Apple Launches iPhone 18 Pro With New AI Features

Apple has launched the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with new AI features, a more powerful A20 Pro chip and major camera upgrades. The new Pro models are designed to handle more advanced on-device AI tasks while keeping privacy and security at the centre of Apple's approach.

The iPhone 18 Pro models also introduce a new version of Siri, improved Apple Intelligence features and AI-powered tools for photos and the camera. Apple announced the devices on September 9, 2026, with pre-orders starting September 12 and sales beginning September 18.

iPhone 18 Pro Gets New Siri AI

One of the biggest AI additions to the iPhone 18 Pro is Siri AI.

Apple says the new Siri is more personal, capable and conversational. It can understand personal context and help users find information across messages, emails, photos and other content.

Siri AI can also understand what is displayed on the screen and take actions based on what the user is viewing. This allows users to ask Siri about content on their screen instead of manually copying information into another app.

Siri AI is rolling out as a beta with iOS 27. Apple says it will initially support English, with French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish support coming in October.

A20 Pro Powers The iPhone 18 Pro AI Features

The iPhone 18 Pro is powered by Apple's new A20 Pro chip, which is built using a 2-nanometre process.

The chip includes a new 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU and Dual 16-core Neural Engine. Apple says the Neural Engine provides twice the AI processing power of the previous generation, helping the phone handle on-device AI models and computational photography.

The A20 Pro also has 50 per cent more memory bandwidth than the A19 Pro and is designed to deliver improved performance for demanding applications and games.

Apple Brings AI To The Camera

The iPhone 18 Pro also uses AI and computational photography to improve its camera capabilities.

The phone features a new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture. The aperture can automatically adjust in darker environments to allow more light into the camera.

Apple has also introduced improved Photographic Styles with new texture and grain controls. Users can adjust colour and skin qualities together when creating a particular look.

The Camera app also gets new Pro controls that allow users to manually adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed and white balance.

Apple Introduces Reference Image For Photo Authenticity

Another major addition is Apple Reference Image.

The feature allows an iPhone 18 Pro to capture signed sensor data when a photo is taken in Reference mode. Apple says this creates an unalterable reference image that can be compared with an edited version to determine whether changes have been made.

Apple is positioning the feature as a way to help people verify the authenticity of photographs, particularly as AI-generated and AI-edited images become more common.

The company also says image metadata and support for the SynthID standard can help identify images generated or edited with AI.

Siri Can Understand What The Camera Sees

Apple is also bringing AI directly into the Camera app.

With Siri mode in the Camera app, users can get information and take action based on what is in front of the camera. This gives the iPhone 18 Pro another way to use AI beyond traditional text-based requests.

Users can also use Siri to describe what they need rather than navigating through several menus manually.

Apple Intelligence Gets More AI Features

The iPhone 18 Pro runs iOS 27 with Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence adds several AI-powered features across the system. Users can improve photos with tools such as Spatial Reframing, Extend and an upgraded Clean Up feature.

Image Playground can also create photorealistic imagery, while Safari gets Notify Me, which can monitor web pages for changes such as product restocks or price drops.

Apple Focuses On Private AI

Apple is continuing to emphasise privacy as it expands AI on the iPhone.

Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing where possible, while Private Cloud Compute handles tasks that require additional processing. Apple says the approach is designed to extend the privacy and security of the iPhone into the cloud.

This means the iPhone 18 Pro's AI features are not simply dependent on sending every request to remote servers.

iPhone 18 Pro Gets A More Powerful Camera And Performance System

Beyond AI, Apple has upgraded several areas of the iPhone 18 Pro.

The models feature Apple's new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, an upgraded Dynamic Island and a redesigned thermal management system.

The new vapor chamber has three times more surface area than the previous generation, helping the phone maintain high performance for longer periods. Apple says the improved thermal system enables up to a 40 per cent gain in sustained performance compared with the previous generation.

iPhone 18 Pro Price And Availability

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 in the United States, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at a higher price.

Pre-orders begin on September 12, 2026, with availability starting September 18 in more than 65 countries and regions. Apple says the devices will become available in additional countries and regions from September 25.

iPhone 18 Pro Pushes Apple's AI Strategy Forward

The iPhone 18 Pro represents a major step in Apple's move towards more integrated AI features on its smartphones.

With the A20 Pro chip, a new Siri AI, Apple Intelligence, AI-powered camera features and Apple's privacy-focused approach to AI processing, the new Pro models combine artificial intelligence with the phone's existing apps and hardware.

Apple is making AI a bigger part of how users interact with the iPhone rather than limiting it to standalone AI tools.

Google Adds New AI Features To Search

Google has added a range of new AI features to Search as it continues to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into the way people find information online. The updates include a new AI-powered Search box, improvements to AI Mode, Search agents and more personalised search features.

The changes were announced as part of Google’s 2026 AI updates and are designed to make Search more capable of handling longer questions, different types of content and tasks that require more than a traditional search query.

Google Upgrades AI Mode With Gemini 3.5 Flash

Google has upgraded AI Mode in Search with Gemini 3.5 Flash as its default model globally. The model is designed to handle complex questions and multi-step tasks while providing faster responses.

Gemini 3.5 Flash is also capable of working with different types of information, allowing Search to handle more advanced queries and generate richer responses.

Search Gets A New AI-Powered Search Box

Google has redesigned the Search box with AI capabilities in what it describes as its biggest Search box upgrade in more than 25 years.

The new Search box can understand longer and more detailed questions and provide AI-powered suggestions while users type. It also supports different types of inputs, including text, images, files, videos and Chrome tabs.

Google has also connected AI Overviews more closely with AI Mode. Users can ask follow-up questions directly from an AI Overview and continue the conversation in AI Mode without losing the context of the search.

Google Introduces Search Agents

Another major addition is Information Agents, which can monitor topics on behalf of users.

Users can set up an agent to look for new information about a particular subject and continue checking relevant sources in the background. Google says the agents can monitor web sources, news, social posts and other fresh information.

The feature is being introduced first to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

Search Can Create Interactive Results

Google is also bringing generative interfaces to Search.

Instead of returning only text and links, Search can create customised layouts, visual tools, graphs, tables and simulations based on what a user is asking.

The feature uses Gemini 3.5 Flash and Google's agentic coding capabilities to generate responses in formats suited to particular queries.

Google Expands Personal Intelligence

Google is also expanding Personal Intelligence in AI Mode.

The feature can use information from connected Google services such as Gmail and Google Photos to provide more personalised results. Google announced an expansion to nearly 200 countries and 98 languages, making the feature available to more users without requiring a subscription.

AI Mode Makes Search More Conversational

The new features make Google Search less dependent on short keyword searches.

Users can ask detailed questions, provide files or images and continue with follow-up questions. Search can also maintain the context of a conversation as users move from an AI Overview into AI Mode.

Google is also continuing to support traditional search results and links alongside its AI features.

Google Is Changing How Search Works

The latest Google Search updates show how the company is moving beyond traditional keyword-based search towards AI-assisted research and task completion.

With Gemini 3.5 Flash, AI Overviews, AI Mode, Information Agents, generative interfaces and Personal Intelligence, Google is adding more ways for users to ask questions and receive information through Search.

Apple Unveils Its First Foldable iPhone Duo

Apple has officially entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of the iPhone Duo. The device is the company's first foldable iPhone and introduces a new design with two displays and a larger screen when unfolded.

The iPhone Duo was unveiled on September 9, 2026. Apple says the device combines the familiar iPhone experience with a larger display designed for viewing content, gaming and multitasking.

iPhone Duo Has A Foldable Design

The iPhone Duo has a 7.6-inch inner display when fully opened and a 5.4-inch outer display when folded.

Apple says the inner display is the largest ever fitted to an iPhone. The two displays share the same aspect ratio which helps content maintain visual continuity when moving between the screens.

When opened, the iPhone Duo is also the thinnest iPhone Apple has produced. The device uses a precision hinge and a titanium construction designed for durability.

iPhone Duo Is Powered By The A20 Pro

The new foldable iPhone is powered by Apple's A20 Pro chip.

Apple has also equipped the device with a custom vapour chamber for thermal management and a dual-battery system. The company says the combination is designed to provide strong performance and all-day battery life.

The phone also includes Apple's C2 modem which forms part of the company's continued move towards developing more of its own components.

iPhone Duo Brings New Multitasking Features

The larger inner display gives users more space to work with multiple apps.

Apple has redesigned parts of iOS to take advantage of the foldable screen. Users can work across multiple app windows and make better use of the larger display for activities such as messaging and video calls.

The design also allows the phone to be positioned in different ways depending on what the user is doing.

New Camera Features

The iPhone Duo comes with a 48MP Dual Fusion camera system.

Its foldable design introduces new ways to use the camera. The outer display can be used to show a preview to people being photographed while Apple's software provides additional tools for taking pictures and videos.

The device also supports new camera experiences made possible by having displays on both sides of the phone.

iPhone Duo Gets A New FaceTime Experience

Apple has designed the iPhone Duo to offer a different video-calling experience when the device is unfolded or positioned on a surface.

The phone includes a camera beneath the inner display and supports features that allow users to combine the front and rear cameras during certain activities.

iPhone Duo Runs iOS 27

The iPhone Duo runs a redesigned version of iOS 27 that has been adapted for its foldable design.

Apple has adjusted the software to support the different screen positions and orientations of the device. The company is also bringing Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features to the foldable iPhone.

iPhone Duo Price And Availability

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the United States.

Apple says pre-orders will begin on October 16, 2026 while the device will become available from October 23, 2026.

The price makes the iPhone Duo one of Apple's most expensive smartphones and places it firmly in the premium foldable market.

Apple Enters The Foldable Phone Market

Apple's launch puts the company directly into competition with manufacturers that have already spent years developing foldable smartphones.

Samsung currently has a strong position in the foldable market while Chinese manufacturers including Huawei and Xiaomi also offer competing devices. Apple's entry could increase competition in the premium segment and bring more attention to foldable smartphones.

The iPhone Duo represents one of the biggest design changes to Apple's smartphone lineup in years. With its foldable display, new hinge system and redesigned software experience Apple is now taking its own approach to the growing foldable phone market.

How To Clear App Cache On Android

Apps on Android phones store temporary files known as cached data. These files can help apps load content faster but they can also build up over time and use storage space.

Clearing an app's cache can also help when an app is running slowly, crashing or not working properly.

What Is App Cache?

App cache is temporary data stored by an application on your phone. It can include images, files and other information that the app may need to access again.

Clearing the cache removes these temporary files without uninstalling the app.

How To Clear App Cache On Android

The steps may vary slightly depending on your phone brand and Android version but the process is generally similar.

Step 1: Open Settings

Open the Settings app on your Android phone.

Step 2: Tap Apps

Scroll through the Settings menu and tap Apps.

Depending on your phone, this option may be called Apps & notifications, App management or something similar.

Step 3: Select The App

Find the app whose cache you want to clear and tap it.

You can select any app that you are having problems with or one that is taking up a large amount of temporary storage.

Step 4: Tap Storage

On the app information page, tap Storage or Storage & cache.

Step 5: Tap Clear Cache

Tap Clear cache to remove the temporary files stored by the app.

You can then close Settings and open the app again.

What Happens When You Clear App Cache?

Clearing an app's cache removes temporary files stored by that application.

It does not uninstall the app or normally remove your personal information. The app may take slightly longer to open the first time after clearing its cache because it needs to create some temporary files again.

Clear Cache Vs Clear Storage

Android may show both Clear cache and Clear storage or Clear data options.

Clear cache removes temporary files.

Clear storage or Clear data removes the app's stored information and can reset the app. Depending on the application, this may remove saved settings and require you to sign in again.

If your goal is simply to remove temporary files, choose Clear cache.

When Should You Clear App Cache?

Clearing an app's cache can be useful when:

• An app is running slowly
• An app keeps crashing
• An app is not responding properly
• An app is displaying outdated information
• An app is using a large amount of temporary storage
• You are troubleshooting an app problem

How Often Should You Clear App Cache?

You do not need to clear your app cache regularly.

Cached files are designed to help applications work efficiently and will build up again as you use them. It is better to clear the cache when an app is experiencing problems or when you need to free up some temporary storage.

Clearing App Cache Can Help Fix App Problems

Clearing the cache is a simple way to troubleshoot an Android app without removing the application or its stored data.

Go to Settings → Apps → select the app → Storage or Storage & cache → Clear cache.

The exact steps may differ depending on your phone manufacturer but the Clear cache option is usually found within the selected app's storage settings.

Android 17: New Features And Compatible Phones

Android 17 brings a range of new features and improvements focused on privacy, security, performance, multitasking, gaming, media and large-screen devices.

Google released Android 17 in June 2026, with supported Pixel devices among the first to receive the new operating system. The update also introduces changes that will affect how Android apps work across smartphones, tablets and foldable devices.

What’s New In Android 17?

Android 17 comes with several changes designed to improve the everyday smartphone experience. Some of the major additions include new multitasking tools, improved gaming features, stronger privacy controls and better memory management.

The update also places greater emphasis on making Android apps work properly across different screen sizes and device types.

Bubbles Make Multitasking Easier

Android 17 expands the use of Bubbles to make multitasking more convenient.

Users can turn supported apps into floating bubbles that remain accessible while they use another application. This makes it easier to switch between tasks without repeatedly opening and closing apps.

The feature is particularly useful on tablets and foldable phones where there is more screen space available.

New Features For Screen Recording

Android 17 introduces new tools for people who record and share content from their phones.

The update adds features that combine screen recording with the front-facing camera, allowing users to include their reactions while recording what is happening on their screen.

This could be useful for creators, tutorials, demonstrations and reaction content.

Android 17 Improves Gaming

Gaming is another area receiving attention in Android 17.

The update introduces improvements for large-screen and foldable devices, including layouts designed to provide a more suitable gaming experience.

Google is also introducing improvements that give developers greater control over how games interact with Android devices.

Improved Privacy And Security

Android 17 includes several privacy and security improvements.

Users get greater control over sensitive information such as location and contacts. Android is also introducing changes that allow apps to request more limited access to users' information instead of requiring broader permissions.

Google has also continued improving protection against threats and unauthorised access to devices.

Better Memory Management

Android 17 introduces app memory limits designed to prevent individual applications from consuming excessive amounts of memory.

When an app uses too much memory it can affect other applications and the overall performance of a device. The new changes are designed to help Android manage memory more efficiently and maintain a responsive experience.

Android 17 Brings More Support For Foldables And Tablets

Google is placing more emphasis on large-screen Android devices with Android 17.

The operating system introduces changes that encourage apps to properly support different screen sizes and orientations. This is particularly important as foldable phones and tablets become more common.

Android 17 is part of Google's wider move towards an adaptive approach that allows applications to work across more types of devices.

Other Android 17 Features

Android 17 also includes improvements across several other areas, including:

• Camera and media
• Performance
• Battery management
• System user interface
• Privacy
• Security
• Connectivity
• Large-screen devices
• Developer tools

Google has continued releasing updates to Android 17 through its Quarterly Platform Releases, bringing additional fixes and improvements to supported devices.

Which Phones Are Compatible With Android 17?

Google's Android 17 documentation lists the following Pixel devices among the supported devices:

• Pixel 6
• Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 6a
• Pixel 7
• Pixel 7 Pro
• Pixel 7a
• Pixel Tablet
• Pixel Fold
• Pixel 8
• Pixel 8 Pro
• Pixel 8a
• Pixel 9
• Pixel 9 Pro
• Pixel 9 Pro XL
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold
• Pixel 9a
• Pixel 10
• Pixel 10 Pro
• Pixel 10 Pro XL
• Pixel 10 Pro Fold
• Pixel 10a

Google's official Android 17 documentation confirms these Pixel models for Android 17 builds.

Android 17 will also reach devices from other manufacturers, but each company determines its own rollout schedule.

Google's Android 17 beta programme includes manufacturers such as HONOR, iQOO, Lenovo, OnePlus, OPPO, realme, Sharp, vivo and Xiaomi.

Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, vivo, HONOR, TECNO, itel and Infinix may have different release schedules for Android 17. Users should check their manufacturer's official update information to confirm whether their specific phone model is eligible.

The availability of Android 17 can depend on the phone model, region and manufacturer's software support policy. Therefore, owning a phone from a particular brand does not automatically mean every model from that brand will receive the update.

When Will Other Android Phones Get Android 17?

Android 17 availability will vary between manufacturers and individual phone models.

Google provides the Android platform while manufacturers adapt the software for their own devices. This means some phones may receive Android 17 earlier than others.

Users should therefore rely on official announcements and software update pages from their phone manufacturer for information about their specific device.

How To Check For Android 17

If Android 17 has been released for your phone, you can check for the update through your device's software update settings.

The exact location may differ depending on the manufacturer. Look for options such as Software Update, System Update or System Software Update under Settings.

Android 17 Brings New Changes To Android Phones

Android 17 introduces changes across several parts of the Android experience, including multitasking, gaming, privacy, security, performance and support for larger screens.

Supported Pixel devices are among the first phones to receive the operating system, while Samsung, TECNO, itel, Infinix and other manufacturers will determine their own rollout schedules for compatible models.

Users should check their phone manufacturer's official update information to know when Android 17 becomes available for their specific device.

How To Recover A Forgotten Gmail Password

Forgetting your Gmail password can prevent you from accessing your emails and other Google services linked to your account.

Fortunately, Google provides an official account recovery process that allows you to verify that the account belongs to you and create a new password. The process may ask you to answer questions or use a recovery phone number or email address.

How To Recover A Forgotten Gmail Password

Follow these steps to recover your Gmail account:

1. Open The Google Account Recovery Page

Go to Google's official account recovery page and enter the Gmail address you are trying to recover.

2. Confirm Your Account

Google will ask questions to confirm that you are the owner of the account.

Answer the questions as accurately as possible. If you are unsure about an answer, provide your best answer rather than skipping the recovery process.

3. Use Your Recovery Phone Number Or Email

If Google offers to send a verification code to your recovery phone number or email address, choose the option you can access.

Enter the code when prompted and continue with the recovery process.

If you do not receive an email, check your spam or junk folder.

4. Enter A Previous Password If Asked

Google may ask you to enter a password you previously used for the account.

If you remember an older password, enter the most recent one you can remember. This can help Google verify that you own the account.

5. Create A New Gmail Password

Once Google verifies your identity, you will be prompted to create a new password.

Choose a strong password that you have not previously used for the account.

6. Sign In To Gmail Again

After successfully changing your password, return to Gmail and sign in with your email address and new password.

Your Google Account password is also used to access other Google services connected to the account, including services such as YouTube and Google Photos.

What If You Cannot Access Your Recovery Phone Or Email?

If you no longer have access to your recovery phone number or email address, Google may provide other ways to verify your identity.

Follow the recovery instructions and answer as many questions as possible. Google recommends using a device you have previously used to sign in to the account when completing account recovery.

However, account recovery is not guaranteed. Google must be able to verify that you are the owner of the account before allowing the password to be reset.

What Happens After You Reset Your Gmail Password?

When you change or reset your Google Account password, Google signs you out of most devices and sessions, with some exceptions such as certain devices used to verify your identity and some authorised third-party applications.

You should also review your account's security settings if you suspect that someone else may have accessed your account.

How To Protect Your Gmail Account From Losing Access

After recovering your account, make sure your recovery phone number and recovery email address are up to date.

It is also important to use a strong, unique password and avoid sharing your password or verification codes with anyone.

Google warns users against services that claim they can recover Gmail passwords for them. Do not give your password or verification codes to anyone offering such a service.

Recover Your Gmail Account

If you have forgotten your Gmail password, Google's official account recovery process is the safest way to regain access to your account.

Start the recovery process, verify your identity and create a new password when Google gives you the option to reset it.

Google Rolls Out New Android Features In September 2026 Update

Google has started rolling out a new set of features for Android users as part of its September 2026 update.

The latest Android update introduces several useful improvements, including new Gemini-powered tools, a feature designed to help reduce motion sickness, improved accessibility features and new ways to personalise Google Messages.

The rollout will vary depending on the Android device, Android version and country, so some users may receive certain features before others.

Gemini Can Remember Where You Put Things

One of the notable additions is a new Gemini feature that works with Google's Find Hub.

Users can tell Gemini where they have placed an item, such as their keys or passport. Gemini can save that information in Find Hub, allowing users to ask about the item's location later.

Users can also add a photo of the item to provide additional context.

The feature is available on supported devices running Android 16 or later in selected countries.

Android Gets A New Motion Sickness Feature

Google is also introducing Motion Assist, a feature designed to make it easier to use a phone while travelling.

Motion sickness can occur when there is a mismatch between what a person sees on a screen and the movement they feel while inside a moving vehicle.

Motion Assist displays subtle bubbles on the screen that move according to the vehicle's motion. Google says this can help reduce the visual mismatch that contributes to motion sickness.

The feature is available on devices running Android 17 and can be accessed through Quick Settings.

Gemini Live Gets Guided Vision

Another major addition is Guided Vision, which expands the capabilities of Gemini Live.

The feature uses the phone's camera and Gemini to help users understand what is around them. It can describe objects, read text and provide information about items captured by the camera.

Google says Guided Vision can be particularly useful for people who are blind or have low vision.

The feature is rolling out to supported Android devices in countries where Gemini is available.

Google Keep Comes To Google Messages

Google is also making collaboration easier by bringing Google Keep into Google Messages.

Users can create and share notes and lists directly from conversations. This could be useful when planning trips, creating shopping lists or organising activities with friends and family.

Instead of switching between different apps, users can work with shared information while staying inside their messages.

Google Messages Gets More Customisation

The September 2026 update also gives Google Messages users more ways to personalise their conversations.

Users can customise individual chats with different backgrounds and colours. They can choose from available options or use their own photos as conversation backgrounds.

The changes give users more control over how individual conversations look and feel.

The Update Brings More AI To Android

Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of Google's Android ecosystem, and the September 2026 update continues that trend.

Gemini is now being used for more everyday tasks, from remembering where items were placed to helping users understand their surroundings.

At the same time, Google is adding features that focus on accessibility and convenience rather than simply adding AI for the sake of it.

When Will The New Features Arrive?

Google has begun rolling out the September 2026 Android features, but availability will depend on the device and region.

Some features require newer versions of Android, while others depend on whether specific Google services are available in a particular country.

This means Android users may not see all of the new features immediately, even if their device is eligible for the update.

More Useful Features Coming To Android Users

Google's September 2026 update shows the company's continued effort to make Android more useful through a combination of artificial intelligence, accessibility and personalisation.

The ability to remember where items were placed, reduce motion sickness and use Gemini to understand objects could prove particularly useful in everyday situations.

With more features expected to be added to Android over time, Google's latest update is another step towards making AI a more integrated part of the Android experience.

How To Stop WhatsApp From Automatically Downloading Files

WhatsApp can automatically download photos videos audio files and documents that people send to you. While this makes it easier to access files quickly it can also use your mobile data and take up valuable storage space on your phone.

If you are in several active WhatsApp groups you may receive many photos videos and documents that you do not need. Fortunately you can change WhatsApp settings to control which files are downloaded automatically.

You can choose whether media should download automatically when you are using mobile data Wi-Fi or roaming. You can also prevent downloaded WhatsApp media from appearing in your phone's gallery or Photos app.

What To Know Before Turning Off Automatic Downloads

WhatsApp has different settings for automatic downloads and media visibility.

The Media auto-download setting controls whether photos videos audio and documents are downloaded automatically. You can configure these settings separately for mobile data Wi-Fi and roaming.

The Media visibility setting on Android controls whether newly downloaded WhatsApp media appears in your phone's gallery. Turning it off does not stop WhatsApp from downloading the files.

On iPhone you can also control whether WhatsApp media is saved to your Photos app.

If your goal is to reduce mobile data usage you can disable automatic downloads when using mobile data. If you want to stop automatic downloads completely you can disable the relevant media types.

How To Stop WhatsApp From Automatically Downloading Files On Android

You can stop WhatsApp from automatically downloading photos videos audio and documents by changing the Media auto-download settings.

On your Android phone:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Select Storage and data.
5. Find Media auto-download.
6. Tap When using mobile data.
7. Untick the types of media you do not want downloaded automatically.
8. Tap OK.
9. Go back to Media auto-download.
10. Tap When connected on Wi-Fi.
11. Untick the media types you do not want downloaded automatically.
12. Tap OK.
13. Repeat the process under When roaming if necessary.

If you want to stop automatic downloads completely make sure the media types you do not want are disabled in each relevant option.

You can still download individual photos videos audio files or documents manually whenever you need them.

The exact appearance of these settings may vary depending on your Android phone and WhatsApp version.

How To Stop WhatsApp From Automatically Downloading Files On iPhone

iPhone users can also control which WhatsApp media is downloaded automatically.

To change the settings:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap Storage and Data.
4. Find Media Auto-Download.
5. Tap Photos.
6. Select Never.
7. Go back and tap Audio.
8. Select Never.
9. Go back and tap Videos.
10. Select Never.
11. Repeat the process for Documents if necessary.

When you select Never, WhatsApp will not automatically download that type of media. You can still tap the file when you want to download it.

How To Stop WhatsApp Photos From Appearing In Your Android Gallery

If your main problem is that WhatsApp photos and videos are filling your gallery you do not necessarily need to disable automatic downloads.

You can turn off Media visibility instead.

On Android:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap the three dots.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Select Chats.
5. Turn off Media visibility.

This prevents newly downloaded WhatsApp media from automatically appearing in your phone's gallery.

However it does not delete media that was already saved and does not stop WhatsApp from downloading new files.

How To Stop Media From A Specific WhatsApp Group Appearing In Your Gallery

You can also change media visibility for a particular WhatsApp chat or group on Android.

To do this:

1. Open the WhatsApp chat or group.
2. Tap the person's name or group name at the top.
3. Select Media visibility.
4. Choose No.
5. Confirm your choice.

This is useful if a particular group constantly sends photos and videos that you do not want appearing in your gallery.

How To Stop WhatsApp Photos From Being Saved To Your iPhone Photos App

On iPhone you can control whether WhatsApp media is saved to your Photos app.

Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats.

Look for the option that controls saving WhatsApp media to your Photos library and turn it off.

This setting is separate from Media Auto-Download. Therefore you may need to change both settings if you want to prevent automatic downloads and automatic saving.

The exact wording may vary depending on your WhatsApp and iOS version.

How To Allow WhatsApp Downloads Only On Wi-Fi

If you have limited mobile data you do not have to stop every automatic download.

You can disable automatic downloads when using mobile data while allowing selected media to download automatically when connected to Wi-Fi.

On Android:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select Storage and data.
4. Tap When using mobile data.
5. Disable the media types you do not want downloaded.
6. Go back and tap When connected on Wi-Fi.
7. Select the media types you want downloaded automatically.

This allows you to reduce mobile data usage without completely disabling automatic downloads.

How To Stop WhatsApp From Using Too Much Mobile Data

If your main concern is mobile data usage focus on the When using mobile data option under Media auto-download.

You can stop videos and documents from downloading automatically because they can consume more data than smaller files.

You can also disable all media types if you prefer to decide manually which files should be downloaded.

How To Delete WhatsApp Files That Have Already Been Downloaded

Turning off automatic downloads does not delete files that are already on your phone.

If WhatsApp has already used a lot of your storage you can review and delete unnecessary media through WhatsApp's storage management feature.

To check your WhatsApp storage:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap Storage and data.
4. Select Manage storage.
5. Review the chats and media using the most storage.
6. Select files you no longer need.
7. Delete the unwanted files.

Check the files carefully before deleting them because some may contain important information.

What To Do If WhatsApp Still Downloads Files Automatically

If WhatsApp continues downloading files after changing the settings check each Media auto-download option.

On Android check When using mobile data, When connected on Wi-Fi and When roaming.

Make sure the media types you want to stop are disabled in the relevant options.

Also remember that Media visibility does not stop WhatsApp from downloading files. It only controls whether downloaded media appears in your gallery.

If your problem is unwanted photos appearing in your gallery rather than mobile data usage then Media visibility may be the setting you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Stop WhatsApp From Automatically Downloading Videos?

Yes. Go to Settings > Storage and data > Media auto-download and disable automatic video downloads.

Can I Stop WhatsApp From Automatically Downloading Photos?

Yes. You can disable automatic photo downloads under Media auto-download.

Will Turning Off Auto-Download Delete My Existing Files?

No. Existing WhatsApp files will remain on your phone until you delete them.

Can I Still Download A File After Turning Off Auto-Download?

Yes. You can manually download any file whenever you need it.

Take Control Of Your WhatsApp Downloads

WhatsApp gives you several ways to control the files downloaded to your phone. If you want to save mobile data and storage you can turn off automatic downloads for the media types you do not need.

If your main problem is WhatsApp photos and videos appearing in your gallery you can change the media visibility or photo-saving settings instead.

You do not have to stop receiving files completely. After disabling automatic downloads you can still choose to download individual photos videos audio files or documents whenever you need them.

Adjusting these settings can help reduce unnecessary downloads keep your phone's storage under control and give you more control over the media you receive on WhatsApp.