Disable Auto Download Media in WhatsApp on Phone
Disabling automatic media downloads in WhatsApp conserves your phone storage while significantly reducing your cellular data consumption.
On Android
Step 1: Open WhatsApp > tap the vertical three-dot icon at the top right > open Settings.


Step 2: Select Storage and data to configure options under Media auto-download.
Step 3: Select When using mobile data, uncheck all media types, and tap OK to stop automatic media downloads with your cellular data.



Step 4: Repeat the same for When connected on Wi-Fi and When roaming to disable automatic downloads on Wi-Fi and roaming networks, respectively.


iOS
Step 1: Open WhatsApp > tap the Settings (gear icon) at the bottom right > select Storage and Data.
Step 2: Tap Photos under Media Auto-Download > set it to Never.



Step 3: Repeat the same for Audio, Video, and Documents.
Stop Auto Download Media in WhatsApp on the Desktop
Unlike smartphones, WhatsApp saves auto-downloaded media on desktops in the browser directory or local system folder, gradually eating up significant storage. Head to WhatsApp web or app settings to disable it.
On WhatsApp Web
Step 1: Open WhatsApp Web > click the three-dot menu at the top right > select Settings.

Step 2: Select Media auto-download.

Step 3: Uncheck all media types to stop their automatic download.

On WhatsApp Windows App
Step 1: Open the WhatsApp PC app, click the gear icon at the bottom left, and select Storage.

Step 2: Uncheck all media types under Automatic downloads.

On WhatsApp Mac App
Step 1: Launch WhatsApp on your Mac and click the down arrow at the top right to open Settings.

Step 2: Select Media auto-download and uncheck all media types.

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Last updated on 21 May, 2024
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