Netflix has revolutionized how we consume entertainment, allowing us to immerse ourselves in a world of binge-worthy TV shows and movies. But have you ever wondered just how much data Netflix uses? Whether you're traveling or simply trying to manage your data usage, it's important to understand how streaming services like Netflix can impact your data plan. In this post, we'll explore how much data Netflix uses and share some valuable tips to help you use less data while enjoying your favorite shows.
How Much Data Does Netflix Consume?
When it comes to streaming video content, data usage can vary depending on several factors, such as video quality and the length of your viewing session. Here's a breakdown of how much data Netflix consumes per hour of streaming:
- Standard Definition (SD):If you're watching Netflix in standard definition, you can expect it to use approximately 1 GB of data per hour. This is a good option if you're on a limited data plan or looking to conserve data.
- High Definition (HD):Streaming in high definition will use around 3 GB of data per hour. While the picture quality is significantly better, it's important to keep an eye on your data usage, especially if you're traveling or have a data cap.
- Ultra High Definition (UHD):If you have a UHD subscription and a compatible television, streaming in ultra-high definition can use up to 7 GB of data per hour. This option is ideal for those with unlimited data plans or strong Wi-Fi connections.
How to Check Netflix Data Usage on Your Device
To monitor the amount of data Netflix uses on your device, follow these steps.
On an iPhone:
- Go toSettings>Cellular
- Scroll down to Netflix
- Check the data usage under "Current Period"
On an Android device:
- Go toSettings>Apps
- Select Netflix
- Check data usage under "Usage"
How to Use Less Data While Streaming Netflix
Now that you know how much data Netflix uses, let's explore some practical tips to help you optimize your data usage:
Adjust Video Quality Settings
By default, Netflix automatically selects the best video quality based on your internet connection. However, you can manually adjust the video quality to a lower tier by visiting the "Account" section on Netflix's website. Opting for SD rather than HD or UHD can significantly reduce data consumption.
Download Content for Offline Viewing
Before embarking on your travels, consider downloading your favorite shows and movies for offline viewing. This way, you can enjoy your entertainment without eating into your data plan.
Monitor and Manage Data Usage
Most smartphones and tablets provide data usage tracking features, allowing you to monitor how much data you consume while streaming Netflix. Set usage limits or receive notifications when you're approaching your data cap to avoid any surprises on your monthly bill.
Use Wi-Fi Networks
Whenever possible, connect to a stable Wi-Fi network to stream Netflix. Wi-Fi networks generally do not count towards your mobile data usage, allowing you to stream without worrying about data consumption.
Avoid Data Roaming Fees With an eSIM
It's easy to rack up roaming fees abroad — especially if you're binge-watching your favorite Netflix series. Luckily, an eSIM can give you access to affordable data without the hassle of unexpected roaming charges!
With an eSIM from Airalo, you pay for the data you need upfront. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges. And there's no need to miss an episode — if you run low on data, you can easily top up in the Airalo app. Sounds good, right?
Find an eSIM for your next adventure on theAiralo websiteor app (App Store|Google Play Store).
Alisha Whitley
Alisha is a Canadian expat based in Portugal. She’s an avid traveler and writes about all things travel and tech for Airalo.
FAQs
Standard Definition (SD): If you're watching Netflix in standard definition, you can expect it to use approximately 1 GB of data per hour. This is a good option if you're on a limited data plan or looking to conserve data. High Definition (HD): Streaming in high definition will use around 3 GB of data per hour.
How much data does Netflix use on save data? ›
Automatic: The Netflix app selects a setting that balances data usage and video quality. You can watch about 4 hours per GB of data. Wi-Fi Only: Stream only while connected to Wi-Fi. Save Data: Watch about 6 hours per GB of data.
How much data does Netflix use on a smart TV? ›
The longer the film, the more data you use. The resolution you use also affects the amount of data you use. According to Netflix, you use about 1GB of data per hour for streaming a TV show or movie in standard definition and up to 3GB of data per hour when streaming HD video.
How many GB is a 2 hour movie on Netflix? ›
This means you'll use around 2 GB to stream a two-hour SD movie, 6 GB to stream the HD version or 14 GB for the 4K stream. A half-hour TV show would be 500 MB for the SD version, 1.5 GB for the HD version or 3.5 GB for 4K.
How do I use the least amount of data on Netflix? ›
6 Ways to Reduce Netflix Data Usage
- Reduce Video Quality. The fastest and most effective way to save data on Netflix, short of deleting your account, is to reduce the video quality. ...
- Use the Netflix Save Data or Wi-Fi Only settings. ...
- Decide What to Watch Beforehand. ...
- Avoid Live Streaming. ...
- Download an eSIM.
How to Use Less Data While Streaming Netflix
- Adjust Video Quality Settings. By default, Netflix automatically selects the best video quality based on your internet connection. ...
- Download Content for Offline Viewing. ...
- Monitor and Manage Data Usage. ...
- Use Wi-Fi Networks.
On your device, navigate to Settings > Display & Sound > Display > Video Resolution. From here you can select your desired video resolution; lower resolutions will be lower in video quality but will reduce the amount of data required to playback.
Does a smart TV use a lot of data? ›
When it comes to video, data consumption varies based on several factors, like video resolution. Streaming standard definition video uses approximately 1GB per hour, streaming high definition video uses approximately 2.5GB per hour and streaming Ultra HD can use up to 9GB per hour.
Does Netflix use data when TV is off? ›
How do I make sure I am not using my data when I'm not watching TV? Please make sure you exit out of the Netflix application on your X1 TV Box before turning off your TV. This will ensure you are no longer streaming video and consuming your data bandwidth.
How do I change my Netflix data usage on my TV? ›
To set your Netflix data usage, log in to your Netflix account, click your account name at the top-right portion of the browser window, and select Your Account. On the Account page, scroll down until you see Playback Settings listed in the “My Profile” section. Click it to view data usage and episode playback settings.
How much internet data you need
| Internet activity | Minimum recommended data per month |
|---|
| Streaming video in HD | 300GB |
| Making video calls on Zoom | 60GB |
| Running home security cameras | 30GB–300GB (depending on video resolution and frequency of activity captured by the cameras) |
| Online gaming | 30GB |
2 more rowsJul 1, 2024
Depending on your viewing habits, streaming vs. downloading Netflix has the same data usage. Watching a two-hour movie in 4K requires 14 GB of data, regardless of if you're streaming in real time or downloading to watch later.
Does streaming use a lot of data? ›
On average, streaming video data usage for SD quality is around 0.7 to 1 GB of data per hour, while HD streaming can use approximately 1.5 to 2.5 GB of data per hour. UHD or 4K streaming typically consumes even more data, with estimates ranging from 7 to 10 GB per hour.
Why is my Netflix using so much data? ›
Netflix data usage depends on the quality of the video you're streaming. For low quality (480p), it's around 0.3GB per hour. Medium quality (720p) uses approximately 0.7GB per hour. High quality (1080p) uses about 3GB per hour.
Can you speed up Netflix on TV? ›
This feature isn't available while casting or mirroring from a mobile device or when using a web browser on an ad-supported Netflix plan. To adjust the speed of a TV show or movie: Pause a TV show or movie while it's playing. Select the speed icon , then choose a playback speed.
How to reduce Netflix quality on smart TV? ›
How to Change Video Quality on Netflix
- Click the profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Account.
- Click manage profiles.
- Select the profile whose video quality settings you want to change.
- Click Playback Settings.
- Click the button next to the video quality you want to use on all of your devices and click Save.
Netflix data usage depends on the quality of the video you're streaming. For low quality (480p), it's around 0.3GB per hour. Medium quality (720p) uses approximately 0.7GB per hour. High quality (1080p) uses about 3GB per hour.
How long will 100GB of data last watching Netflix? ›
Based on the above factors, a 100 GB data allowance should generally allow for a significant amount of Netflix streaming. With conservative estimates of data usage per hour, you can stream approximately 33-100 hours in SD, 25-33 hours in HD, or around 14 hours in UHD.
How much data is 30 minutes of Netflix? ›
For example, watching a 30-minute show consumes a different amount of data than watching a 2-hour movie because you consume more data when the film is longer. Netflix claims that when streaming a TV show or movie in standard definition, you use approximately 1GB of data per hour.
Does downloading from Netflix use a lot of data? ›
Downloading vs Streaming Data Usage Netflix
On Netflix, downloading has approximately the same level of data usage as streaming. Let's take a 2 hour 4K movie as an example. It will be around 14 GB whether you choose to download it or watch in real time using streaming.
