4 Ways to Download Message Attachments on WhatsApp

Easily download attachments from WhatsApp messages with this simple guide

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: January 20, 2023 Tested

Using iPhone or iPad

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Using Android

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Using PC or Mac

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Downloading a Status (Android)

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Tips

Do you want to save attached images or videos in WhatsApp? You can download attachments on WhatsApp using your mobile device or computer. On iPhone and Windows or Mac, you'll need to click the image options to save manually. On Android, the attachment will download automatically after tapping it. You can turn this option off in WhatsApp's settings. This wikiHow will show you how to download attachments from messages on WhatsApp using iPhone, Android, or your Windows or Mac computer.

Things You Should Know

On iPhone, tap the image, then tap the "Share" icon. Tap "Save" to save the image to your camera roll.
On Android, tap the image. The file will save automatically to your Gallery.
On the desktop app, click the image, then the three dots in the top-right corner. Click "Save as", then select your save location.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using iPhone or iPad

1
Open the WhatsApp app on your iPhone or iPad. It's a green app that contains a white phone icon inside a white text bubble.
- If you don't have it already, you'll need to install WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp is available for iOS in the App Store.
2
Tap Chats. It's an icon of overlapping text bubbles at the bottom of the screen.
- This is where you can send messages.
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3
Tap a chat. Select the chat with the attachment you wish to download.
4
Tap an attachment. Select the attachment you wish to download.
- If you want to download a video, you may need to wait a few moments depending on the size of the attachment.
5
Tap the "Share" icon. It's the square containing an upward-pointing arrow in the lower-left corner of the screen. This will open a list of options.
- When saving a video, you can also select Forward or Share.
- When saving an image, you can also select Share or Set as my Profile Photo.
6
Tap Save. The attachment has been saved to your iOS device.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Android

1
Open the WhatsApp app. It's a green app that contains a white phone icon inside a white text bubble.
- WhatsApp is available for Android in the Google Play Store.
2
Tap Chats. It's at the top-center of the screen, next to Status.
3
Tap a chat. Select the chat with the attachment you wish to download.
4
Tap an attachment. Select the attachment you wish to download.
- The attachment will have a down arrow along with the size of the file.
- By default, the attachment will begin downloading automatically.
- If you want to download a video, you may need to wait a few moments depending on the size of the attachment.
5
Open your device's Gallery. Your images will be saved in a folder such as WhatsApp Images or Other.
- If you want to turn off automatic saving, tap the three dots in the top-right corner. Go to Settings → Chats → toggle off Media visibility.^{[1]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using PC or Mac

1
Open the WhatsApp application. It's a green app that contains a white phone icon inside a white text bubble.
- WhatsApp must be installed on your mobile device to use the desktop version.^{[2]
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- If you aren't already logged in, click Get started to do so now.
2
Click on a chat. Select the chat with the attachment you wish to download.
3
Click on an attachment.
- The attachment will have a down arrow along with the attachment type.
- The full attachment should open.
- If you want to download a video, you may need to wait a few moments depending on the size of the attachment.
4
Click ••• in the top-right corner. A drop-down menu will open.
- If you're downloading a video, you can click the Download icon at the top-right corner. This looks like a down arrow above a horizontal line. The video will be downloaded to your computer.
5
Click Save as…. A new window will open.
6
Select your save location and click Save. This is where your attachment will be saved.
- You can rename the file if needed.
- Find your file in the designated save location.
- To find a downloaded video, locate your Downloads folder. The file name will be WhatsApp Video along with the date and time downloaded.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Downloading a Status (Android)

1
Open the WhatsApp app. It's a green app that contains a white phone icon inside a white text bubble. WhatsApp Status allows users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.^{[3]
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- This method will only work on Android devices.
- For iPhone and other iOS devices, you can always screen record the Status.
2
Tap Status. This will be on the top, next to Chats and Calls.
3
Tap a Status to view it. Select the Status you want to save and let it play to completion.
- If you only want to save a section of the Status, make sure to watch the entire section.
4
Open the My Files app. This may vary with your device. You'll need to use your device's file manager.
5
Enable "hidden system files". To do this, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, then tap Settings.^{[4]
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- Toggle on Show hidden system files.
- Return to the My Files home screen by tapping the arrow in the top-left.
6
Tap Internal Storage. This will be underneath the Storage header.
7
Tap Essentials, then tap All. This can be found underneath Internal storage.
- All your files will be displayed.
8
Tap Android, then Media. You'll be able to see your WhatsApp media files along with other stored media files.
9
Tap com.whatsapp, then WhatsApp. You can see the number of items in the folder and the date of last activity.
10
Tap Media. This will be at the bottom of the list. You may need to scroll down.
11
Tap .Statuses. A list of WhatsApp Statuses will display in a list. You can see an image of the preview on the left side.
12
Long-press the Status you want to save. This will select the file.
- Android will save the Status by its sections. If you want to save the full Status, be sure to select the additional files by tapping the circle to the left of the files.
13
Tap Copy. This will be on the bottom, underneath the icon of the two overlapping rectangles.
14
Navigate to a save folder. Use the back arrows on the top-left to return to the Internal storage page, then tap DCIM.
- You can select an existing folder or create a new folder.
- To create a new folder, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, then Create folder. Enter a name for your folder, then tap Create.
15
In the new save folder, tap Copy here. This will be at the bottom-right corner.
- The WhatsApp Statuses will be saved to this folder in your device.
16
Access your saved Statuses. Open the Gallery app and navigate to Albums. Select the folder you chose to copy your files.
- You can now view your saved Statuses from your device. You can also transfer the files to your PC.