Step 1: Open WhatsApp settings Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap on the three dots in the top-right corner if you’re on Android. On iPhone, tap Settings at the bottom right. This is where all media and privacy controls live.
Step 2: Go to Storage and Data In the settings menu, tap on “Storage and Data.” This section controls how WhatsApp handles photos, videos, and other files you receive.
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Step 3: Turn off automatic media download Under “Media auto-download,” you’ll see options for when using mobile data, Wi-Fi, and roaming. Tap each one and uncheck photos, videos, and audio if you don’t want them downloaded automatically. This gives you full control over what gets saved.
Step 4: Disable saving to gallery If you’re on Android, go back to settings and tap “Chats,” then turn off “Media visibility.” This stops WhatsApp images from appearing in your phone’s gallery even if you download them manually. On iPhone, this is controlled automatically once auto-download is turned off.
Step 5: Download only what you want Once these settings are changed, WhatsApp will no longer save every image by default. You can still tap on individual photos or videos to download only the ones you actually need.
Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com
