According to the app’s settings, manual and automatic backups of WhatsApp chats are possible using Wi-Fi and cellular data. Cellular data backups of WhatsApp conversations, on the other hand, can be pricey. Because of this, it is suggested that you disable WhatsApp from utilizing Cellular Data for Backups.
Can You Use Whatsapp on WIFI Only
Yes, you can use WhatsApp on WiFi. You do not need your cellular data on in order to use WhatsApp. This is because WhatsApp works like your favorite social media apps and will work with or without cellular service – as long as you have a stable internet connection. You may want to use WiFi only on WhatsApp if you have limited data and don’t want to unnecessarily waste it when you don’t need it, which makes perfect sense. There’s also a setting that will never use your cellular data on WhatsApp and will use your WiFi only!
How to Restrict WhatsApp to WiFi Only
If you are on a limited data plan, it makes total sense to turn off cellular data when you don’t need it. However, when using WhatsApp, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to turn off cellular data anymore, as with this setting, your cell data will be turned off automatically when using the app. This forces your WhatsApp to only use WiFi whenever possible. This can be done on both iOS and Android. Here’s how! How to Turn on WiFi Only on iPhone:
- Open ‘Settings’ from the Home Screen. This may be in the ‘Utilities’ folder by default.
- Next, tap ‘Cellular’. This should be under WiFi and Bluetooth at the top of the main Settings page.
- Scroll down and locate WhatsApp on the cellular page.
- Tap the switch next to WhatsApp to turn off cellular data use. The switch will turn white when it’s turned off. Now, cellular data will not be used on WhatsApp. This means WhatsApp will be forced to use your WiFi connection only. If you’re out in public with no WiFi, you won’t be able to use WhatsApp unless you turn the setting back on. How to turn on WiFi only for WhatsApp on android:
- Open ‘Settings’ from your device home page.
- Locate and tap ‘Network & Internet’, and then press ‘Data Usage’. If you don’t see ‘Network & Internet’, go to ‘Connections’ then ‘Data usage’. This differs depending on what Android device you’re using. At the top of this menu, you’ll see how much data each app has recently used. If your WhatsApp is high on that list, it’s necessary to continue. 3. Select ‘Apps’ or ‘Mobile data usage’ to view apps. Locate and tap WhatsApp.
- Toggle off ‘allow background data usage’ to turn off cellular data for WhatsApp. You can also do this for other apps, like I’m YouTube, which take a lot of data.
- You also may find it necessary to turn off the setting ‘Allow data usage while Data saver is on’, if it’s not off already. This ensures that the app will not use your mobile data. And you’re done! WhatsApp should no longer use your data and, depending on how you use the app, you’ll be able to save tons of data every month!
Does WhatsApp Only Work on Wi-Fi
No, WhatsApp will work on both WiFi and cellular data. You can have these both in at the same time, or just one; it’ll work either way. As long as you have a stable internet connection (and your data isn’t used up completely for the month), you’ll be able to use WhatsApp and it should be as smooth as butter.
What Other Apps Should I Turn on WiFi Only For?
After turning on WiFi only for WhatsApp, you may notice you really didn’t save too much data. Your data usage depends on how much you call / video call with others, as well as how many videos or pictures you send or receive. If you’re just using the app to text, you probably won’t be using up a lot of data. However, there are some applications we recommend turning on the WiFi only setting for.
1. YouTube
If you use YouTube on data, you’ll be shocked at how much data this will use. Even if you accidentally use data for a one-hour long session, you may use up more than half of your allowed data for the month! We highly recommend turning on WiFi only for YouTube as well as any other video streaming apps.
2. Netflix
Netflix is another app you’ll probably want WiFi only on. Netflix will probably use even more data than YouTube, because users, on average, have Netflix open longer than YouTube per session. This is because if you’re watching a show, you’re likely to want to watch as much of it as you can, if not the whole episode. The same applies to movies. Therefore, unless you really need Netflix on the go, you should really turn on WiFi only.
3. Spotify, Apple Music or Pandora
Another app you’ll want to turn WiFi only on for is your music streaming app of choice. Although it won’t use as much as YouTube or Netflix, the data usage can really add up. The good news is that you’ll still be able to listen to your favorite songs or albums on the go, as long as you download them to your device. You’ll want to download these songs on WiFi with your cell data OFF. If you don’t, it’ll drastically increase the data usage from your music streaming app.
Do I Have to Worry About Data Usage if I have unlimited data?
No, you do not have to worry about data usage whatsoever if you have an unlimited data plan. You can stream videos, movies or music, download apps; everything that you do on your phone normally you’ll be able to do on data with no worries. The problem is is that unlimited data is not supported in many areas, and when it is, it can be much more expensive than a limited data plan. If unlimited data is available in your area, think about how much you use your phone while you’re out before upgrading. If you travel a lot and like to watch movies or videos while you’re out, unlimited data is definitely worth it! However, if you’re not really on your phone much while you’re out, I’d say it may just not be worth the extra cost.
