How to save data on Showmax using bandwidth capping and downloads

23 January 2024

How to save data on Showmax using bandwidth capping and downloads

How much data do I need to stream? Streaming video can use up to 3GB of data per hour depending on the quality and streaming service.

Showmax offers excellent data-saving modes that will save you big bucks while streaming.

Get maximum entertainment for minimum data. Showmax has different settings for streaming on your smart TV or web, or on your mobile device, that go as low as 60MB/hr.

Mobile data usage on the Showmax app (VOD and live)

OptionMax resolutionData usage VODData usage live
Data Saving144pUp to 60MB/hUp to 60MB/h
Basic360pUp to 240MB/hUp to 240MB/h
Good432pUp to 330MB/hUp to 420MB/h
Best1080pUp to 1.6GB/hUp to 2.1GB/h

Showmax streaming data usage for web and TV (VOD only)

OptionMax resolutionData usage VOD
Data Saving288pUp to 100MB/h
Basic540pUp to 350MB/h
Good720pUp to 700MB/h
Best1080pUp to 1.2GB/h

Streaming on the web or TV

Choose the data mode that best fits your internet speed. If you want to watch in HD, choose Best, which uses up to 1.2GB/h. But if you’d rather save data, or if your internet connection is slower, go as low as 288p, which only uses around 100MB/h.

Saving data on your mobile device

When streaming on your smartphone or tablet, be ultra thrifty and choose Data Saving mode. It will only use up to 60MB per hour, and the 144p quality is still great to watch. If you’re streaming Showmax Premier League and want to watch a live match, be aware that the data consumption can be higher.

Then get familiar with Showmax’s built-in data-saving features and limit how much data you use.

How to change your data settings

  • On the Showmax app, navigate to your account settings. On mobile, tap on your profile icon in the bottom right corner, while on web and smart TV, the icon is usually at the top right.
  • You’ll immediately see the setting for Data Settings.
  • Scroll through the options and choose the one that suits you best.
  • On mobile, you can also choose to download shows or stream over WiFi only – this is another great way to save mobile data.

Download on mobile devices and watch offline with Showmax

Showmax gives you the option to download any show or movie on Wi-Fi and watch offline on smartphones or tablets using the Showmax app for Android and iOS – no data needed.
This is an especially handy feature if you’ll be somewhere without the internet, such as in a taxi, on a plane or in the middle of nowhere.

Read our comprehensive article on downloading with Showmax here

Reduce download quality to save data (and space)

If you have to use your mobile data to download shows, or if the storage space on your device is running low, make use of the Showmax quality settings for downloads.

When you select a title to download, you will be able to choose from different quality settings. The lower the quality you select, the less data you will use and the less space the file will take up on your device.

Use free Wi-Fi hotspots

The best way to save data is to use no data! Stream your shows while you’re on your lunch break at work, when you’re in a coffee shop, or at your friend’s parents’ house. We won’t tell!

Original African stories by local talent

Spitch Nzawumbi hosts Unfollowed S2

Unfollowed S1-2

Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S2 now, with new episodes weekly.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
The Hot Seat on Showmax

The Hot Seat S1

The Hot Seat promises bold banter as some of Kenya’s biggest celebrities face the heat. Stream now, with new episodes weekly.

Original
/images/ke.svgMade in Kenya
Nairobi Bachelor S1 on Showmax

Nairobi Bachelor S1

Nairobi Bachelor follows the journey of young bachelors and singletons on a quest to find their perfect match. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.

Original
/images/ke.svgMade in Kenya
Spooksoeker S1 on Showmax

Spooksoeker S1

When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
4Play is on Showmax

4Play

4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.

Original
/images/ke.svgMade in Kenya
Tollie en Manila

Die Tollie & Manila Show

A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
The Station Strangler on Showmax

The Station Strangler

The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Now available to stream.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Black & Blue on Showmax

Black & Blue S1

Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.

Original
/images/ke.svgMade in Kenya
Youngins S2, now on Showmax
Soft Life, now streaming on Showmax