How to delete all files from WhatsApp?

How to delete all files from WhatsApp - briefly?

To delete all files from WhatsApp, you can use the "Storage and Data" feature within the app settings. Select "Manage Storage," then choose the type of file (e.g., photos, videos) you want to delete and tap on "Clear."

How to delete all files from WhatsApp - in detail?

Deleting all files from WhatsApp can be a complex process, as the app is designed to store media and messages on your device for easy access. However, if you need to free up space or start fresh, there are several methods you can use. Below, we'll outline the detailed steps for both Android and iOS devices.

For Android Users:

  1. Clear Storage within WhatsApp:

    • Open WhatsApp on your device.
    • Go to "Settings" by tapping the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.
    • Navigate to "Storage and Data."
    • Tap on "Manage Storage." Here you can see how much space each chat is using.
    • To delete media from a specific chat, tap on the chat, then select the type of files you want to remove (e.g., Photos, Videos).
    • Confirm the deletion by tapping "Done" or the checkmark icon.

  2. Delete WhatsApp Media Folder Manually:

    • Open File Manager on your Android device.
    • Navigate to the "Internal Storage."
    • Find and open the "WhatsApp" folder.
    • Delete the "Media" folder within the WhatsApp directory. This will remove all images, videos, documents, and other media files.

  3. Clear App Cache:

    • Go to your device's "Settings."
    • Navigate to "Apps" or "Application Manager."
    • Find and select WhatsApp from the list of apps.
    • Tap on "Storage & cache."
    • Clear the app cache by tapping "Clear Cache." Note that this does not delete your messages or media but can help free up some space.

For iOS Users:

  1. Clear Storage within WhatsApp:

    • Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
    • Go to "Settings" by tapping the gear icon (⚙️) at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
    • Navigate to "Data and Storage Usage."
    • Tap on "Storage Usage." Here you can see how much space each chat is using.
    • To delete media from a specific chat, tap on the chat, then select the type of files you want to remove (e.g., Photos, Videos).
    • Confirm the deletion by tapping "Done" or the checkmark icon.

  2. Delete WhatsApp Media Folder Manually:

    • Unfortunately, iOS does not allow direct access to app folders like Android. Therefore, you cannot manually delete the media folder within WhatsApp on an iPhone. You can only delete media directly from the chats as described above.

  3. Offload App:

    • Go to your device's "Settings."
    • Navigate to "General" and then "iPhone Storage."
    • Find and select WhatsApp from the list of apps.
    • Tap on "Offload App." This will remove the app but keep your data (messages, media) intact. You can reinstall WhatsApp later if needed.

Additional Tips:

  • Back Up Your Data: Before deleting any files, make sure to back up your chats and media to avoid losing important information.
  • Use Cloud Storage: Consider using cloud storage services like Google Drive or iCloud to store your WhatsApp media, which can help free up space on your device while keeping your files accessible.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to delete all files from WhatsApp on both Android and iOS devices effectively.