How To Stop WhatsApp From Filling Your Phone Gallery With Unwanted Photos And Videos

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Is your WhatsApp gallery constantly crowded with unwanted photos and videos? Deleting them one by one can be tiring and time-consuming. The good news is that WhatsApp offers simple settings to prevent media from automatically downloading to your phone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you declutter your gallery and save storage.


1. Disable Auto-Download on Android


To stop all media from automatically saving to your gallery on Android:

  • Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
  • Tap Chats.
  • Turn Media Visibility off.

2. Block Auto-Download for Specific Contacts or Groups (Android)


If you only want to block media from certain chats:


  • Open Settings in WhatsApp.
  • Go to Chats and select the desired contact or group.
  • Tap the name of the contact or group.
  • Under Media Visibility, select No and tap OK.

3. Disable Auto-Download on iPhone


iPhone users can stop automatic downloads as follows:

  • Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
  • Tap Chats.
  • Turn off Save to Photos.

4. Block Auto-Download for Specific Chats or Groups (iPhone)


To prevent media from a particular chat:


  • Open WhatsApp Settings.
  • Go to Chats and select the contact or group.
  • Tap the name of the contact or group.
  • Under Save to Photos, select Never.

5. Hide WhatsApp Photos Using a Folder


You can also hide media from appearing in your gallery:

  • Download a File Explorer app from Google Play Store.
  • Navigate to the WhatsApp Images folder.
  • Create a new file called .nomedia (include the dot).
  • To view hidden photos later, simply delete the .nomedia file.

Tip: Disabling auto-download not only saves storage space but also keeps your gallery organised. You can enjoy WhatsApp without worrying about unwanted media cluttering your phone.