Stop Automatically Downloading Images on WhatsApp

Before WhatsApp, it would take a lot of effort to share a couple of images with friends and family. Today, all you need is a good internet connection and a WhatsApp account and all the images sent to you will be automatically downloaded to your phone.

However, if your phone has a small storage capacity, auto-downloaded images from WhatsApp chats would fill your memory within a short period. You may also find unnecessary images in your gallery from group chats.

To help solve this problem, WhatsApp has a setting that stops images from downloading automatically when you are connected to the internet. This piece discusses the steps that you would follow to stop images from automatically downloading on WhatsApp.

To stop automatic downloading of images on WhatsApp:

  • Launch the WhatsApp app on your phone by tapping on its icon
  • While under the CHATS tab, tap the three vertical dots on the top right side of the screen
  • On the pop-up menu that appears, tap Settings
  • Under the Settings menu, tap Data and storage usage
  • Under media auto-download, tap on When using mobile data
  • On the pop-up menu that appears, unmark the checkbox under Photos and press the OK button
  • Next, tap on When connected to Wi-Fi and unmark the checkbox under Photos
  • Finally, tap on When roaming and unmark the checkbox under photos
  • Once you have made the change, your phone will no longer auto-download images on WhatsApp.

You can also uncheck other types of media (videos, documents, and audio) in each section to prevent them from being automatically downloaded on your phone.

  1. WhatsApp Messenger

    WhatsApp Messenger

    WhatsApp Messenger is a communication app designed for smartphones that allow users to send and receive messages, videos, images, and audio notes to contacts (including international numbers) through Wi-Fi or the cellular network when there is an Internet connection.


How to Add Contact Button on Instagram
How to Add Contact Button on Instagram

Promoting your business on Instagram is an excellent way to connect with customers, but converting views into sales requires going the extra mile. Instagram has launched a new feature that allows users to add a contact button on their profile to make it easier for potential c…

How To Send a Message to Multiple Contacts on WhatsApp
How To Send a Message to Multiple Contacts on WhatsApp

WhatsApp has grown to be among the most commonly used instant messaging apps worldwide as it allows users to send and receive messages and media files amongst each other. Apart from individual users, businesses today are embracing WhatsApp as a communication platform to enhan…

How to Download Audio from Instagram
How to Download Audio from Instagram

Instagram is not just a platform for sharing photos and videos; it’s also a space for discovering new music and audio content. When posting videos and reels on Instagram, content creators can choose to include music alongside the video or an audio file. As you scroll pa…

What Is TikTok Shop and How to Use it
What Is TikTok Shop and How to Use it

TikTok has evolved to become more than just a platform where people post and view short videos. After recent updates, TikTok has introduced a feature; TikTok Shop, that allows its users to shop for their favorite products within the app. This piece explains what TikTok shop i…

How To See Who Viewed Your Instagram Video
How To See Who Viewed Your Instagram Video

Instagram has over the years provided a unique space for individuals and businesses to connect with their audience. Apart from posting images, Instagram content creators can also post videos in the form of Stories, Reels, or Posts. After posting videos on Instagram, you would…