WhatsApp status allows users to share photos, videos, and GIFs that disappear after 24 hours. If you see a status update that you want to save or download for later, there are a few easy ways to do it depending on what device you are using.
Downloading WhatsApp Status on Android
Here are the steps to download WhatsApp status on Android devices:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the status update you want to save.
- Allow the status to play through once. After it finishes, you will see a download icon in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the download icon. This will save the status file to your device’s internal storage.
- Open your device’s Files app to view downloaded status files. They are saved in a folder called WhatsApp Statuses.
- If you want to save the status to your camera roll, open the file then tap the Share button. Choose Save to Photos.
Downloading WhatsApp Status on iPhone
To download a WhatsApp status on an iPhone:
- Open WhatsApp and tap the status you want to save.
- Let the status play through one time, then tap and hold on the status screen.
- A “Save Video” option will appear. Tap it to save the status to your Photos app.
- You can also take a screenshot of a status by pressing the Home button and Power button at the same time while the status is displayed.
Using Third-Party Apps to Download Status
There are also several third-party apps you can use to easily save WhatsApp statuses on both iPhone and Android:
- Status Saver: This app lets you browse, view, and save both your own statuses as well as friends’ statuses. Works on both platforms.
- Status Downloader for WhatsApp: Android app with option to download images, videos, and GIFs from statuses.
- SaveStatus: Download and manage statuses on iPhone. Allows saving to camera roll.
- Status Saver & Downloader: Free Android app to download text, images, videos from statuses.
Using WhatsApp Web to Download Status
It’s also possible to download statuses through the WhatsApp Web browser client:
- Open web.whatsapp.com in your desktop browser and scan the QR code using your phone to link the accounts.
- In WhatsApp Web, click on a contact’s profile picture to view statuses.
- Right click on the status and choose “Save Video As” or “Save Image As” to download the file.
Saving Your Own Statuses
If you want to save your own status updates, you have a few options:
- On Android devices, statuses you post are automatically saved in the Gallery > WhatsApp folder.
- On iPhone, tap the My Status tab, then tap the three dots menu and choose “Save to Camera Roll” to save your own status.
- Use a third party status saver app to download your own statuses.
- On WhatsApp Web, right click your own status and select “Save Video As” or “Save Image As”.
Things to Keep in Mind When Downloading WhatsApp Status
Here are a few important things to note about saving WhatsApp statuses:
- Always get permission from the status owner before saving or sharing their status update.
- Downloaded statuses are saved without sound. You’ll need to recover the audio from the original video file.
- Statuses can only be downloaded after they have been viewed once on WhatsApp first.
- Some status download apps access your data or have ads. Check reviews and permissions before downloading unknown apps.
- Statuses downloaded through third party apps or WhatsApp Web may save without the proper file extension. You may need to manually add .mp4 or .jpg to be able to open the file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do WhatsApp statuses disappear after 24 hours?
WhatsApp statuses are designed to be temporary sharing updates that disappear after 24 hours. This creates a low-pressure way to share everyday moments without cluttering up chats. The short shelf life encourages users to post more freely and frequently.
Can you tell if someone screenshots your WhatsApp status?
Unlike Instagram Stories, WhatsApp does not notify users if someone takes a screenshot of their status. This allows you to privately save statuses without the sharer knowing.
Is downloading WhatsApp statuses illegal?
Downloading and saving statuses is not illegal as long as you have viewed the status on WhatsApp first and have permission from the status owner. However, resharing downloaded statuses without permission may violate privacy laws in some regions.
Can police retrieve deleted WhatsApp statuses?
Normally no, since WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for messages and statuses. However, if device backups are not encrypted, some deleted data may be recoverable with a warrant. Physical phone access also provides retrieval options.
Do WhatsApp statuses reduce data usage?
Yes, enabling WhatsApp’s Data Saver setting optimizes status videos to use less mobile data. Downloaded statuses also use less data than streaming in-app. Low data usage makes statuses accessible to more users worldwide.
Conclusion
WhatsApp status saves a unique way to share ephemeral moments with your closest contacts. If you see an update you want to keep, downloading the status to your device only takes a few taps. Just be sure to only save statuses from close friends and with the owner’s permission first. With the right approach, you can safely preserve special WhatsApp status memories.