How do I delete unnecessary files from WhatsApp?

How do I delete unnecessary files from WhatsApp - briefly?

To remove unnecessary files from WhatsApp, follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to "Settings."
2. Select "Storage and Data" and choose the type of file you want to delete (e.g., media, documents).

How do I delete unnecessary files from WhatsApp - in detail?

Deleting unnecessary files from WhatsApp is a crucial task for maintaining the performance and storage capacity of your device. Over time, WhatsApp accumulates various types of files such as media, documents, and backups that can consume significant space. This guide will provide you with detailed steps to effectively delete these unwanted files.

Media Files

WhatsApp stores all received media files (images, videos, GIFs, etc.) in your device's memory by default. To free up space, follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat from which you want to delete media files.
2. Tap on the contact or group name at the top of the screen to open the chat details.
3. Select Media Visibility > Show in Gallery. This setting allows you to manage media files directly from your device's gallery app.
4. Go to your device’s Gallery/Photos app, locate the WhatsApp folder, and delete unwanted images or videos.

Documents

WhatsApp also saves documents (PDFs, spreadsheets, etc.) sent through chats. To remove these:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat containing the document you want to delete.
2. Long-press on the document to select it.
3. Tap on the trash can icon at the top of the screen to delete the selected file.
4. Repeat these steps for each unnecessary document in your chats.

Backups

WhatsApp creates regular backups of your chat history, which includes media and documents. These backups are stored in your device's internal storage or cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud. To manage these:

1. For Local Backups: Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Here you can see the size of your backup and delete it if necessary.
2. For Cloud Backups:
   • Google Drive: Open Google Drive, locate the WhatsApp folder, and delete unnecessary backups.
   • iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > WhatsApp, and delete unwanted backups.

Clear Cache

Clearing the cache can also help free up space without deleting important data:

1. For Android: Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage & cache. Tap on Clear Cache.
2. For iOS: Unfortunately, iOS does not provide a direct way to clear the cache for individual apps. However, you can uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp to clear its cache.

Delete Unwanted Chats

If entire chats are unnecessary:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you want to delete.
2. Tap on the contact or group name at the top of the screen to open the chat details.
3. Select More > Delete Chat. Confirm the action by selecting Delete again.

By following these detailed steps, you can efficiently manage and delete unnecessary files from WhatsApp, ensuring your device remains clutter-free and performs optimally.