.
Conclusion
Snapchat provides many options to reduce its data usage, like Data Saver mode, disabling auto-playback, and using Travel Mode. But the best way is using Wi-Fi whenever possible, closing the app when not in use, and monitoring your data usage. With a few adjustments, you can enjoy Snapchat without the heavy data costs.
| Setting | How to Enable | Data Saved |
|---|---|---|
| Data Saver Mode | Settings > Manage Preferences | Significant |
| Disable Auto-Play Stories | Settings > Manage Preferences | Moderate |
| Disable Auto-Download Stories on Cellular | Settings > Manage Preferences | Moderate |
| Travel Mode | Settings > Manage Preferences | Significant |
| Disable Group Stories | Settings > Additional Services | Moderate |
Additional Ways to Save Data
- Use Wi-Fi instead of cellular whenever possible.
- Limit replaying Stories and Snaps.
- Close the Snapchat app when not in use.
- Disable unnecessary notifications.
- Send photos instead of videos.
- Avoid filters, lenses, and Map Emojis.
Monitoring your Snapchat data usage in Settings is key to identifying potential problems. With a few tweaks to Settings and some restraint while mobile, you can drastically reduce how much data Snapchat uses.