howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-free-up-whatsapp-storage-on-android/ · Checked October 2026 · Google Pixel 10a, Android 17 (build CP3A.261005.005), WhatsApp 2.26.41.77

In this guide

Open WhatsApp Settings
Tap Storage and data
Tap Manage storage
Tap the chat that uses the most
Sort by Largest
Touch and hold the files to delete
Tap Delete
Check what is left
If you do not see this option
If this does not work
Good to know
Sources

Quick answer

Open WhatsApp Settings, Storage and data, Manage storage and tap a chat. Sort its files by Largest, select the big ones, tap the bin and then Delete. Ours: 3 files, 18,2 MB, from a 30,1 MB test chat.

8 of 8 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device: Android
Shown on: Google Pixel 10a, Android 17 (build CP3A.261005.005), WhatsApp 2.26.41.77
App: WhatsApp
Real screenshots: 8 of 8 steps
Checked: October 2026
Sources: 1 official, linked below

Step by step

Open WhatsApp Settings
On the Chats tab, tap the three dots at the top right, then Settings.
Done
Tap Storage and data
It is below Notifications: Network usage, auto-download.
Done
Tap Manage storage
It is the first row.
Done
Tap the chat that uses the most
Ours: 37 MB used, 105 GB free; the test chat took 30,1 MB.
Done
Sort by Largest
Tap the sort button at the top right: Newest, Oldest or Largest.
Done
Touch and hold the files to delete
Tap more to add them. Ours: 3 selected, 18,2 MB. Then tap the bin at the top right.
Done
Tap Delete
The box says: Items will be deleted from your WhatsApp media, but they may still be saved on your device.
Done
Check what is left
Ours had three files left. The chat's size under its name read 28,9 MB, down from 30,1 MB, so copies may still count.
Done

If you do not see this option

From one chat? WhatsApp says: open the chat, tap the chat name, then Manage storage. It shows that chat's files, largest first. Source: How to free up storage on WhatsApp
Backup taking the space? WhatsApp says backup storage is separate: Settings, Chats, Chat backup, then Review and delete media. Source: How to free up storage on WhatsApp
Tools to save space? Ours listed Turn on disappearing messages, Manage downloads and Clear all app data.

If this does not work

Backup still big after deleting? WhatsApp says deleted items stay in the backup until the next time you back up. Source: How to free up storage on WhatsApp
Deleted an item but no space freed? WhatsApp says you also need to delete any copies of it. Source: How to free up storage on WhatsApp

About this guide

Manage storage shows WhatsApp's own files. Photos you saved to the gallery are counted by the phone, not here.

The screenshots are from our Google Pixel 10a with Android 17 and WhatsApp 2.26.41.77, in Dark mode, taken on 25 October 2026. We sent five test photos and a voice note to our Message yourself chat, then deleted the three largest.