Does Picture/Video Messaging eat data

[DeaconDash]

One of my sons uses way more data than anyone else on my plan. He sends/ receives a lot of picture/video messages. Could this be the reason?

[Snn5]

Only if his line does not have unlimited texting.  MMS, Video, Picture and text are part of the texting package.  Might be something else eating the data.

[tikibar1]

It might be, depending on how he's messaging.  Do you know which app(s) he's using for that?

[Snn5]

True, if he is using something like Facehook Messenger when off of WiFi then that can really eat into the data. 

[RushFan2112]

Using iMessage on an iPhone or Verizon Messenger on an Android, either while not on WiFi, can also chew through data.

[vzw_customer_support · Accepted solution]

DeaconDash,

You have asked wonderful questions. We would really love to get to the bottom of his data usage. What make/model device does your son have? The community is right that how much data that can be used when sending out picture or videos messages will depend on what apps the messages are being sent from.

LindseyT_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[Heretic1989]

Yes, it uses data. Whether or not that data is deducted from your monthly data allotment depends on some things. I have the more everything plan. It comes with unlimited text and i have a 1GB monthly data allotment.

My phone, the LG G3, comes with 3 messaging apps. With one of the apps, i have to be connected to mobile network to send mms. I checked my data usage before and after sending a few mms. Sure enough, i saw the increase in data usage. And just to make sure i recently spoke to a vzw rep and she confirmed what i already knew.

Another messaging app, i don't have to be connected to mobile network. I can send an mms using wifi. Which doesn't affect my allotment at all.

The third app, i can send mms left and right without needing to be connected to mobile network or wifi.

[Snn5]

What are these 3 apps and why do you use 3 different ones?

[DeaconDash]

He has an Apple 5s. I assume he is using the icon at the bottom of his home screen that looks like a balloon.

[Tidbits]

If it's blue it uses data as those will be iMessages. I'd they are green they come off the text bucket.

Things like snapchat, hangouts, or Skype tour apps will use data.