How Much Data Do VoIP Calls Use?

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Traditional Phone Calls vs. VoIP Calls
To understand whether a phone call uses data, you first need to distinguish between two types of calls:

Traditional cellular calls

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls

1. Traditional Cellular Calls
Traditional phone calls, also known as circuit-switched calls, are made over your carrier's voice network. These calls do not use your mobile data allowance. They are handled through the carrier’s voice channel, which is separate from mobile data.

When you call someone using your phone’s canadian cto cio email list built-in dialer and it connects through your mobile service provider (like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile), you're using the cellular voice network, not the internet. Therefore, no data is consumed.

However, these calls may count against your minutes if you have a limited voice plan.

2. VoIP Calls
VoIP calls, on the other hand, are made using the internet. Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Skype, Google Meet, Facebook Messenger, and Zoom all use data to make calls. If you're not connected to Wi-Fi and use your mobile network to place a VoIP call, your cellular data will be used.

VoIP call data usage varies depending on the app, network quality, and length of the call. Here's a general estimate:

WhatsApp Audio Call: ~0.3 to 0.5 MB per minute

Skype Voice Call: ~0.5 MB per minute

FaceTime Audio: ~0.6 MB per minute

Facebook Messenger Call: ~0.3 MB per minute

Zoom Audio Call: ~0.6 to 1 MB per minute

So, if you’re on a limited data plan and regularly use VoIP apps for calling, it can slowly eat into your data allowance.

Do Wi-Fi Calls Use Data?
Yes—but not mobile data.

Wi-Fi calling is a feature supported by many carriers that lets you make voice calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of the cellular voice network. While it uses data, it typically does not consume your mobile data quota—as long as you're connected to Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi calling is useful in areas with poor cell reception but strong Wi-Fi, like basements or remote offices.