Does Imessage use data if you are on wifi?

[robin5440]

Just wondering if Imessage uses any data if you are on wifi? 

and If I'm not able to use wifi, should I be texting with my text plan since it is unlimited and save myself some data?

***edited labels***

[RogersAsif · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Community @robin5440! 

iMessage is a service that works over the cellular data network as well as Wi-Fi networks.

If you are connected to Wi-Fi, iMessage will be using "Data from the Wi-Fi Connection".

If you are connected to your mobile data, iMessage will be using "Data from the Cellphone Tower (Your Plan)"

If you would like to save data by not using the iMessage service, you will need to temporarily deactivate the service. Keep in mind, you will no longer be able to send "iMessages" and will be sending "Text Messages" only. They are not the same thing.

To do so, follow the steps below.

1. Enter Settings
2. Scroll down to Messages
3. Toggle iMessage Off (Green=ON - White/Gray=OFF)

Hope this helps

RogersAsif

[RogersAsif · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Community @robin5440! 

iMessage is a service that works over the cellular data network as well as Wi-Fi networks.

If you are connected to Wi-Fi, iMessage will be using "Data from the Wi-Fi Connection".

If you are connected to your mobile data, iMessage will be using "Data from the Cellphone Tower (Your Plan)"

If you would like to save data by not using the iMessage service, you will need to temporarily deactivate the service. Keep in mind, you will no longer be able to send "iMessages" and will be sending "Text Messages" only. They are not the same thing.

To do so, follow the steps below.

1. Enter Settings
2. Scroll down to Messages
3. Toggle iMessage Off (Green=ON - White/Gray=OFF)

Hope this helps

RogersAsif

[robin5440]

thanks for the reply, I have unlimited texting and limited data and didn't realize that imessage uses my data when I'm not on wifi. It therefore would make sense that I don't use Imessage when not on wifi.  It will be interesting to see how much data I can actually save by using my unlimited texting instead of imessage.

[RogersAsif]

No problem @robin5440 ,

You are not the first , a lot of people were under the impression that iMessage uses your texting plan.

Text communications are measured in tiny kilobytes whereas multimedia (photos and videos) can go up to 5MB. This really depends on your usage. If you would like to see how much data iMessage has used so far, follow these steps for iOS 7+):

1. Enter Settings
2. Enter Cellular
3. Scroll to the bottom and Click into System Services
4. Look for Messaging Services and the amount beside it (ex. MB/GB)

Let us know the outcome!

RogersAsif

[Emlavon]

Is there a setting that allows iMessage while on wifi and switches it to text (SMS) when on cell data, in order to minimize data usage?

[gp-se]

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@Emlavon wrote:
Is there a setting that allows iMessage while on wifi and switches it to text (SMS) when on cell data, in order to minimize data usage?

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@Emlavon

No, it's either on or off.