How to remove downloading to the phone in WhatsApp?

How to remove downloading to the phone in WhatsApp - briefly?

To disable automatic media downloads in WhatsApp, go to Settings > Data and Storage Usage > Media Auto-Download. Here, you can select the type of files (Photos, Audio, Videos, Documents) and choose whether to download them automatically when connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.

How to remove downloading to the phone in WhatsApp - in detail?

To disable automatic media downloads on your phone via WhatsApp, you need to adjust the settings within the app itself. This process can help save storage space and reduce data usage. Here is a detailed guide on how to accomplish this:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your mobile device.
  2. Access Settings: On Android, tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner of the screen. On iOS, tap on "Settings" at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
  3. Navigate to Storage and Data: Look for the option labeled "Storage and Data." This section contains settings related to media files and data usage.
  4. Media Auto-Download: Within this section, you will see options for different types of media such as Photos, Videos, Voice Messages, and Documents. Tap on each of these to configure how they are downloaded.
  5. Disable Auto-Download: For each type of media, you can choose from the following options:

    • When using mobile data: This setting controls whether files are automatically downloaded when your phone is connected to a cellular network.
    • When connected on Wi-Fi: This setting controls automatic downloads when your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
    • When roaming: This setting applies when you are in a different country and using roaming services.
  6. Select 'No Media': To prevent WhatsApp from automatically downloading any media, select the "No Media" option for each type of file (Photos, Videos, Voice Messages, Documents). This will ensure that no files are downloaded without your explicit permission.
  7. Confirm Changes: Once you have made your selections, confirm and save the changes. This will immediately take effect, stopping any further automatic media downloads.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage how WhatsApp handles media files on your phone, ensuring that only the content you specifically choose to download is saved to your device.