WhatsApp has many great features that keep users coming back. For example, you can call links to make it easier for others to join. You can also hide your online status to go into ninja mode. There are many reasons to make WhatsApp your default messaging app.
But, when WhatsApp is the app you use the most, your storage can take a hit with heavy videos and tons of pictures. But WhatsApp can show you how much storage the app takes up and who is the contact that sends you the heaviest files.
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How to Manage Your WhatsApp Storage
To see if your WhatsApp storage needs managing, you can access it by going to the app’s Settings. You can access Settings by tapping on the three dots at the top right. Once you’re in Settings, go to Storage and data.
In this last option, you’ll see the Manage Storage at the top. On the next page, you’ll see how much storage WhatsApp uses. You’ll see two colors indicating what is taking up that space. For example, you’ll see that what’s in green is the storage space WhatsApp takes up and what’s in yellow is what apps and other items take up.
You’ll see files that are larger than 5MB and files that have been forwarded many times. You can access these files to review them and erase them by long-pressing on them and then tapping on the trash icon at the top. Under the chats section, you can see which contents send you the heaviest files.
By tapping on a specific contact, you can review the sent files. If you want to erase them, there is a select all box at the top right and then choose the trash icon. If you change your mind and want to add a star to one or many of them, you can by selecting them first. You’ll also see three uneven lines at the top to see the files in a specific order. For example, you’ll see newest, Oldest, and Largest options.
Hidden Contacts
You won’t see the info for all your contacts since the ones that are hidden are the ones that send you very little content. Another way to search files and erase them if you want is by opening a specific contact and seeing what media has been shared there. Once that contact is open, tap on the three dots at the top right and choose the Media, links, and docs option.
The files will be organized from the most recent to the oldest. If the file was sent weeks or even months ago, you can swipe down and use the slider to the right for a faster find. Don’t forget that you can also use the search option at the top. You can always try the other if you can’t find a file using one option. If you feel that your storage is filling up too fast, you can always make some changes in Settings so that the files don’t download automatically.
How to Stop Automatic Download on WhatsApp
That way, you control what is downloaded. If it’s not what you thought it was, you only have to erase one or two files. To stop the automatic download, go to WhatsApp’s settings. Tap on the three dots at the top right and select Settings > Storage and data. In the Media auto-download section, tap on each of the three areas: When using mobile data, when connected to WiFi, and when roaming. Uncheck the four boxes that’ll come up on each option.
By unchecking the boxes, it doesn’t mean that you won’t get the content. It means that you’ll need to tap on the file to download it to your device.
Conclusion
It’s great how you can see what contact sends you the heaviest files. You can also erase specific contact to help save your storage space. Searching for your media by opening a particular contact is possible. You know who sent it to you, but you have no idea where it is. If one option doesn’t work, you can always try the other. How do you keep your WhatsApp storage under control? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share the article with others on social media.
