WhatsApp hidden bin: how to free up storage space

If you are trying to free up several gigabytes of storage, WhatsApp has a bin that you have probably never emptied simply because you did not know it was there. Here is where to find it and how to clear it.

Of all instant messaging apps, WhatsApp is undoubtedly the most popular. It has 2 billion active users worldwide, including 32 million in France alone - almost half the country’s population - making WhatsApp an essential way to stay in touch.

Naturally, WhatsApp aims to keep meeting users’ expectations, continuously improving through regular updates and frequent new features. Although Meta’s app has plenty going for it, it has one major drawback: all of its data can consume a great deal of storage space. The good news is that there is a hidden bin. You can have a clear-out and recover a few gigabytes, which is always welcome.

Stop WhatsApp storage from filling up

By default, WhatsApp automatically downloads every media file you receive. Photos, videos, voice messages and large files are all downloaded, each taking up a little more room on your device. A few megabytes here and there can soon fill your storage without warning.

There are two ways to reduce the amount of WhatsApp storage used on your phone.

First, we recommend preventing downloaded media from appearing in your device’s gallery. That will save you from ending up with photos from the wedding of Grandma Monique’s best friend’s niece. To do this, tap the three dots in the top-right corner after opening the app, then choose “Settings” and “Chats”. You can then turn off “Media visibility” - and you are done.

Manage the hidden WhatsApp bin and media files

That is not all. WhatsApp media files also occupy space within the app itself. Go to “Storage and data”, again from Settings, to manage your storage. You can view storage details for each chat and delete files you consider unimportant. It may not seem like much, but this can remove several megabytes. Added together, those files can free up one or several gigabytes in no time.

Reduce WhatsApp download and upload quality

You should also consider lowering the download and sending quality for files. High-definition content naturally takes up more storage on your device. For this, once again go to “Storage and data”. Another tip is to set automatic downloads for photos only, rather than videos, which are larger. You can even choose automatic file downloads according to your network connection - Wi-Fi, mobile data or roaming. Time for a bit of sorting, isn’t it?