Can You Use WhatsApp on a Plane?
The short answer: yes for messaging, usually yes for calls, but with caveats. Here's exactly what works, what doesn't, and how much data each feature uses.
WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app globally, and it works remarkably well on airline WiFi. On Starlink-equipped flights, even voice and video calls work smoothly. For the full list of airlines that allow VoIP calls, see our WiFi calling policy guide. If you're an iPhone user, also check our iMessage on airplane WiFi guide.
Short answer: Yes, WhatsApp works on planes
WhatsApp messaging works on any airline that provides WiFi. Text, photos, voice notes, videos, and documents all work. Voice and video calls depend on your airline's calling policy and the WiFi speed — but are technically possible on most modern systems.
WhatsApp Features: What Works at 35,000 Feet
| Feature | Works? | Min. Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text messages | Yes | < 0.1 Mbps | Works on virtually any airline WiFi. Even the slowest systems handle text messages without issue. |
| Photo and image sharing | Yes | 0.1–0.5 Mbps | Works on all airline WiFi systems with a slight delay for large images. Compresses automatically. |
| Voice notes (audio messages) | Yes | 0.1 Mbps | Tiny files — works on any system. Recorded offline, uploaded in seconds when connected. |
| Video messages | Yes | 0.5–2 Mbps | Works on most airline systems. May take a few seconds longer to upload/download on slow connections. |
| Document/file sharing | Yes | Depends on file size | PDFs, Word docs, and small files work well. Large files (>10MB) may be slow on older Inmarsat or Gogo systems. |
| Voice calls (audio only) | Depends | 1–2 Mbps | Technically works on most systems with adequate speed. Whether it's permitted depends on the airline — see our WiFi calling guide. |
| Video calls | Depends | 3–5 Mbps | Works on Viasat, Starlink, and 4G-equipped routes. Blocked or low quality on Gogo ATG and older Inmarsat routes. Airline policy applies. |
| WhatsApp Status updates | Yes | 0.5–2 Mbps | Loads and updates in background. Viewing others' status works on most systems. |
WhatsApp Data Usage on a Plane
Critical if you're using a metered plan (e.g. a paid messaging-only tier or a 500MB package).
| Feature | Approx. Data Use | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Text message | < 1 KB per message | Send thousands on 1MB of data |
| Voice note (30 seconds) | ~250 KB | 4,000 voice notes per 1GB |
| Photo (compressed) | ~100–300 KB | Efficient — WhatsApp compresses automatically |
| Video (1 minute, compressed) | ~3–8 MB | WhatsApp compresses video — much smaller than raw |
| Voice call (1 minute) | ~0.7–1 MB | Similar to a voice note in data usage |
| Video call (1 minute, SD) | ~5–8 MB | Significant — 1 hour HD video call uses ~350–500 MB |
Practical Tips for WhatsApp on a Plane
If you have a small data allowance (a paid messaging tier, for example), use text messages and voice notes only — avoid photos and video entirely.
WhatsApp compresses photos automatically when sending — the compressed version uses far less data than the original image file.
Voice notes are a great way to have richer communication with minimal data use — a 30-second voice note uses ~250KB.
WhatsApp works offline for reading cached messages. You only need WiFi to send and receive. If you disconnect to save data, you can reconnect briefly to send a batch of messages.
For voice and video calls, check your airline's policy before attempting — most US carriers allow them, most European carriers discourage voice calls.
WhatsApp's 'Low Data Usage' setting (Settings > Storage and Data) further reduces call data consumption — useful on metered plans.