How much data does Disney Plus use? And how can I make it use less?

With their vast library of generational classics, Disney Plus has quickly become one of the most popular streaming services. Whether you’re traversing the galaxy with Mando & Grogu or trying to connect the dots between the last seven Marvel movies, keeping up with the different universes is easier on the go. But when you’re watching on your phone, how much data does Disney Plus use? It depends. Monitoring your data usage is important, so in this blog, we’ll go over all the variables that can affect your data usage when streaming Disney Plus on or from your phone and how to manage it, whether you’re on an iPhone or Android phone.

Does Disney Plus use a lot of data? 

Disney Plus can use a lot of data, depending on the video resolution of the content you’re streaming. Streaming standard definition video uses approximately 1GB per 40-minute episode and about 3GB for a 105-minute long movie. Streaming high definition video uses approximately 1.5GB per 40-minute episode and 3.8GB for that same movie, and streaming Ultra HD (4K) uses about 2.5GB per 40-minute episode and 7.5GB for a 105-minute movie.

How to check your Disney Plus data usage

So, you were feeling nostalgic and watched your favorite animated mermaid romance twice a day last week… we get it. But how much data did that take? You can check your data usage in your phone’s settings to see how many GBs you’ve given to Disney Plus so far (as well as Netflix, YouTube or other streaming apps you might frequent) with just a few steps.

Checking Disney Plus data usage on iPhone 

1. Go into your iPhone Settings
2. Select “Cellular” 
3. Scroll down to Cellular Data
4. Scroll through the list of apps and you’ll see the current data usage next to Disney Plus

Checking Disney Plus data usage on Android 

1. Go into your Android phone’s Settings
2. Select “Network and Internet” 
3. Select ”Mobile Network”
   • This may also be found under “Connections”
4. Scroll down to find “App data usage” or “Mobile data usage” and select it
5. Scroll down to the list of apps and you’ll see the current data usage next to Disney Plus

How to reduce data usage on Disney Plus

The most effective way to reduce how much data you use on Disney Plus is to watch less Disney Plus, but obviously we don’t want to do that. Fortunately, Disney Plus offers a data saver mode that you can enable, and there are other steps you can take when streaming that will help you save more than a few GBs of mobile data. 

How to turn on data saving mode on Disney Plus

Disney Plus can automatically optimize streaming to use less of your data when you activate its data saving mode, which can be done in just a few clicks.

1. Open the Disney Plus app
2. Tap your Profile icon and select “App Settings”
3. Scroll to and select “Cellular Data Usage”
4. Choose the “Save Data” option

Stream over Wi-Fi

Streaming over Wi-Fi doesn’t use mobile data at all, so you can binge an entire season and then some in full 4K Ultra HD and, as long as you have a stable Wi-Fi connection the whole time, your mobile data allotment will remain untouched.

1. Open the Disney Plus app
2. Tap your Profile icon and select “App Settings”
3. Scroll to and select “Wi-Fi Data Usage”
4. Choose the option that best suits your needs

Adjust the video streaming quality

As we’ve said before, the higher the definition, the higher number of GBs needed to stream it. Disney Plus allows you to modify the video quality of the content you stream, so it will use less data. 

1. Open the Disney Plus app
2. Tap your Profile icon and select “App Settings”
3. Scroll to and select “Video Quality”
4. Choose the option that best fits your streaming habits

Download content over Wi-Fi ahead of time

We mentioned the difference between streaming over Wi-Fi vs. cellular data earlier. Now, combine that with the fact that Disney Plus Premium, Disney Bundle Trio Premium and Legacy Disney Bundle subscribers have the option to download titles for later viewing. That Marvel miniseries spin-off of a sequel to another spin-off you were planning to watch on your upcoming cross-country flight? Download all the episodes to your phone the night before while connected to Wi-Fi, and you won’t use any mobile data to stream it.

Turn off background app refresh

This isn’t so much affected by the content you’re streaming, but if you’re planning to watch four or five episodes of your favorite cartoon, you probably don’t need your other apps refreshing in the background (and thus, using more data). You can learn more about background app refresh from our other dedicated blog. 

Now you’re a Disney Plus data wizard  

Might as well call you Streamboat Willie because you’re a Disney Plus streaming expert. And if Disney Plus isn’t the only service you stream from, we can help you check your data usage on apps like Hulu and Paramount+ too. Or if you just need to know how much data you need, we have you covered there too. 
At Mint, we take your data usage very seriously because we take saving you money very seriously. Optimizing your data usage and helping you use less allows you to save more in the long run. We’re no genie, but if you’ve been wishing for a better, more affordable wireless plan, click to find out why you ain’t never had a better option than Mint Mobile.