WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, used by over 2 billion people worldwide. As you use WhatsApp, many files accumulate and take up storage space on your device. Cleaning up these files can free up a significant amount of storage.
Why should I clean up WhatsApp files?
Here are some key reasons to clean up WhatsApp files regularly:
- Frees up storage space – WhatsApp files like media, documents, backups can easily eat up gigabytes of storage.
- Improves performance – Less clutter means your phone runs faster and smoother.
- Increases security – Clearing old files and chats decreases risks of sensitive data being exposed.
- Makes messages easier to find – Getting rid of old chats declutters your inbox.
What kinds of files does WhatsApp store?
WhatsApp stores a variety of files on your device including:
Media files
- Photos and videos sent and received within chats
- Voice messages
- Stickers
- GIFs and memes
Documents
- PDFs, Word docs, spreadsheets shared as attachments
- Files stored in WhatsApp’s built-in cloud drive
Chat data
- Text messages
- Chat history and metadata
- Cached data from chats and connections
Backups
- Google Drive or iCloud backups of chats and media
- Local device backups
Where are WhatsApp files stored?
WhatsApp files are stored in different locations depending on your phone:
On Android
- Media – Internal storage/SD card/WhatsApp/Media
- Profile photos – WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Images
- Documents – Internal storage/WhatsApp/WhatsApp Documents
- Databases – Root directories
On iPhone
- Media – WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Images and Videos
- Voice messages – WhatsApp/Media/Voice Notes
- Stickers – WhatsApp/Media/Stickers
- Databases – Root directories
How to clean up WhatsApp files on Android
Clear media storage
Open WhatsApp > Settings > Data and Storage Usage > Media Storage Usage. Review sizes and tap items to delete.
Remove unwanted chats
Open chat > Tap contact name > Clear chat history. Repeat for all unwanted chats.
Delete old backups
Go to phone Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Manage Backups. Select and delete old backups.
Clear file manager cache
Go to device file manager > Select WhatsApp folders > Empty trash and cache.
Uninstall and reinstall
Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp to completely wipe data. Make sure to backup chats first.
How to clean up WhatsApp files on iPhone
Offload unused apps
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > WhatsApp. Tap “Offload App” to remove while keeping chats.
Review and delete media
Open WhatsApp > Settings > Data and Storage Usage > Storage Usage. Review and delete items.
Delete chats
Open chat > Tap contact name > Delete Chat. Repeat for all unwanted chats.
Remove backup files
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups > Delete WhatsApp backup.
Uninstall and reinstall
Delete WhatsApp to completely remove all files. Reinstall and restore from iCloud backup.
Top tips for cleaning WhatsApp files
- Sort media by size to identify largest files.
- Regularly review and remove images/videos, especially in group chats.
- Delete very old chats and media that you likely won’t need.
- Check both device and cloud storage for WhatsApp backups.
- Turn off auto-downloads to stop media from being saved.
- Use a file manager to access and delete hidden WhatsApp files.
- Create compressed backups to save storage space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much storage space does WhatsApp take up?
WhatsApp can easily take up a few gigabytes with videos, images, documents, and database files. Media files tend to be the biggest portion.
Is it safe to delete WhatsApp chats?
Yes, deleting old WhatsApp chats only removes them from your device storage and not the recipient’s device. You can delete any unwanted chats.
Will my chat history be deleted if I uninstall WhatsApp?
Uninstalling WhatsApp will delete all local files and data. Make sure to back up chats before uninstalling. Your chat history will restore when reinstalling and syncing the backup.
How do I backup my WhatsApp chats?
| Platform | How to Backup Chats |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now |
| Android | Open WhatsApp > More Options > Settings > Chats > Chat backup |
Is it better to delete or offload WhatsApp?
On iPhone, offloading removes the app while keeping your chats. This saves storage space. Deleting removes everything. On Android, offloading is not available so deleting is the only option.
Conclusion
Cleaning WhatsApp files is straightforward on both iPhone and Android if you know where to look. Focus on removing old media files, chats, and backups to free up the most storage space. Remember to back up chats before uninstalling the app. With a few taps in WhatsApp and device settings, you can easily clear several gigabytes of cruft.