Data usage of a messaging application is mitigated based on a location of the application on the display screen or a mode of a device. If the location of the application is in the foreground of the display, presence update information of a contact is periodically received or requested. If the application is in the background of the display longer than a predetermined interval, the presence update information of the contact is stopped. In some embodiments, if the device is in an OFF or a SUSPEND mode, contact presence updates are not received. When the device is in an ON mode or state, the presence updates are received or requested from a server or presence agent.