Recently, "WeChat storage takes up too much space. Use the following method to save 10 gigabytes of storage space on your phone." It became a hot search topic.
The core reasons for the storage explosion
1. Duplicate file accumulation mechanism
WeChat creates independent copies of the same files (such as pictures and emoticons) received/sent. Even if the content is exactly the same, it will occupy space repeatedly.
2. Automatic download is not turned off
The "automatic download" function enabled by default will save all media files of group chats/channels locally. Long-term accumulation will cause the space to be occupied ineffectively.
3. Caching data snowball effect
Temporary caches generated by browsing Moments, running mini programs, etc. are not cleared regularly. In particular, the caches of modules such as video accounts and web plug-ins can reach several GB.
Do this to immediately release 10G+ space
Step 1: Clean cache and original files (safe and efficient)
1. Basic cache cleaning
Path: WeChat → Me → Settings → General → Storage → Clean Cache → Temporary files (mini program junk, preview images, etc.) can be cleared directly without affecting the chat history.
2. New version of “original image/original video cleaning” (2025 feature)
Path: Storage Space → Cache → Go to Cleanup → Click "Received Original Pictures/Original Videos" and "Sent Original Pictures/Original Videos" → Select "Sort by File Size" → Delete large group chat files (such as 50MB+ videos) in batches → After cleaning, the files will be converted to normal quality thumbnails.
Step 2: Accurately manage chat records
1. Clean up in descending order of space occupied
Path: Storage Space → Chat History → Management → Check "Pictures, Videos, Files" (keep text messages) → Prioritize clearing group chats larger than 100MB.
2. Time filtering method
Path: Storage Space → Chat History → Management → Select "Old to New" from the sorting → Delete expired work group files, old videos, etc. in batches.
Step 3: Turn off automatic downloading (reduce the burden from the source)
Path: Settings → General → Photos, Videos, Files and Calls → Turn off “Auto Download” → Synchronously turn off the switch to save “Photos” and “Videos” to the album.
Step 4: Handle special exceptions
"Other data" takes up too much → Switch to other WeChat accounts that have logged in to this device and repeat the cleaning steps.
The cleaning progress is stuck → Restart the phone, make sure the battery is greater than 20% and try again.
Long term maintenance strategy
Key considerations
1. Backup priority principle
Before cleaning, save the core data through the computer WeChat backup and recovery function (supports selection by contact).
2. Tips to prevent accidental deletion
Long press on important files → Multi-select to save to phone album or cloud disk.
3. Dealing with hardware bottlenecks
If the phone memory is 128GB and WeChat is larger than 50GB all year round, it is recommended to upgrade to 256GB+ storage.
4. Clarification of cognitive misunderstandings
❌ "Deleting friends can free up space": The actual space occupied comes from the chat history file and has nothing to do with the friend status.
❌ "Automatic merge of duplicate files": WeChat does not recognize duplicate content and needs to be cleaned manually.
User practice effect reference
Clean up the original video of the group chat: release 18.2GB at a time
After turning off automatic download: redundant files in the album are reduced by 80%
Regular maintenance: Stably free up 5 to 10GB per month
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