Stop WhatsApp auto-downloading media

Photos and videos in groups can eat your data without you noticing.

In busy groups, WhatsApp can download every photo, meme and video the moment it arrives, even while you sleep. Changing this means media only downloads when you choose, or when you are on Wi-Fi.

Open WhatsApp > Settings > Storage and data.
Tap Media auto-download.
Set When using mobile data to No media (or just Photos).
Set videos and documents to Wi-Fi only.

Tip: On iPhone, WhatsApp settings is the Settings tab at the bottom right.

Now the 47 good-morning videos from the family group can wait for Wi-Fi like everybody else. Your data is safe, and so is your peace. 😂

More data saving hacks

Android

Turn on Data Saver

Stop background apps from using your data.

iPhone

Use Low Data Mode

Pauses automatic updates and background tasks to save data.

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