WhatsApp is a daily communication tool used by millions to send messages, photos, videos, audio, and documents. But many users don’t realize that even after deleting chats, the media files they’ve received often remain stored on their phone’s memory.
Over time, this content can accumulate, taking up several gigabytes of storage, slowing down your device, and creating space issues — often when you need storage the most.
Where Are WhatsApp Files Hidden?
Even if you delete messages or media directly from your chats, WhatsApp often keeps a copy of those files — especially on Android devices.
To find them, open your phone’s file manager and follow this path:
Android > media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp > Media
Here, you’ll find folders containing images, videos, voice notes, and other documents. These files don’t appear in the app during everyday use, but they still occupy storage space. By manually selecting and deleting them, you can recover several gigabytes — all without needing third-party apps or resetting your device.
How to Use WhatsApp’s “Manage Storage” Feature
WhatsApp includes a built-in tool to help you manage your storage. It’s called “Manage Storage”, and it’s available on both Android and iPhone.
To access it:
Open WhatsApp
Go to Settings
Best Android smartphonesTap “Storage and Data”, then “Manage Storage”
This section shows you:
The largest files
Frequently forwarded content
Chats that take up the most space
You can preview and delete specific files, giving you more control and reducing the risk of deleting important conversations or attachments.
Free Up Space Without Losing Important Files
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