How to restore WhatsApp internal storage - briefly?
To restore WhatsApp internal storage, you can delete unwanted media files and clear the app's cache. Additionally, backing up your data regularly can help prevent future storage issues.
How to restore WhatsApp internal storage - in detail?
Restoring WhatsApp's internal storage is a crucial process for users who wish to reclaim space occupied by media files, such as photos and videos, while preserving their chat history. This guide will provide you with a detailed step-by-step approach to achieve this effectively.
Understanding the Process
WhatsApp allows users to back up their chats to cloud storage services like Google Drive or iCloud. However, these backups do not include media files due to their large size and potential privacy concerns. To restore internal storage, you will need to manually delete media files while keeping your chat history intact.
Step-by-Step Guide
Backup Your Chats
Before proceeding with the restoration of internal storage, it is essential to back up your chats to ensure that no important data is lost:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the application on your device.
- Navigate to Settings: Tap on the three dots in the top right corner (Android) or go to "Settings" from the bottom menu (iOS).
- Select Chat Backup: Choose "Chats" and then "Chat Backup."
- Back Up Now: Tap on "Back Up" to create a backup of your chats. This process will save your chat history but not the media files.
Delete Media Files from Internal Storage
After backing up your chats, you can proceed to delete media files:
- Open File Manager: Use your device's file manager to navigate to the WhatsApp folder.
- Locate WhatsApp Folder: Go to "Internal Storage" > "WhatsApp" > "Media."
- Delete Media Files: You will find subfolders for different types of media (e.g., WhatsApp Images, WhatsApp Videos). Select and delete the files you no longer need. Be cautious not to delete important images or videos that are not backed up elsewhere.
Restore from Backup (Optional)
If you accidentally deleted essential chat history along with media files, you can restore your chats from the backup:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Remove WhatsApp from your device and then reinstall it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Verify Your Number: Follow the prompts to verify your phone number.
- Restore Backup: When prompted, tap on "Restore" to retrieve your chat history from the backup.
Best Practices
- Regular Backups: Make it a habit to back up your chats regularly to avoid data loss.
- Selective Deletion: Be mindful of which files you delete. If unsure, consider moving them to cloud storage instead.
- External Storage: Use external storage solutions or cloud services for storing important media files to free up internal storage.
By following these steps, you can effectively restore WhatsApp's internal storage without losing your valuable chat history.