Countless photos and GIFs are sent via WhatsApp. The messenger automatically saves the received files to the photo gallery. We will show you how to prevent it.
A funny picture or GIF sent to you by a friend or relative on WhatsApp will temporarily elevate your mood. However, in the long run, such files will clog the storage on the smartphone.
With a few clicks, you can prevent media content from automatically downloading and saving storage. There is also the option to block WhatsApp images from the photo gallery. We show you how to do it.
Prevent images from ending in a photo gallery
If you do not want your mobile photo gallery to be filled with WhatsApp images on your mobile phone, you can disable automatic filing as follows.
Instructions for iPhones
Step 1: Open Settings in WhatsApp
Tap the gear icon on the bottom right of the tab menu (“Settings”)
Step 2: Go to Chat Settings
Now select the menu item “Chats”.
(Source: John Mullecken / D-Online)
Step 3: Disable saving in logs
Now press the switch behind the menu item “Save to Records”. The switch is deactivated when the round button is to the left and the area around the button is gray and green.
Instructions for Android
It works in a similar way to the iPhone on Android – but the process differs in two small details:
Step 1: Open Settings in WhatsApp
Under Android, open the Settings menu by tapping the three small dots in the upper right corner. An context menu will then open where you can select “Settings”.
(Source: John Mullecken / D-Online)
Step 2: Go to Chat Settings
Now tap on the menu item “Chats”
Step 3: Avoid saving on “photos”
Menu entry on Android is a little less. The switch should be deactivated under the menu item “Media Visibility”.
(Source: John Mullecken / D-Online)
Disable automatic photo download
If you want to save space on your device, you can also prevent photos and videos from being automatically downloaded to your smartphone. Instead, you only see a vague preview – personal media will then be called manually at the touch of a finger. Here’s how to do this on your phone.
Instructions for iPhones
Step 1: Open Settings and then “Storage and Data”
Open Settings as described above and tap on “Storage and Data”
Step 2: Disable automatic download
In the “Auto Media Download” module, tap the “Photos” menu item. Then tap “Never” in the submenu.
(Source: John Mullecken / D-Online)
Instructions for Android
Step 1: Select Settings and “Storage and Data”
Open the Settings menu as described above and select the sub-item “Storage and Data”
Step 2: Create automatic download settings
The logic of the submenu on Android is different. Under the heading “Automatic Media Download”, media types are not listed here, but there are three types of data connection: “with mobile data connection”, “with WLAN connection” and “with roaming”. To prevent automatic downloading of photos, you must now tap on each of the three entries and then remove the check mark in front of “Photos”.
(Source: John Mullecken / D-Online)
If you do not want automatic download of videos or documents, you should remove the tick here as well.
Beatrice Ashford is a contributor at Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the world around them.