This article will show you a step-by-step guide on how you can turn off image and video auto-downloads on WhatsApp.
If you belong to multiple WhatsApp groups, you will realize your cellular data or wifi package games up pretty quickly. This is because, by default, WhatsApp automatically downloads images, videos, audio, and documents over your cellular or wifi connection to provide you with quick access to your latest photos. However, such settings can be alternated to your own preference.
WhatsApp gives the users three options regarding auto-downloads;
- Option 1: Never- This option turns off the auto-download of a particular chosen medium.
- Option 2: WiFi- once this option is selected, the selected mediums will only auto-download when the device is connected to WiFi.
- Option 3: WiFi and Cellular data-Auto-downloads will be enabled once the device is connected to WiFi or cellular data.
If you turn off automatic image and video downloads or choose automatic downloads when they are connected to wifi
Turn off WhatsApp Auto Downloads on your Android Phone
1. Open the WhatsApp app on your device.
2. Tap on More options (three vertical lines in the top right corner).
3. Click on the Settings option.
4. Select “Storage and Data“.
5. Tap on “Media Auto-download“.
Tap on Photos, then select “Never”.
Click on Audio, then select “Never”.
Tap on Video, then select “Never”.
Click on Documents, then select “Never”.
Read Also: How to Enable End to End Encrypted WhatsApp Backups
Turn off WhatsApp Auto Downloads on your iPhone
1. Launch the WhatsApp app on your device.
2. Tap on “Settings“.
3. Scroll down and select “Storage and Data“.
4. Under Media Auto-download;
- Tap on Photos, then select “Never”.
- Click on Audio, then select “Never”.
- Tap on Video, then select “Never”.
- Click on Documents, then select “Never”.
5. Exit the settings page.
Note: Once the auto-download feature is disabled, you will download media on your phone manually by tapping on the image, video, audio, or document. If you are exhausted with WhatsApp medium filling up your photo gallery, go to WhatsApp Settings, select Chats then turn off Media Visibility.