How Much Data Do Dating Apps Use? How To Use Dating Apps While Travelling

Ever worry you’ll burn through your data plan while swiping for your soulmate? Relax! Dating apps usually don’t chug data the way Netflix or huge game downloads do. Of course, things like high-res images and video chats can add up, so let’s break down what to expect:

Swiping

Swiping (browsing user profiles) uses between 15 and 25 MB of data every five minutes. This most common activity loads a bunch of images and little snippets of text, and sometimes video. If you’re on a swiping spree, it can nibble at your data, depending on how many photo-heavy profiles you check out.

We put it to the test. We asked one of our colleagues who used the apps to set a 10-minute timer and swipe for 10 minutes on each of the two most popular apps: Bumble and Tinder.

WiFi: OFF

Mobile Data: ON

In our test, Tinder proved more data-hungry: after 10 minutes of swiping, it used 49.5 MB, while Bumble used 34.3 MB in the same time. However, this could simply be because the tester was swiping faster on Tinder than on Bumble.

Messages & notifications

Good news for all you chatterboxes: text messages and push notifications use only a tiny bit of data—just a few kilobytes (1MB = 1,000 KB) per message.

In-app videos and voice notes

If you’re sending or watching video clips or voice notes, your data usage might jump because videos are more data-hungry than pictures or text.

Video or voice calls

Making that first video call to see if there’s a spark? Expect around 300 MB per hour for video chats. Audio-only is much kinder to your data, usually around 20–50 MB an hour, but the actual amount can vary based on your network quality.

Location services

Apps often track your location to show nearby matches, but these pings are usually pretty small. Unless you’re on a super-tight data plan, you probably won’t notice much of a drain here.

Bottom line? If you’re just swiping here and there and chatting a bit, you’ll probably stay well under 500 MB a week. Heavy users—think marathon swipers and frequent video-callers—could exceed 1 GB.

How to use dating apps while traveling

Ready to find new friends (or maybe more) abroad? Dating apps can be a fantastic way to meet people wherever you wander. Here’s how to keep your data usage in check and make the most of your travel adventures:

1. Grab a local SIM or eSIM

If you’re traveling internationally, skip those pricey roaming charges by picking up a local SIM or eSIM. They’re usually way cheaper and give you plenty of data without breaking the bank.

Out of interest, we conducted a separate test; this time with mobile data enabled via a Sim Local eSIM, Bumble used 35.7 MB over 10 minutes, while Tinder consumed 29.7 MB in the same timeframe (swiping only). Again, this difference could be related to the speed of swiping on each app; faster swiping loads more profiles, which in turn requires more data.

Skip roaming charges and download an eSIM online from Sim Local.

2. Surf on WiFi

Free Wi-Fi is your BFF on the road. Hop onto the hotel’s, hostel’s, or favorite café’s Wi-Fi whenever you can. Public networks can be iffy security-wise, so consider using a VPN to keep things private.

3. Tweak your app settings

• Auto-play off: Disable videos from auto-playing if you can.
• Reduce image quality: Go for a “lite” or lower-res mode if the app offers it.
• Restrict background data: Don’t let the app gobble up data when you’re not even using it.

4. Try a travel-friendly dating app

Apps like Tinder (Tinder Passport) or Bumble (Travel mode) let you scope out the local scene before you even step off the plane. These features might cost you a few bucks, but they can help you line up meetups before you arrive—perfect for the eager traveler!

5. Timing is everything

Time zones can be tricky! If you’re swiping in a new locale, remember that peak hours might be different. Adjust your schedule to when locals are most active so you can actually match with people who are awake.

6. Know the local rules

Some places have rules around internet usage or even block certain apps. A quick Google search can save you lots of hassle. If needed, use a VPN (if it’s legal there) to stay connected.

7. Stay safe

• Share personal info only when you’re sure you’re comfortable.
• Meet in public places and give a friend the heads-up on your plans.
• Do a quick in-app video or voice call beforehand to get a better feel for who you’re meeting.

By following these pointers, you’ll keep your data usage under control and (hopefully) meet some awesome people along the way. Safe travels and happy swiping!