How to view files in WhatsApp?

How to view files in WhatsApp - briefly?

To view files in WhatsApp, open the chat containing the file you want to view. Tap on the file and it will automatically open within the app.

How to view files in WhatsApp - in detail?

To view files in WhatsApp, you can follow these detailed steps:

1. Open WhatsApp: Start by launching the WhatsApp application on your mobile device or using the web version. Ensure that you are logged into your account and have access to your chat history.
2. Select a Chat: Navigate to the chat where you received or shared the file. This could be an individual chat, group chat, or even a broadcast list.
3. Locate the File: Scroll through the conversation to find the file you wish to view. WhatsApp supports various types of files including documents (PDFs, Word, Excel), images, videos, and audio files. Files are typically listed with their corresponding icons.
4. Tap on the File: Once you have located the file, tap on it. This action will prompt WhatsApp to either open the file directly or download it if it hasn’t been saved to your device yet.

5. Viewing Documents: For documents like PDFs, Word files, or Excel sheets:

   • If you have the appropriate application installed (such as Adobe Acrobat Reader for PDFs), WhatsApp will open the file in that app.
   • If no compatible app is found, WhatsApp will display a message indicating that you need to download an app that can view the file. Follow the prompt to install the necessary application from your device's app store.

6. Viewing Images and Videos: For images and videos:

   • Tap on the image or video thumbnail. WhatsApp will open it directly within the chat window.
   • You can zoom in on images by pinching to expand or reduce the size.
   • Videos will start playing automatically, and you can control the playback with standard media controls (play, pause, forward, backward).

7. Viewing Audio Files: For audio files:

   • Tap on the audio file icon. WhatsApp will open it directly within the chat window.
   • Use the play button to start listening and the pause button to stop. You can also adjust the volume using your device’s volume controls.

8. Downloading Files: If you want to save a file to your device for offline viewing:

   • Tap and hold on the file icon until a menu appears with options like "Download," "Share," or "More."
   • Select "Download" to save the file to your device's storage. You can then access it through your device’s file manager or gallery app.

9. Accessing Media and Documents: If you want to quickly access all media files (images, videos, GIFs) and documents shared in a chat:

   • Open the chat and tap on the three-dot menu at the top right corner of the screen.
   • Select "Media, links, and documents." This will open a new window displaying all the files exchanged in that particular conversation.

By following these steps, you can efficiently view and manage any file type shared with you through WhatsApp.