09/07/2026 10:17 - Tecnologia
Does it feel like your phone is getting slower because of your messaging apps? You are not alone. According to reports from tech media like Infobae and Ruptura 360 published between July 7 and 8, 2026, WhatsApp does not feature a traditional recycle bin where files accumulate before permanently disappearing. Instead, the app hoards gigabytes of photos, videos, and documents that you can safely and permanently delete to reclaim your digital space.
The easiest way to free up space is directly from the app itself, available for both Android and iPhone. Just follow these simple steps:
Once there, the app will display a summary of the space used and a list of the chats that consume the most memory. The best part: you can filter by large files (larger than 5 MB) or items forwarded multiple times, and delete them with a single tap on the trash can icon.
If you prefer more detailed control, sent and received files are saved in the system's internal folders. Using your phone's native file manager, you must navigate to the platform's root path (usually located at Android/media/com.whatsapp).
There you will find the media directory, organized by categories:
To prevent the problem from happening again, experts recommend adjusting your preventive settings:
Tip 1 Disable Auto-Download: Configure WhatsApp so it doesn't automatically download videos, photos, or documents, especially when using mobile data.
Tip 2 Cloud Backup: Use services like Google Photos or iCloud to save your memories and then delete them from your internal storage.
Tip 3 Purge Old Files: Review your gallery weekly to delete identical copies or work documents that have already served their purpose.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
