How to stop saving media on whatsapp android
How To Stop Whatsapp From Saving Photos In 2022
Home » How To » How To Stop WhatsApp From Saving Photos Automatically To Gallery Or Camera Roll On Android And iPhone
by Akshay Thapliyal
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
WhatsApp has currently more than 1 billion users, where people send messages, share photos, videos, locations, and other files with their contacts.
As people receive long the WhatsApp app from the Play Store, followts of photos from their contacts, they look for ways to stop WhatsApp from saving pictures to the gallery. As there could be private or other personal photos that you do not want others to see when you hand over your phone to someone.
One way is to stop WhatsApp from Auto downloading photos and videos but still when a user views it on WhatsApp, it will appear in the Gallery. So to avoid that you can even hide WhatsApp images from Gallery or Camera Roll in Android and iPhone.
Contents
- 1 Prevent WhatsApp Media From Saving To Camera Roll
- 1.1 On iPhone (Video)
- 1.2 On Android (Video)
- 2 Stop WhatsApp From Saving Media Files Automatically
- 2.1 On Android
- 2.2 On iPhone
- 3 FAQs
- 3.1 Why WhatsApp photos are showing in gallery?
- 4 Wrap Up
Prevent WhatsApp Media From Saving To Camera Roll
On iPhone (Video)
- In WhatsApp, tap on Settings.
- Now tap on the Chats option and look for the Save to Camera Roll feature.
- Now, tap on the toggle button to switch off the setting.
This will stop all the images from showing on the Camera Roll of your iPhone.
You can also watch this video:
On Android (Video)
After updating the WhatsApp app from the Play Store, follow the steps below.
You can change either default settings that will be applied to all your WhatsApp chats or you can set individual settings on per chat basis.
Change The Default Settings
- In WhatsApp, tap on 3 dots and select Settings.
- In Settings, tap on Chats.
- Here, you should find an option called Media Visibility. This is toggled on as default but you can toggle it off.
From now, the received media from all the Chats will stay in WhatsApp only and won’t show in your phone’s Gallery. The photos and videos received earlier when the setting was enabled will still be there and will only be applied to newly downloaded media.
It is also possible to configure the setting on a chat-to-chat basis.
Set Media Visibility For Individual Chats
The option you set above becomes the default one for all the chats. But there are always exceptions. You might want to show media from certain contacts in your Gallery or vice versa. You can do that as well. Here’s how.
- In WhatsApp, select the conversation of the desired contact or group.
- Tap on the name at the top to go to the Contact/Group Info screen.
- Here, tap on Media Visibility.
- Select the desired option and tap on OK to save changes.
Similarly, you can do so for other contacts as well.
We receive all sorts of photos and videos on WhatsApp that don’t deserve to be on our phone’s Gallery to be seen by everyone. To take care of this, you can go ahead and use the Media Visibility feature.
Video
You can also check our video:
Stop WhatsApp From Saving Media Files Automatically
As mentioned earlier WhatsApp also allows you to prevent from saving the images/videos automatically. If you are not aware of this setting then here we have shared the steps to stop WhatsApp from auto-downloading photos, videos, and other file types on Android and iPhone.
On Android
- In WhatsApp, go to Settings.
- Next, tap on Storage and Data. Here you will find different options under the Media Auto-Download section: When using mobile data, When connected on Wi-Fi, When roaming.
- You can set different options for each one of them separately. For now, let’s tap on When using mobile data.
- Uncheck all the other options aside from Photos.
- Tap on OK to save the changes.
The type of media that you want to automatically download is up to you. You can adjust the settings according to your preference.
Similarly, you can prevent auto-saving when connected to Wi-Fi and when you are on roaming as well.
Also Read: How to Take WhatsApp Backup Using Mobile Data Instead Of WiFi
On iPhone
- In WhatsApp, go to the Settings tab at the bottom right.
- Now, tap on Storage and Data.
- Under the Media Auto-Download section you will be able to set the preferences for the different types of files: Photos, Audio, Videos, Documents.
For the sake of this tutorial let’s tap on Photos. - To stop the auto-download tap on Never.
You can do the same for other file types.
With this, the next time you receive a photo or video it won’t download until you tap on it to initialize the download.
If you happen to use WhatsApp for calling a lot then you can lower data usage on that too. Follow the steps here.
And if your WhatsApp notifications stopped working, read our instructions about how to fix it.
FAQs
Why WhatsApp photos are showing in gallery?
WhatsApp photos are showing in the gallery because your WhatsApp settings are set in such a way. to disable it, go to Settings > Storage and Data > Media auto-download and disable it.
Wrap Up
I hope the above methods helped Android and iPhone users to stop WhatsApp from saving pictures to Gallery or Camera Roll or disable auto-downloading of media. If you have a similar issue with the backup, read our post about how to stop WhatsApp backup.
If you want to know more tips and tricks for WhatsApp, check out this post. And if you are concerned about privacy such as who can see your Last Seen status, this article can help you.
If you have faced any issues while following the above steps, do let us know via comments.
How to stop WhatsApp to automatically save down images and videos into your camera roll
WhatsApp is a free messaging application, owned by Facebook, that allows users to send text messages, voice and video calls, images, other media files and user location.
It is particularly well-known app, having over a billion users, and for many has become the preferred contact app of choice – some 60 billion messages are sent over the WhatsApp platform every day. Its popularity is partly due to the fact that it’s an encrypted service, meaning only you and the person you’re communicating with can read the messages you send to each other. It is therefore seen as one of the most secure and private ways to communicate.
However, although users can send as many media rich messages as they want, with no costs, even internationally, (unlike with SMS) one of its quirks is that when you download the app it automatically downloads and stores every media file received.
For those of us that already struggle with phone storage space this can be quite frustrating, especially when you look down at your phone and realize there have been 105 new messages, 75 of which are pictures, from that one group chat…
But switching off the toggle that controls automatic media downloads from WhatsApp is relatively easy on both an Android and Apple phones.
Below we have outlined the way to stop WhatsApp automatically downloading ALL media files.
To prevent all media files downloading on an iPhone:
- Launch WhatsApp on your iPhone.
- Tap the Settings icon (small cog) at the bottom right of the screen.
- Tap Chat Settings.
- Swipe the toggle off the Save Incoming Media option so that it is no longer green.
If committing to this seems too much, it is also possible to switch off media downloads from one chat at a time, giving you more flexibility if you do want some images/videos to be saved.
To prevent media files from one chat for an iPhone:
- Launch WhatsApp on your iPhone.
- Click on the chat you’d like to stop downloading media files from.
- Click on the name of person or group from this chat.
- Scroll to the option Save to Camera Roll.
- Click ‘Never’.
This process will need to be repeated for each contact or group where you want to switch the automatic downloads off.
To prevent all media files downloading on an Android:
Preventing WhatsApp automatically downloading ALL media files is slightly different on an Android as it relies on settings involving Wi-Fi and Data, rather than a specific button in the app.
- Begin by opening WhatsApp and go to the window where chats are shown.
- Select Settings, the three vertical dots on the top right-hand side.
- Click on Data and storage usage.
- Head to Media Auto-Download, where you will encounter three options: When Using Cellular Data, When Connected on Wi-Fi and When Roaming.
- Disable auto-downloads by unchecking all three options, Images, Audio and Video.
To prevent media files from one chat for Android:
- Open a chat
- Tap the three dots in the top right-hand corner
- Tap “View contact”
- At the bottom there should be a section called “Media visibility”
- Choose ‘No’.
We hope you found this guide useful.
If you have problems when trying to stop WhatsApp from automatically downloading and saving media files into your camera roll, feel free to drop a comment below
Know your mobile | #1 Phone Blog on the Internet
Know Your Mobile | #1 Phone Blog on the Web - News, Reviews, Tips & Tech Tips
Popular
Learn more →
Apple iPhone: Complete Buying Guide [2022]
Thinking about buying your first iPhone? Here's everything you need to know about Apple's iPhone in one place...
iPhone 15: Everything you need to know [UPDATED]
All the latest news on the iPhone 15 release date, specs, leaks and more ahead of its 2023 release date. What will the iPhone 15 be like? Let's find out by browsing all the latest news and leaks...
Refurbished Phones Buyer's Guide (2022)
If you want to save some money and make the planet a better place by reducing waste, buying refurbished phones is a great option. Here's everything you need to know.
..
Verizon's best unlimited plan? Let's compare and explore...
What's the best Verizon unlimited plan? You have quite a few options at this point - here's how they all compare...
Best Unlimited Data Plans for 2022
Find the best unlimited data plans for your smartphone. Find out which carrier has the best deals, best deals and lowest prices...
Apple Watch: Complete Buyer's Guide [2022]
Is it worth buying an Apple Watch? Here's literally everything you need to know about the Apple Watch, including its history, all models, specs, and features...
LATEST
How to Close Applications on macOS: Explained 2 BEST Ways
Apple offers several ways to close an application on macOS. Here are the two best ways and what you need to know about how to close apps on macOS.
Is YouTube music free? What you need to know...
Is YouTube music free? Is it different from Google Play Music? If you are new to the service, the answers to all these questions and more are below.
..
iPhone 15: Everything you need to know [UPDATED]
All the latest news on the iPhone 15 release date, specs, leaks and more ahead of its 2023 release date. What will the iPhone 15 be like? Let's find out by browsing all the latest news and leaks...
Samsung Galaxy S23 Processor: "ALL IN" on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2? Looks like this...
Samsung goes all out on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for its 2023 Galaxy S23 series - here's why…
Samsung Galaxy S23 - what we know right now [UPDATED]
Samsung Galaxy S23 will receive a release date in 2023. Here's a full breakdown of everything we know so far about Samsung's new flagship phones...
Does YouTube Premium include YouTube music? What you MUST know…
If you subscribe to YouTube Premium, will you get access to YouTube Music for free? Let's dive into the service and find out...
Classic Badges: BlackBerry Pearl - A Brief History…
The BlackBerry Pearl was an extremely popular phone in its day.
Even today, it still generates a lot of queries on the web. Let's see what made it so popular...
iPhone 15 Pro Max 10x Optical Zoom Periscope Lens (LEAK)
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max will get a few upgrades to choose from. Chief among them will be the incorporation of new periscope capabilities inside its telephoto lens...
What is Sky Stream? The Complete Guide for 2022
Sky Stream could very well be the future of Sky's TV offering in the UK - it's simpler than Sky Glass and has all the features of Sky Q...
How to Delete Twitter: Here's How to Get Rid of the Bluebird (Instructions 2022)
Love Elon Musk or hate him, but many people believe that now is the time to delete your Twitter account. Here's how to delete Twitter in 2022.
iPhone 13 Pro Max Reviews: What's the Verdict?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is Apple's true flagship, a phone with ALL the bells and whistles. But is it worth buying? Let's find out.
..
How to update macOS: THE QUICK way
macOS updates aren't just for new features. macOS updates contain important bug and security fixes. Here's how to update macOS.
Apple iPhone: Complete Buying Guide [2022]
Thinking about buying your first iPhone? Here's everything you need to know about Apple's iPhone, in one place...
Ted Lasso Season 3 Release Date: When Can You Watch…
Ted Lasso, arguably the most watched show on Apple TV+, has been confirmed for a third season. But when does it come out? Here's everything you need to know...
iPhone 12 dimensions: how big are they?
iPhone 12 Sizes - Here's a complete breakdown of ALL sizes in the Apple iPhone 12 range, incl. iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max
How to show hidden files in macOS: the easy way
Your Mac may hide hidden files. Here's how to show hidden files in macOS!
Apple will release a 16-inch iPad in 2023, apparently.
.. 16-inch iPad? Coming out in 2023? Is this the macOS/iPadOS crossover we've been waiting for? Potentially. That's why...
What is macOS Monterey? Apple Mac update
explainedmacOS Monterey is no longer the latest Mac operating system, but many Macs still use it. Here's what you need to know about macOS Monterey!
What is 5G UC on my iPhone?
iPhone can display what type of 5G service you are receiving. Yes, there are different types including 5G UC.
What happened to the iPhone 9? Brief history
iPhone 9 was supposed to follow iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, but instead we got iPhone X - aka iPhone 10. Why did this happen? What's with Apple's beef with the number 9?
Apple Watch: Complete Buyer's Guide [2022]
Is it worth buying an Apple Watch? Here's literally everything you need to know about the Apple Watch, including its history, all models, specs, and features...
iPhone 14 Plus GOT FAIL - here's why.
.. It looks like Apple is really having a hard time selling its "other" iPhone. First the Mini failed, and now it looks like the iPhone 14 Plus will fail too.
Google Docs: The Complete Beginner's Guide [2022]
New to Google Docs? Want to leave Office 365? Okay, we have provided you with a detailed guide to Google Docs for beginners...
How to upload all your Google photos (one time)
Here's a short and simple guide on how to upload all your Google Photos in one go...
WhatsApp: how to stop auto-uploading photos and videos
How to remove saving photos in WhatsApp?
How to turn off autosave of photos to iPhone and Android gallery in Whatsapp
- Open Whatsapp.
- In the lower right corner, click on the gear "Settings"
- Select the menu item "Chats"
- Turn off the checkbox "Save media"
How to remove WhatsApp autoload on iPhone?
Incoming images and videos will no longer be saved to the Camera Roll.
…
How to turn off automatic uploading of photos and videos in WhatsApp for iPhone
- Open WhatsApp on iPhone and go to the "Settings" tab.
- Go to the Chats menu.
- Set the switch opposite the "To Film" item to the inactive position.
How to disable autosave in WhatsApp Android?
How to stop WhatsApp media from being stored in the phone gallery
- Open WhatsApp.
- Click on More Options > > Settings > Chats .
- Disable media visibility.
How to remove a video call from WhatsApp?
From your profile menu, go to the "Settings" section. Open Notifications. Press the "Sound" button located in the "WhatsApp Call" section. Select "Mute".
How do I enable saving photos in WhatsApp?
Launch WhatsApp and go to the "Settings" of the program by touching the corresponding icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
Open the settings section called "Data and storage". The category of settings we are interested in is titled "AUTO LOAD MEDIA" - tap here "Photo".
How to save photos from WhatsApp to gallery?
We will immediately give an answer to the question of where Whatsapp photos are stored - in the smartphone gallery, with any download method they will be transferred there.
…
Android
- Open WhatsApp and click on the "Chats" button on the top bar;
- Select the desired conversation and open it;
- You will see a gray "Save" arrow above the picture;
How to turn off auto upload photos on iPhone?
How to enable or disable auto download and sync
In the upper right corner of the screen, tap your profile picture or initial icon. Autoload and sync. Enable or disable auto download and sync.
How to remove auto-upload photos in WhatsApp?
On Android smartphones, you can easily turn off automatic saving of files sent by your contacts.
Open WhatsApp and go to the "Settings" menu. Navigate to the "Data & Storage" section and look for the "Media Startup" category.
How to turn off photo saving on iPhone?
To turn off iCloud Photos on all devices:
- On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Photos, then tap Disable & Delete.
- On a Mac, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud.
How to turn off WhatsApp backup?
How to turn off backup in WhatsApp
- Open WhatsApp, click on the vertical dots.
- Enter "Settings".
- Click the "Chats" section.
- Now in the Google Drive settings, click on Backups.
- Check the box next to “Never”.
How to save WhatsApp photos to a memory card?
To save media files to a memory card, you need to:
- open the smartphone settings;
- find the “Storage”, “Memory” or “Content settings” section;
- select “Default storage location”;
- check the box next to “SD card”.
