How to free up space in WhatsApp storage - briefly?
To free up space in WhatsApp storage, you can delete unnecessary media and files from your chats. Additionally, clear the app's cache by going to your phone's settings, selecting WhatsApp, and tapping on "Clear Cache."
How to free up space in WhatsApp storage - in detail?
Freeing up space in WhatsApp storage is essential for maintaining the smooth operation of your device and ensuring that you can continue to communicate effectively with your contacts. Over time, WhatsApp can accumulate a significant amount of data, including media files, messages, and backups, which can consume valuable storage space on your phone. Here are some detailed steps you can take to free up space in WhatsApp storage:
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Delete Unnecessary Media Files:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the "Settings" menu.
- Navigate to "Storage and Data."
- Tap on "Manage Storage." Here, you will see a list of contacts along with the amount of storage each contact is using.
- Select the contact whose media files you wish to delete.
- Review the list of photos, videos, GIFs, and other files sent by that contact.
- Tap on the "Forward" icon next to the files you want to keep, then select a destination or save them to your device.
- After saving the important files, tap on the "Delete" icon to remove the rest of the media from that contact.
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Clear Conversation History:
- Go back to the "Manage Storage" screen.
- Select the conversation whose history you want to delete.
- Tap on "Delete Chat" and confirm your choice. This will remove all messages, photos, videos, and other media from that chat.
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Review Large Files:
- In the "Manage Storage" section, tap on "Review Large Files."
- WhatsApp will display a list of large files (over 5 MB) sent or received in your chats.
- Review the list and delete any files that you no longer need by tapping on the "Delete" icon next to them.
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Turn Off Automatic Media Download:
- Go to "Settings" within WhatsApp.
- Navigate to "Data and Storage Usage."
- Under "Media Auto-Download," you can select whether photos, videos, and documents are automatically downloaded when connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Toggle these settings off to prevent unnecessary files from being saved to your device.
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Regularly Back Up Your Chats:
- While this step does not immediately free up space, regularly backing up your chats can help you manage storage more effectively in the long run.
- Go to "Settings" > "Chats."
- Tap on "Chat Backup" and follow the prompts to back up your chats to Google Drive or iCloud.
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Delete Old Backups:
- If you have multiple backups, it's a good idea to delete old ones that are no longer needed.
- Go to your device’s file manager and navigate to the WhatsApp folder.
- Locate the "Databases" folder and look for files named "msgstore.db.crypt12" or similar, which represent your chat backups.
- Delete any old backup files that you no longer need.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage and free up space in WhatsApp storage, ensuring that your device runs smoothly and that you have ample room for new messages, media, and other important data.