Have you ever noticed your WhatsApp app running slow or not working properly? Well, that’s because, like most apps, WhatsApp collects cache files on your phone to make it run faster. But sometimes, those cache files can become corrupted, causing problems with the app’s basic functions. That’s why it’s important to clear the WhatsApp cache on your Android or iPhone. Not only will it fix glitches, but it can also free up storage space on your phone without having to delete any apps. So, let’s take a closer look at how to clear the WhatsApp cache on your phone.
Table of Contents
What is WhatsApp cache?
WhatsApp cache is a temporary storage space where the app keeps some files and data on your phone. It helps WhatsApp to open your chats quickly and run better. However, if these cache files become damaged or too many, it can cause app performance problems. To fix this, you may need to clear the WhatsApp cache on your phone.
Why Clear the WhatsApp Cache?
There are several reasons why you might want to clear the WhatsApp cache:
- Free up space: The WhatsApp cache can take up a significant amount of space on your device. Clearing it can help free up space and improve your device’s overall performance.
- Fix app issues: If WhatsApp runs slowly or crashes frequently, clearing the cache can help fix these issues.
- Remove unnecessary files: The WhatsApp cache can contain files and data that you no longer need or want. Clearing it can help remove these files and free up space on your device.
- Improve app performance: Clearing the cache can help improve the performance of the WhatsApp app by removing any temporary files or data that may be slowing it down.
How to Clear WhatsApp Cache on Android
If you’re using an Android phone, you can easily check the cache data of WhatsApp from the app info menu. This is a quick way to see how much space the app is taking up on your phone. To clear the cache of WhatsApp, you can use the same menu. It’s a fast and easy way to free up space on your phone without having to go through the Settings app. Just follow the steps below to learn how to check and clear the WhatsApp cache on your Android phone.
Method 1: Using the App Info Menu
- Step 1: Find the WhatsApp app icon on your Android phone and long-press on it.
- Step 2: Tap the ‘i’ button to open the app info menu.
- Step 3: Select ‘Storage and data.’
- Step 4: Check the amount of cache WhatsApp has collected and clear it.
By clearing the cache, you can free up hundreds of MBs of storage on your phone.
Method 2: Using Android Settings
- Step 1: Swipe up from your Android phone home screen.
- Step 2: Find the Settings app with a familiar gear icon.
- Step 3: Select ‘Apps’ and tap ‘All Apps’ from the following menu.
- Step 4: Find a list of installed apps. Scroll to WhatsApp.
- Step 5: It will open a familiar app info menu. Clear cache from the ‘Storage and data’ menu.
If you’re running low on-device storage, repeat the same process for your most-used apps on Android.
How to Clear WhatsApp Cache on iOS
If you’re using an iPhone, you need to delete the WhatsApp documents and data from the Settings menu. To do this, you can use the iPhone Storage menu in Settings. This menu shows you how much space WhatsApp is taking up on your phone. Here’s what you need to do:
- Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Step 2: Scroll down and select ‘General.’
- Step 3: Open’ iPhone Storage.’
- Step 4: Find WhatsApp from the list and tap on it. You can check how much data WhatsApp is taking up on your iPhone.
- Step 5: iOS offers two options to deal with the cache:
- Offload App: This option will free up storage used by WhatsApp, but it will keep your documents and data. Reinstalling WhatsApp from the App Store will bring back your data.
- Delete App: This option will delete WhatsApp and all related data from your iPhone. “Before using the ‘Delete App’ option, back up your WhatsApp data on iCloud or your desktop (via iTunes). If you face issues restoring WhatsApp backup on your iPhone, read our dedicated post to troubleshoot the problem.”
Step 6: Select ‘Delete App’ and confirm your decision.
Step 7: Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store and restore WhatsApp backup on your iPhone.
If you encounter any issues or glitches while restoring your WhatsApp backup, check this troubleshooting guide for help.
What Happens to Your WhatsApp Chat Data When You Clear the Cache?
Clearing your WhatsApp cache doesn’t delete your chats. It only removes temporary files that are stored on your phone’s memory. Your messages, photos, videos, group chats, call history, and voice clips are safe and won’t be deleted on Android. However, after clearing the cache, you may notice that the app takes longer to start up because it needs to load everything again from the beginning.
What Other Steps Can You Take to Manage Your WhatsApp Cache and Improve Performance?
In addition to clearing the cache, there are other steps you can take to manage the WhatsApp cache and improve the app’s performance:
- Delete unnecessary files: If you have a lot of media files saved in WhatsApp that you no longer need, consider deleting them to free up space.
- Turn off auto-download: By default, WhatsApp automatically downloads images and videos that are sent to you. It’s very important to know how to stop auto download in WhatsApp to prevent unnecessary files from being saved to your device.
- Use WhatsApp’s built-in storage management tool: WhatsApp has a built-in tool that allows you to manage your storage and delete unnecessary files. To access it, go to “Settings”> “Storage and data”> “Manage storage.”
Does Recording WhatsApp Calls Add to Cache Files on Your Device?
When you record a WhatsApp call, the app makes temporary files to keep the sound data. These files can use up a lot of space on your device, particularly if you record many calls. So, if you often record calls, it’s best to clear WhatsApp’s cache regularly to avoid any storage or performance problems. If this article is useful for you, we suggest you read how to record WhatsApp calls.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing issues with your WhatsApp app running slow or crashing frequently, clearing the cache may help. Not only will it fix glitches, but it can also free up storage space on your phone without having to delete any apps. In addition to clearing the cache, there are other steps you can take to manage the WhatsApp cache and improve the app’s performance. These include deleting unnecessary files, turning off auto-download, and using WhatsApp’s built-in storage management tool. Remember, clearing your WhatsApp cache doesn’t delete your chats, only temporary files that are stored on your phone’s memory.
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FAQ
No, clearing your WhatsApp cache will only remove temporary files that are stored on your phone’s memory. Your messages, photos, videos, group chats, call history, and voice clips are safe and won’t be deleted on Android.
There’s no set time frame for clearing your WhatsApp cache. You can clear it whenever you notice that the app is running slow or experiencing issues.
To manage your WhatsApp storage, you can delete unnecessary media files such as photos, videos, and audio messages that you no longer need or want. You can also delete chats that are no longer relevant or important to you. Additionally, you can delete WhatsApp backups that are taking up unnecessary storage space on your device. These files can be accessed and managed through the “Storage and Data” section in the WhatsApp settings menu.
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