Explorer

WhatsApp Tips: How To Disable Auto Download Of Photos, Videos. A Step-By-Step Guide

Tired of WhatsApp media flooding your gallery? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to stop auto-saving photos, videos, and audio on Android and iOS.

WhatsApp Hacks: WhatsApp allows sharing images, videos, and audio in just a few clicks. However, not every person would be pleased with their phone gallery filling up with endless memes and forwarded videos, and screenshots.

WhatsApp automatically keeps every received file, so it can take up storage quickly, leaving your photo gallery systematically cluttered. Luckily, it is effortless to prevent WhatsApp from automatically saving media to your phone, regardless of whether you have an Android or iOS phone. These are the ways you can gain control back.

Stop WhatsApp From Saving Media On Android

In Android, the media visibility feature in WhatsApp is set as the default. Here is how it can be disabled:

  • Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
  • Go to Settings > Chats.
  • Toggle off Media visibility.

This prevents media in every chat from being stored in the gallery.

To stop downloads for a specific chat or group:

  • Open the chat > tap the contact or group name.
  • Select Media visibility > No > OK.

Pro Tip: Create a .nomedia file within the WhatsApp Images folder with a file explorer app. This obscures all WhatsApp pictures outside of your gallery without removing them, and gives you a lot more privacy.

Stop WhatsApp From Saving Media On iOS

On iPhone, the option is known as Save to Photos. To turn it off:

  • Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats.
  • Toggle off Save to Photos.

For specific chats or groups:

  • Open the chat > tap the name.
  • Go to Save to Photos and choose:
    • Always (all files saved),
    • Never (nothing saved), or
    • Default (On)

Deactivating the auto-save can clear up your storage, keep your picture gallery organised, and beef up the running speed of your device. You can stop WhatsApp from downloading media files to your phone with only a minor adjustment to your phone settings, whether you are on an Android or iOS device.

About the author Annie Sharma

Annie Sharma is a technology journalist at ABP Live English, focused on breaking down complex tech stories into clear, reader-friendly narratives. Gaining hands-on experience in digital storytelling and news writing with leading publications, Annie believes technology should feel accessible rather than overwhelming, and follows a clear, reader-first approach in her work.

For tips and queries, you can reach out to her at annies@abpnetwork.com.

Read

Top Headlines

Ideas Of India 2026: ‘AI Is The Biggest Idea Of Our Times,’ Says Dr Suborno Bose
‘AI Is The Biggest Idea Of Our Times’: Dr Suborno Bose On Why Hospitality Must Embrace Ethical AI
New WhatsApp And Telegram Rules From March 1: What It Means For Your Account-Check Details
New WhatsApp And Telegram Rules From March 1: What It Means For Your Account-Check Details
WhatsApp Down For Hundreds Of Users Across India. Users Report Issues With Web, App
WhatsApp Down For Hundreds Of Users Across India. Users Report Issues With Web, App
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Stick With The Old Model Or Spend Rs 1.39 Lakh?
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Stick With The Old Model Or Spend Rs 1.39 Lakh?

Videos

Ideas of india 2026: From Policy to Pop Culture, Ideas of India 2026 Sets the Agenda
Ideas of India 2026: India Encircled? Diplomats Outline Neighbourhood Strategy Ahead
Ideas of India 2026: Nara Lokesh Unveils Vision to Transform Andhra into Global Hub
Ideas of India Summit 2026: Dr Suborno Bose on AI, Hospitality Innovation and The New World Order 2026
Ideas of India Summit 2026: Shreya Ghoshal Opens Up on Rejection, Reinvention and Rise at Ideas 2026

Photo Gallery

25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Embed widget