Snapchat uses a large amount of mobile data because it focuses on images, videos, and real-time features. Viewing stories or making video calls can quickly increase your data usage if you're not using Wi-Fi. If you use Snapchat during international travel, a global eSIM can help you access mobile internet connectivity to keep using features like stories, maps, and video chats without relying on public Wi-Fi or local SIM cards.

Does Snapchat Use a Lot of Data?

Yes, Snapchat can use a significant amount of data, especially when sending or viewing Snaps (photo or video messages), watching Stories (collections of Snaps shared with friends or the public), using the Map (Snapchat’s location-sharing feature), or making video calls. Since most of its features rely on images and videos, even brief use of the app can result in high data consumption.

​​How Much Data Does Snapchat Use per Minute and Hour?

Snapchat uses between 1 MB and 6 MB per minute, depending on the activity. Over the course of an hour, data usage can range from 10 MB for simple chats to over 350 MB when watching videos or making video calls. The table below provides estimated data usage for common Snapchat features:

Table 1: Estimated Snapchat Data Usage per Minute and Hour

For more information, you can also check out our post on How Much Data Does Streaming Use.

Disclaimer: These values are estimates based on average usage patterns. Actual data consumption may vary depending on network conditions, content resolution, and device settings.

How to Check Snapchat Data Usage on Your Device

You can check Snapchat’s mobile data usage directly from your phone’s system settings. These built-in tools show how much cellular data the app has used, without the need for third-party apps.

On iPhone

1. Open Settings > Mobile Data.

2. Scroll down to find Snapchat in the list.

3. The total amount of mobile data used appears under the app name.

On Android

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > App data usage.

2. Select Snapchat from the list.

3. You will see how much mobile data the app has used over the last 30 days.

Disclaimer: The steps above reflect the default settings on most iOS and Android devices as of 2025. Exact menu names and display formats may differ depending on your device brand, operating system version, or custom interface.

How to Use Less Data on Snapchat

There are practical ways to reduce how much data Snapchat uses, especially if you rely on a limited or prepaid plan. Adjusting a few settings and changing your usage habits can help lower your overall data consumption:

1. Use Wi-Fi for data-heavy features: Watching Stories or making calls can quickly consume data. Connecting to Wi-Fi helps avoid unnecessary mobile usage.

2. Enable Data Saver mode in Snapchat: This built-in setting delays content loading until you manually open it, helping prevent background data usage.

3. Turn off Background App Refresh: In your phone’s settings, you can stop Snapchat from updating content when the app isn’t open.

4. Limit location permissions: Set Snapchat’s location access to “While Using the App” to reduce data consumed by the Map feature.

5. Avoid autoplay features: Stories and Discover sections often preload content automatically. Avoiding these areas or tapping content manually can reduce data usage.

6. Reduce content resolution where possible: Some devices or OS versions allow limiting video quality, which helps lower the amount of data used during video playback or calls.

Note: These small adjustments can be especially helpful when traveling or using mobile data in areas with limited connectivity.

Comparing Snapchat Data Usage with Other Social Apps

Snapchat often uses more data than traditional messaging apps because it focuses on photos, videos, and live interactions. The table below compares average data usage for common features like video viewing and video calls across several popular apps:

Table 2: Data Usage Comparison by App and Activity

For more details, you can also read our posts on How Much Data Does Instagram Use, How Much Data Does TikTok Use, and How Much Data Does Spotify Use.

Disclaimer: These values are based on average usage reports and may vary depending on device settings, content quality, and network conditions.

Using Snapchat Abroad with Roamless eSIM

When using Snapchat during international travel, having access to mobile data is important for features like Snaps, Stories, and video calls. A travel eSIM like Roamless offers a simple and reliable way to stay connected without depending on public Wi-Fi or local SIM cards.

1. Easy Activation Process: You can install and activate your data plan through the Roamless app before or after arrival.

2. Data Tracking Feature: The app allows you to monitor your mobile data usage in real time, including how much you use for apps like Snapchat.

3. Convenient Top-Up Options: If you need more mobile data, you can quickly add more through the app with just a few taps.

4. Wide Coverage: Roamless works in over 200 destinations, so you can continue using Snapchat while traveling between countries without losing mobile data access.

Roamless provides the flexibility to use Snapchat while traveling abroad, with better control over your data plan and no need for complicated setup steps.

You can download the Roamless iOS app from the App Store to set up and use eSIM on your iPhone. Roamless Android app is also available on Google Play, allowing Android users to set up and manage eSIM for travel.

For more information, you can also read our guide on How much data do I need for travel abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Snapchat use so much data?
- Snapchat uses more data than basic messaging apps because most of its features involve sending or loading photos, videos, and real-time content like Stories and video calls.

Does Snapchat use data in the background?
- Yes, Snapchat can use mobile data in the background for tasks like uploading Snaps, updating Stories, or refreshing your location. This may lead to extra data usage over time, especially when you're abroad.

How much data does Snapchat use per Snap?
- A single Snap usually consumes between 0.5 MB and 2 MB, depending on the resolution and length of the video or image.

 How long will 1 GB of data last on Snapchat?
- With 1 GB of data, you could send or receive around 500 to 1,000 Snaps, watch about 20 to 30 minutes of Stories, or make a 10 to 15-minute video call, depending on usage patterns.

Can I use Snapchat without mobile data?
- Yes, you can use Snapchat on Wi-Fi without mobile data. However, if you're not connected to Wi-Fi, the app will require mobile data to send or load content.

Does Snapchat use more data than TikTok?
- Generally, TikTok consumes more data than Snapchat because of continuous video playback. However, Snapchat still uses a high amount of data for media-rich features.

How to check Snapchat data usage on my phone?
- You can check Snapchat’s mobile data usage in your phone’s settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > App data usage, then select Snapchat.

Does clearing cache reduce Snapchat’s data usage?

- Clearing the cache on Snapchat does not directly reduce mobile data usage. However, it can limit background downloads by removing stored media and temporary files [1]. For better control over data usage, using Snapchat’s Data Saver mode is more effective.

Does Snapchat have a Data Saver mode?
- Yes, Snapchat includes a Data Saver feature on some mobile devices. When enabled, it prevents Snaps and Stories from loading automatically on mobile data. You can find it in the app's settings under Settings > Data Saver, if available on your device [2].

Sources

[1] Snapchat Support. ''How do I clear my cache on Snapchat?''. Accessed July 2025. - https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012334202516-How-do-I-clear-my-cache-on-Snapchat

[2] Snapchat Support. ''How to Turn On Data Saver Mode on Snapchat''. Accessed July 2025. - https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012345590548-How-to-Turn-On-Data-Saver-Mode-on-Snapchat