You don’t have to use mobile data unnecessarily when making video calls on Google Meet.
Google Meet has become one of the best apps for video conferencing. However, if you are a regular user either for classes or for work meetings, you have probably already noticed the high amount of data that this tool needs to work.
Although this is a typical feature of all video calling platforms, there are ways to save your monthly data packages when using Google Meet. Here are the best ways to do it.
How much data does Google Meet need?
As we said at the beginning, video conferencing platforms are professionals in the consumption of a large amount of data and Google Meet is no exception. If you use Google Meet regularly, whether it’s for your classes or work, it’s likely one of the data-intensive apps on your device.
So far, Google has not specified precise data consumption figures for the application. But, the company has some bandwidth requirements to provide HD or SD video quality during calls.
For HD video conferencing, Google recommends specific input and output signal and latency levels totaling 2.61GB consumed per hour. Similarly, for SD video quality Google Meet consumes 0.9 GB for one hour. Of course, the use of data in the application may vary depending on the number of participants, the type of device and the conditions of the network.
How to save mobile data usage on Google Meet
Saving your mobile data consumed by Google Meet will put an end to various problems. You can save money if they have a data plan with limited use, or if you have a bad connection at your location during a meeting
Here’s how to reduce your Google Meet data usage on Android, iOS, and the web.
Reduce Google Meet data usage on Android
- Sign in to Google Meet.
- Tap the three-line menu located in the upper left corner.
- Select Settings and activate the Limit data usage option.
Reduce Google Meet data usage on iPhone
- Sign in to the Google Meet app.
- Tap the three-line menu located in the upper left corner.
- Select Settings and choose one of your Google accounts under Accounts.
- Then turn on the Limit data usage option.
In addition, you will have the option to change the reception resolution from Auto to any other option. You can also opt for Standard Definition for minimal data savings. Although you must be in a video conference to limit data usage on your computer, these settings will be saved to your account for your next Google Meet meeting.
Use Audio Only mode on Google Meet
Unsurprisingly, video is the main culprit for Google Meet’s high data usage. As you’ve seen in the previous sections, limiting data usage focuses on reducing video quality.
But to save even more, you should turn off the video completely if it is not really necessary. And if everyone but the host turns off their camera, Google Meet will use a lot less data. You can also disable video on the preview screen before joining the meeting.
Google Meet video conferences don’t have to cost you a lot on your monthly data bill. With the Limit data usage feature offered by the platform, you can save yourself the hassle of constantly buying data packages.