How to change the storage location in WhatsApp - briefly?
To change the storage location for WhatsApp on your device:
- Navigate to your device's settings and select "Storage."
- Choose "Other Apps," find WhatsApp in the list, and tap on it. You will see an option to "Change Storage Location."
How to change the storage location in WhatsApp - in detail?
Changing the storage location for WhatsApp on your device can help manage space more effectively, especially if you have a large number of media files. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:
Android Devices
- Open File Manager: Launch any file manager app installed on your Android device. If you don't have one, you can download a reliable file manager from the Google Play Store.
- Locate WhatsApp Folder: Navigate to the internal storage or SD card where WhatsApp is currently storing media files. The default path is usually
Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Media. - Cut and Paste: Select all the files and folders within the WhatsApp folder, then cut (or copy) them. Next, navigate to your desired storage location and paste the files there.
- Move App Data: To ensure that future media files are saved in the new location, you might need a root access app or use built-in features like "Storage & USB" settings to change the default storage location for apps.
- Check Permissions: Ensure WhatsApp has permission to read and write in the new storage location. This can usually be managed within your device’s security settings under "App permissions".
iPhone Devices
- Backup Your Data: Before making any changes, it's crucial to back up your WhatsApp data using iCloud or another backup service.
- Uninstall and Reinstall: Unfortunately, iOS doesn't allow users to manually change the storage location for individual apps like WhatsApp without jailbreaking, which is not recommended due to security risks. The best approach is to uninstall WhatsApp and then reinstall it. During this process, you can choose where to save your media files by adjusting the settings within the app itself or through iCloud settings.
- Adjust Storage Settings: Go to
Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > WhatsApp, and from there, you can control how much storage space WhatsApp is using.
Windows Phone and Desktop Versions (WhatsApp Web/Desktop)
- Change Default Save Location: For desktop versions of WhatsApp, go to
Settings > Photos & Media. Here, you can select a different folder where media files will be saved by default. - Move Existing Files: To move existing files, manually copy them from the current storage location to your desired new location.
- Update Settings in WhatsApp Web/Desktop: Ensure that the settings within the app reflect the new storage path for future media downloads.
General Tips
- Regular Backups: Always keep regular backups of your WhatsApp data to prevent loss during the transfer process.
- Check Space: Make sure the new storage location has sufficient space to accommodate all your WhatsApp files.
- Update App: Ensure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed, as updates may include improvements and bug fixes related to storage management.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively change the storage location for WhatsApp on your device, helping to optimize your storage space and manage your media files more efficiently.