How Much Data Does Netflix use & How to Reduce It?

The era of waiting until you reached home to stream your favorite movies and shows is over. With the advent of technology, you now have streaming apps on your phone. One of the most popular video streaming apps is Netflix.

The best thing about it is that you can watch your preferred movies, shows & documentaries, etc., while on the go or in a queue waiting for your turn in a hospital.

But these streaming apps use a lot of data, and if you’re streaming using favorite movie using your Mobile data, then your data might end up soon. Here’s why it is necessary to know how much data Netflix use and how you can save data on it.

Without further ado, let’s discuss how much data does Netflix use and how to reduce data consumption on it.

How Much Data Does Netflix Use?

The unfortunate aspect of streaming on your mobile is that it consumes a lot of data. It gets even worse if you aren’t aware of the smart usage practices. Some subscribers use clever techniques to stream video and audio content, while others limit the service to lower their internet bills.

As you’ve landed on this page – and rightly so – you won’t return empty-handed. Apart from telling how much mobile data does Netflix use, our researchers have gathered a few convenient insider tips to lower the data consumption without discouraging you from watching entertaining shows.

Is Netflix a real data hog?

Simply put, Netflix does soak up a lot of data. If you haven’t got unlimited data, you must keep a close eye on data usage. But how much data does streaming Netflix utilize? Well, the answer to it is not simple. There are multiple factors involved in it. Want to find out? Don’t leave the page!

Data consumption on Netflix

The amount of data consumed by Netflix is based on multiple factors. The most significant of these is the streaming or graphic quality. So, you cannot easily figure out how much MBs or GBs of data does Netflix use. Streaming a two-hour movie in 4K Ultra HD settings soaks a lot of data compared to lower resolutions.

Here’s a concise overview of the data consumption associated with streaming.

• Standard Definition (SD): 1GB per hour
• High Definition (HD): 3GB per hour
• 4K Ultra HD (UHD): 7 GB per hour

Let’s simplify it in terms of a movie. For an average movie length of two hours, the ideal setting to enjoy it is HD. This means most people will drain 6GB of data to watch a two-hour movie. Likewise, if you witness a 30-minute TV show in HD, it will take around 1.5 GB of data.

Also, it is evident that the standard definition will consume less data than higher resolutions, especially 4K Ultra. If you think lowering the quality will take out all the entertainment factor and you won’t enjoy it as much, go for a mix & match strategy.

Turn to SD (standard definition) to watch content that is already less crisp and doesn’t require much attention to detail. These could be classic movies, old shows from the 2000 era, documentaries, or cartoons. The difference in these will be a lot less than the recent superhero films.

It is important to note that the data consumption while using Netflix can vary based on multiple factors like your device, cellular network strength, video quality (of course) and the usage settings.

How to check Netflix data usage?

Want to check how much mobile data does Netflix use? You can easily do it from the settings menu with just a few small steps.

Android phones:

• Go to settings.
• Select Apps.
• Scroll to Netflix and tap on it.
• Go to Data Usage. (Here, you can see how much data Netflix utilises on Wi-Fi and mobile internet.)

The steps may be different for different Android devices. Consult the user manual for this information or Google it for easy information.

iPhone:

• Go to settings.
• Select Cellular.
• Scroll to Netflix and tap on it.
• The current period doesn’t reset every month. Just scroll to the bottom and select ‘Reset Statistics’ to refresh it.

Also Read: How much Data does TikTok use and how to Reduce it?

How much bandwidth does Netflix use?

Bandwidth represents the maximum capacity for data transfer, encompassing both upload and download speeds. Higher speeds allow for larger volumes of data to be transmitted simultaneously.

While Netflix doesn’t demand excessive bandwidth for its operation, it can override other activities. For instance, if someone in your household is streaming while you’re on a video call, you might encounter network congestion issues.

That’s why we advise opting for higher speeds in data-intensive households, as greater speed translates to increased bandwidth.

Netflix per hour data usage

Streaming Vs. Downloading on Netflix

Many people think downloading videos/movies on Netflix saves them data compared to streaming. However, this doesn’t seem right. Be it streaming or downloading, both soak the same amount of data. Enjoying a movie of two hours in 4K ultra consumes 14 GB of data, irrespective of whether you’ve downloaded it or streaming in real-time.

The same goes for HD. If you decide to stream a two-hour movie in high definition, it will use 6GBs of data. The same amount will be consumed if you download it. The data used to download or stream your favourite show is also the same. In HD, a 30-minute show will use 1.5 GB of data.

However, if you are one of those people who love to watch their favorite shows repeatedly, you’re better off downloading. This way, while downloading, you’re draining data only once and still can watch the show or movie multiple times. That’s one way of saving data. However, while streaming, you’re consuming the same amount of data every time.

Let’s simplify things for you. For instance, you want to see a two-hour movie in 4K Ultra. Whether you download or stream it, it will take 14GBs on the internet. But if you want to save it for the purpose of rewatching it with family or friends, it’s better to download it. While restreaming it, you’ll waste another 14 GBs. If you’ve already saved it, you can watch it multiple times without wasting more data.

Netflix Vs. YouTube

Like Netflix, YouTube is another streaming platform popular for offering a variety of content. Unlike Netflix, it is free. However, determining how much data does YouTube use is a bit tricky compared to Netflix, as it offers more variations and options.

While streaming content on YouTube, you can enjoy videos in many settings ranging from 360p to 2160p. Just like videos made in 3D or 360-degree, data consumption is also affected by bitrate, frame rate and bandwidth.

Normally, you’ll burn the following amount of internet while streaming YouTube videos:

• 480p: 264 MB per hour (approx.)
• 720p (HD): 870 MB per hour (approx.)
• 1080p (Full HD): 1.65 GB per hour (approx.)

Download Movies/shows on Netflix to save data

One way to use less data while streaming Netflix is to enjoy all entertainment while connected the Wi-Fi. While using the Wi-Fi, you are stress-free as it doesn’t burn your mobile data.

Moreover, as most Wi-Fi connections provide unlimited data, unlike mobile network providers, you can watch movies and shows for hours without worrying about how much data Netflix has used within a certain amount of time.

Based on your subscription and smartphone model, you can download movies and shows from Netflix to view later. These downloaded items will entertain you while you are on the go, waiting for your turn somewhere, stuck in a situation where you can only wait or travel.

If you want to make the most of this time and watch an entire season or certain episodes, we recommend downloading it beforehand while on Wi-Fi. Apart from making full use of your spare time, this option is also handy as you may not have strong coverage while traveling.

Downloaded content – saved on your device – means no buffering and a buttery smooth viewing experience.

How to limit data usage from Netflix settings?

One way to limit internet consumption on this App is by changing the data usage mode from the settings. Whether you’re on Wi-Fi or mobile data, you can apply these settings to save a huge chunk of data. All you need to do is to modify the settings for less data usage while streaming.

Here’s how to enable it.

• Open the App on your smartphone.
• While on the homepage, tap on the profile icon in the top right corner.
• Tap on ‘App Settings’. The first option you’ll see here is ‘Video Playback’.
• From here, tap on ‘Cellular Data Usage’, and a pop-up will appear with three options, Wi-Fi Only, Save Data & Maximum Data.
• If Automatic mode (default option) is turned on, toggle it off and select ‘Save Data’.
• Now, Netflix will require significantly less data; from 1GB every few hours in default mode to 1GB every 6 hours.

If you select the Maximum Data, it drains data at the speed of knots, i.e., 1GB every 20 minutes. It does so to provide you with great results like excellent picture quality. So, if you want every minor detail, turn on the Maximum Data. Make sure to turn it on only if you have unlimited Wi-Fi.

How to consume less data on Netflix?

From the section above, you already know how to lower data usage on mobile. Want to save data on your computer and TV without compromising on the entertainment factor provided by Netflix? Cheer up, we’ll tell you some ways to reduce data usage.

All these options to save data are quite simple. An obvious one is to not subscribe to Netflix’s UHD package. This way, you cannot access the resolution that consumes the most data and only watch content in 1080p.

Here’s how to lower data consumption.

Browser settings to reduce data

• Log into your Netflix account from any browser on your computer.
• Open the account page and click on Playback Settings.
• Here, you’ll see different options like Auto, Low Medium & High Quality. You can select any setting to play the next episode/movie automatically.
• Changes made by you may take a few minutes to reflect on the account.

Change settings on the TV

Although a bit difficult, you can do it. Streaming media players like Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, and Fire TV come loaded with settings that limit the resolutions to 1080p. Hence you won’t see data drainage like in 4K and HDR. Most smart TVs come with a separate Netflix App.

The resolution settings were unavailable on the LG B7 model, but they might be on other TVs.

Streaming Netflix with a mobile hotspot

A mobile hotspot functions as a mini router by converting the data connection on a mobile device into a Wi-Fi connection that nearby devices can utilise. As Wi-Fi connections are commonly linked with data plan savings, individuals using hotspots may question whether streaming Netflix through the wireless connection of a hotspot can conserve data. It doesn’t!

Using a hotspot still requires data from your carrier plan to work. Turning your phone’s data into a Wi-Fi signal uses more data than if you directly used your data plan to watch Netflix. The only time when using a hotspot may save data is if you have a special data plan that specifically sets aside extra data for hotspots, but such plans are not very common.

Conclusion

After going through the blog, you know how much data does Netflix use. It is a data hog and eats up a lot of data if you aren’t careful. For a better viewing experience on Netflix that lasts longer, it is better to use it when connected to Wi-Fi at home or the office.

Moreover, you can easily lower the data consumption for mobile, computer, and TV so that the given data quantity goes the extra mile. Meanwhile, if your network or data plan doesn’t fulfill Netflix’s requirements, there’s no need to compromise on entertainment.

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SILVER 5G

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GOLD 5G

For only £20, you get 80GBs of 5G data to enjoy your favorite movies and shows on Netflix. Apart from a whopping data allowance, you get unlimited minutes and texts for non-stop connectivity. Enable auto-renewal to get 5GBs extra every month.

PLATINUM 5G

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