Running out of phone memory? WhatsApp's new feature will organize things for you
WhatsApp is launching a category-based storage cleaning tool for channels, alongside an option for mass deletion of media from multiple channels simultaneously directly in the "Updates" tab.
WhatsApp channels have become one of the most popular tools for receiving updates and news, but active channels that send photos, videos, and voice messages daily come at a price: they consume a huge amount of storage space on mobile memory without users noticing. To address this issue, WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new feature for managing and cleaning storage specifically for channels in the Beta version for Android (version 2.26.30.4).
The new tool gives users precise control over media files saved on the device and offers two convenient access paths.
Filtering by categories on the channel info screen
Until now, managing storage in WhatsApp required manual and tedious scrolling through all files. Now, through the info screen of a specific channel, you can enter the new cleaning option and filter files by type: photos, videos, stickers, voice messages.
This segmentation allows you to quickly delete only heavy video files, for example, without clearing lighter files.
Mass deletion of multiple channels on the Updates tab
For those who follow many channels, WhatsApp has added a quick access path directly from the Updates tab. By long-pressing on a channel (or selecting multiple channels simultaneously), an options menu opens that includes the setting "Clear media files," which allows you to free up significant storage space in a single action.
Keeping important messages
WhatsApp has also taken care to prevent accidental deletions: if you have starred certain updates or files in a channel, the system will skip them and will not delete them during the cleaning process, unless you choose to remove them explicitly.
When will the feature be available to everyone?
The feature is being rolled out gradually among WhatsApp Beta testers on Android via the Google Play Store. WhatsApp has not yet announced an official launch date for the feature for all users of the regular version, but it is expected to expand to more users in the coming weeks.
