Why is WhatsApp storage usage different in Settings and the app itself?

hello, so when i check the storage used by whatsapp is difference in settings and whatsapp itself. do you know why this is happen? what should i do? thank you



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iPhone 15, iOS 18

Posted on Apr 5, 2025 7:04 PM

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Apr 5, 2025 11:15 PM in response to garegero

WhatsApp is aware that there is a difference in the storage noted. They simply claim it is due to a difference in the way the storage is calculated. That doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, but that is all you have to go on and they do not provide any better explanation.


To ensure that WhatsApp works properly, make sure that your phone has storage space available. You can view how much space WhatsApp takes up on your device and free up storage by deleting items. It's possible that there might be a difference in the storage usage noted by your WhatsApp app and iPhone. This is mainly because of the difference in the way WhatsApp calculates storage vs your iPhone.

https://faq.whatsapp.com/5503646096388294/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref=platform_switcher

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Apr 5, 2025 10:51 PM in response to garegero

WhatsApp > Settings > Storage and Data > Manage Storage

  • Shows user-visible data only, such as:
    • Photos, videos, voice notes, documents, and chat messages.
    • It doesn't include app cache, logs, or other backend files, WhatsApp App Size itself.


Try to check in the iPhone : Settings > General > iPhone Storage > [Scroll to the bottom] >

iOS - Size

System Data > Size


System Data includes caches, logs and other resources currently in use by the system. This value will fluctuate according to system needs.


Normally the System data is - iOS + 1.5 to 2 GB


If it is higher....

  • Other: Non-removable mobile assets, like Siri voices, fonts, dictionaries, non-removable logs and caches, Spotlight index, and system data, such as Keychain and CloudKit Database. Cached files can't be deleted by the system.
  • System: Space taken by the operating system. This can vary based on your device and model.


About cached files in "Other"

Finder and iTunes categorize cached music, videos, and photos as Other instead of actual songs, videos, or photos. Cached files are created when you stream or view content like music, videos, and photos. When you stream music or video, that content is stored as cached files on your device so you can quickly access it again.


Your device automatically removes cached files and temporary files when your device needs more space.


If storage on your device differs from what you see in Finder or iTunes

Since Finder and iTunes categorize cached files as Other, reported usage for Music or Videos might differ. To view usage on your device, go to Settings > General > [Device] Storage.


If you want to delete the cached files from your device

Your device automatically deletes cached files and temporary files when it needs more space. You don't need to delete them yourself.


In short --> IGNORE, if you are not convinced, Restart the device. You will see that Others Storage will reduce but total storage will remain more or less the same.



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Why is WhatsApp storage usage different in Settings and the app itself?

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