Google Meet has become an essential part of everyday lives. But one thing you might’ve noticed about the platform is the heavy data usage. That is typical of every video calling platform.

If you’re concerned about exhausting your monthly data bundles due to Google Meet, there is a solution for you. Here's how to reduce data usage in Google Meet calls.

How Much Data Does Google Meet Use?

Video conferencing platforms consume lots of data, and Google Meet is no exception. If your workplace or school uses Google Meet regularly, chances are it is one of the high data usage applications on your device.

But how much data does Google Meet use in the first place? Unfortunately, Google hasn’t specified precise figures publicly. However, the company has some bandwidth requirements for HD or SD quality video while making calls.

Related: How Much Data Does YouTube Actually Use? Explained

For HD video calls, Google recommends a latency of a less than 50ms latency. Outbound signals must be 3.2 Mbps, while inbound signals should be at least 2.6 Mbps. That adds up to 2.61 GB per hour.

For SD video quality, Google recommends a latency of less than 100ms, a minimum bandwidth requirement of 1Mbps for both outbound and inbound signals. That means Google Meet will consume 0.9 GB for an hour.

But real-life Google Meet data usage will vary depending on the number of participants, the type of device used, and network conditions.

How to Reduce Data Usage in Google Meet

Knowing how to reduce Google Meet data usage is handy in different situations. One, it can save you cash if you’re on a limited data plan. Secondly, it's handy if you have a poor connection in your area or your network is having problems while in a meeting.

Let's take a look at how to reduce data usage in Google Meet on Android, iOS, and the web.

1. Reduce Google Meet Data Usage on Android

  1. Launch Google Meet.
  2. Tap the hamburger menu in the upper left.
  3. Select Settings and toggle on Limit data usage.

2. Reduce Google Meet Data Usage on iPhone

  1. Launch Google Meet app.
  2. Tap the hamburger menu in the upper left.
  3. Select Settings and choose one of your Google accounts under Accounts.
  4. Next, toggle on Limit data usage.

3. Reduce Google Meet Data Usage on Web

Once you’re in a meeting, tap the three-dot button at the bottom. Next, select Settings and click Video from the left sidebar menu. Click Auto under Send resolution and select Standard definition.

Google Meet web video settings

Furthermore, you can change Receive resolution from Auto to any other option. Select Standard definition for minimal data savings, and Audio only for maximum data savings.

Although you must be in a video call to limit data usage on your computer, these settings will be remembered in your next Google Meet call.

4. Use Google Meet in Audio-Only Mode

Video is the main culprit behind Google Meet’s high data usage. As you have noticed from the above section, Limit data usage focuses on reducing video quality.

But for even more savings, you should entirely turn off your video if not necessary. And if everyone, except the presenter, disables their camera, Google Meet will use even less data.

Related: Useful Tips to Reduce Mobile Data Usage and Save Money

You can toggle Google Meet to not use video by tapping the video icon on web, Android, or iOS while in a meeting. You can also disable video on the join screen before entering a call.

Save Data in Google Meet Calls

Google Meet video calls don’t have to add an extra wage to your monthly data bill. By utilizing the platform’s Limit data usage feature, you can save yourself the trouble of buying data bundles now and then.

If you also use WhatsApp for video and audio calls, we have some tips for saving data on the instant messaging app.