WhatsApp WhatsApp is one of the most widely used apps on the planet for sending and receiving messages, photos, videos, audios, and other files. But while this feature is very practical, it can also quickly fill our phones with unnecessary content. So, you're wondering where to find the WhatsApp trash.
Over time, these files take up space on your phone's internal storage, directly affecting the device's performance. The problem is that many users don't know where deleted WhatsApp files go or how to manage them efficiently. This is where the concept of the so-called "deleted WhatsApp" comes in. “WhatsApp trash”.
Is there really a trash can in WhatsApp?
The first thing to make clear is that WhatsApp does not have a traditional recycle bin like on computers.That is, there is no button within the app that literally says “Trash” where you can access deleted files.
However, there are several ways to manage and delete files you no longer need and take up space on your phone. These areas act as a kind of hidden trash can, from which you can view, retrieve, or delete multimedia content. What's considered a "trash can" depends somewhat on the operating system you use and the type of file.
Where to find the WhatsApp trash on Android phones
On Android devices, there's no dedicated "Trash" option within WhatsApp, but there are ways to access the files left behind after deleting content:
Option 1: From WhatsApp itself
- Open WhatsApp.
- Click on the three dots (menu) and go to "Settings".
- Choose “Storage and data” and then “Manage storage”.
- Chats that take up the most space and large files, files that have been forwarded many times, from channels, etc., will appear here.
- You can select the ones you want to delete and click the trash can icon to permanently delete them.
Option 2: Using the system file manager
Many phones include an app called "Files," "File Manager," or "Files by Google." From there, you can manually access the files WhatsApp has stored:
- Open the “Files” or “File Manager” app.
- Go to Internal storage > Android > media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp > Media.
- Inside you will find folders such as “WhatsApp Images”, “WhatsApp Video”, “WhatsApp Audio” or “Documents”.
- From that location you can delete old or large files that you no longer need.
This folder acts as the informal trash can for WhatsApp since Deleted chat files do not disappear from the device automatically. unless you delete them manually from this path.
How to delete larger or unnecessary files
In WhatsApp's "Manage Storage" menu, there are specific sections to make cleaning easier:
- Files larger than 5 MB: Here you can view videos and documents that take up a lot of space and decide whether you want to keep them or not.
- Forwarded many times: WhatsApp groups together typical memes or viral videos so you can delete them if you no longer need them.
- Channel Archives: If you follow channels, images, GIFs, and videos are stored here, which you can delete to save space.
Additionally, you can clear the cache from your phone's settings. This doesn't delete chat files; it just frees up temporary space.
How to find deleted files on Samsung phones
On Samsung phones, there are two specific ways to view deleted files that may be related to WhatsApp:
From the Gallery app:
- Open the Gallery.
- Click on the three menu bars.
- Select “Trash.”
- There you will see recently deleted photos and videos.
From the “My Files” app:
- Go to Internal Storage > Android > media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp > Media.
- From this route you can review and delete what you don't want.
How to recover deleted messages on iPhone
On iOS, WhatsApp doesn't have a trash can as such either, but there are ways to recover or delete content:
Recover media files:
- Open the “Photos” app.
- Go to “Albums” and select “Recently Deleted.”
- There you can recover images or videos deleted in the last 30 days.
Recover chats from iCloud:
- When you reinstall WhatsApp, you'll be offered to restore your latest backup.
- If you have the “Include videos” option enabled, you will also recover these files along with your message history.
Delete files manually:
- Open a chat and tap on the name or group header.
- Select “Files, Links, and Documents.”
- From there you can delete one by one what you no longer need.
Tips to avoid filling up your memory with WhatsApp files again
Once you've cleared the WhatsApp hidden trash, it's a good idea to take steps to prevent it from cluttering up your device again:
- Turn off automatic download of photos, videos and audios from Settings > Storage & data.
- Delete old chats or empty conversations that you no longer need from the “Chats” menu.
- Activate cloud backups (Google Drive or iCloud) to avoid storing so much local content.
- Do regular cleanings using the storage tools offered by the application.
Correctly managing the “invisible trash” of WhatsApp allows maintain optimal performance of your mobile, prevent it from filling up with unnecessary content, and extend its lifespan. Even if you don't have a trash can like your computer, these methods allow you to access hidden files, decide which ones to keep and which ones to delete, and keep your device clean.
