How to delete WhatsApp from storage?

How to delete WhatsApp from storage - briefly?

To delete WhatsApp from your device's storage, you can either uninstall the app through the settings menu or use a file manager to manually remove the associated data files.

How to delete WhatsApp from storage - in detail?

Deleting WhatsApp from your device's storage can be a necessary step for various reasons, such as freeing up space or resolving technical issues. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

On Android Devices

  1. Backup Your Data: Before deleting WhatsApp, it is crucial to back up your chats and media. You can do this by going to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
  2. Uninstall WhatsApp: Navigate to the Settings app on your device. Go to Apps & notifications (or Applications) > See all apps (or App list). Find WhatsApp in the list, tap on it, and select Uninstall. Confirm the action if prompted.
  3. Clear Residual Data: After uninstalling, you may want to clear any residual data stored by WhatsApp. Go back to Settings > Storage & USB (or Storage). Tap on Other apps or Internal storage. Find and tap on WhatsApp, then select Clear Data.
  4. Delete Cache: Additionally, you can delete the cache files. In the same menu where you found WhatsApp, there should be an option to clear the app's cache. This helps in freeing up more space.

On iOS Devices

  1. Backup Your Data: Similar to Android, ensure your chats and media are backed up. Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
  2. Delete the App: Press and hold the WhatsApp icon on your home screen until it starts wiggling. Tap the small 'x' that appears in the top-left corner of the app icon, then confirm by tapping Delete.
  3. Clear Storage: Deleting the app from iOS should remove most associated data. However, if you want to ensure all residual files are removed, you can use the "Offload App" feature (iOS 11 and later). Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Find WhatsApp in the list and tap on it. Select Offload App, then confirm by tapping Offload App again.
  4. Reinstall if Necessary: If you need to reinstall WhatsApp, simply go to the App Store, search for WhatsApp, and download it again.

Additional Tips

  • Clear Media from Storage: After deleting the app, you might want to clear any media files stored in your device's gallery or camera roll that were previously accessed by WhatsApp.
  • Check Cloud Storage: If you use cloud storage services like Google Drive or iCloud, make sure to delete any WhatsApp backups from there as well.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove WhatsApp from your device's storage and free up valuable space for other applications and data.