WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion active users worldwide. One of the fun features of WhatsApp is the ability to send GIFs in chat conversations. However, sometimes you may want to save a WhatsApp GIF to your phone’s gallery so you can easily reuse it later.
Why Save a WhatsApp GIF
Here are some common reasons for saving a WhatsApp GIF:
- To add the GIF to your keyboard’s GIF options for easy access when chatting
- To post or share the GIF on social media or other apps
- To send the same GIF again in future WhatsApp conversations
- To create a collection of your favorite GIFs to use over and over
- To edit or customize the GIF before reusing
Unfortunately, WhatsApp doesn’t have a built-in “Save” option for GIFs like it does for photos and videos. However, with a few simple workarounds, you can save a GIF from WhatsApp to your device’s gallery as a GIF file.
Requirements for Saving GIFs from WhatsApp
Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, here are the key requirements for saving WhatsApp GIFs:
- The GIF must already be sent in an existing WhatsApp chat
- Your device must be running Android 5.0 or higher version
- You need a third-party ‘GIF saver’ app installed on your device
- You need to grant ‘GIF saver’ app access to your WhatsApp media
As long as your device meets these requirements, you can use either of the methods below to save a GIF from WhatsApp.
Method 1: Using a File Manager App
This method involves using a file manager or file explorer app to locate and save WhatsApp GIF files on your Android device.
Step 1: Install a File Manager App
If you don’t already have one, install a file manager app like ES File Explorer, Astro File Manager, File Manager, or Solid Explorer from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: Grant File Manager Access to WhatsApp Media
Open the file manager app and grant it access permission to view WhatsApp media files when prompted. This allows the file manager to access GIFs stored in your WhatsApp media folders.
Step 3: Navigate to the WhatsApp GIF Folder
In the file manager app, navigate to the WhatsApp GIF folder path:
Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Media > WhatsApp Animated Gifs
This is where all GIFs sent and received on WhatsApp are saved.
Step 4: Locate and Save the Desired GIF
Browse the GIF folder and locate the specific GIF you want to save. Long press on the GIF thumbnail and select “Save” or “Save as” to save the file to your device’s downloads folder or gallery.
Step 5: Share Saved GIF
Now you can access the saved GIF file from your device’s gallery and share or reuse it as needed. Most file manager apps also let you copy, move, or share files.
Method 2: Using a GIF Saver App
Another way is using an app specifically designed to extract and save GIFs from other apps like WhatsApp. Some popular options include:
- GIF Saver
- GIF Downloader
- GIF Me!
- Gif Download
Step 1: Install GIF Saver App
Install any GIF saver app from the Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: Grant Access to WhatsApp Media
Open the app and grant access permission to view WhatsApp media when prompted. This allows the app to identify GIFs in your WhatsApp folders.
Step 3: Select GIF to Save
The GIF saver app will display all your WhatsApp media. Browse and select the specific GIF you want to save.
Step 4: Save GIF to Gallery
Tap the “Save” button. The app will extract and save the GIF file to your device’s gallery.
Step 5: Share Saved GIF
The saved GIFs are usually available in the app itself and in your main gallery for sharing or reuse.
FAQs
Why does WhatsApp not have a built-in GIF save option?
WhatsApp was designed for instant messaging rather than collecting media. Saving GIFs quickly uses storage space. The workarounds give users the option without cluttering the main WhatsApp interface.
Do I need internet to view saved GIFs?
No, once a GIF is saved to your device gallery, you can view it offline anytime.
Will the saved GIFs have high quality?
Yes, GIFs will retain their original quality and size when saved using these methods.
Can I crop or edit the GIF after saving it?
Yes, you can use phone apps like Photo Editor, PicsArt, or Snapseed to edit, crop, or customize saved GIFs before reusing.
Will saving too many GIFs take up space on my phone?
Excessive saving can consume storage space. It’s best to only save GIFs you really need. You can always delete ones you don’t need anymore.
Is it possible to save a WhatsApp sticker as a GIF?
Unfortunately no, the methods mentioned only work for actual GIF files sent as WhatsApp media.
Can I save GIFs from WhatsApp on iPhone?
iPhones do not directly allow file access. You would need to forward the GIF to a computer and save it with iTunes.
Is there any app to create GIFs for WhatsApp?
Yes, apps like GIF Maker, GIF Creator, and GIF Me allow you to make your own GIFs from videos or photos to use on WhatsApp.
Conclusion
Although WhatsApp doesn’t have its own “Save GIF” feature, Android users can easily use file manager apps or dedicated GIF savers to download and save any GIF shared on WhatsApp. Following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can build up a collection of favorite GIFs for quick access anytime you want to reuse them.
Just remember to only save GIFs you really like to avoid cluttering up your phone’s storage. With the saved GIFs at your fingertips in the gallery, you can conveniently add personality and fun to all your WhatsApp conversations.