Messaging apps have completely changed the way people communicate. WhatsApp is the most used in Europe according to Statista data, and the truth is that it is not surprising, since it is very widespread and has a large number of options. However, you should also take some precautions while using the app. Of course, the first is not to download any other version of the application other than the official version.
It’s true that there are times when WhatsApp can be a way to transmit malicious files, since the platform does not carry out analysis of files sent and received, respecting the privacy of users. However, this may cause some people to receive junk files.
However, there is a way to avoid downloading automatically received files. This not only has security benefits, but also privacy benefits, and is perfectly complemented by other settings that can be activated in the app.
Disable download
Passing a malicious file through WhatsApp can be easy if you have bad intentions, and many people leave the automatic downloading of attachments enabled, which makes it easier to save in internal memory. And even if it doesn’t open now, it can pose a risk later.
Through the application settings it is possible to deactivate the option, so that the files received, such as photographs, videos or documents, will have to be downloaded one by one. Above each of these elements will appear a download button accompanied by an indication indicating the space it occupies.
Automatic download on WhatsApp
Free Android
To do this you must open WhatsApp and go directly to Settings and, once there, click on Storage and data. Next, you will need to change the last three settings: Download with mobile data, with WiFi and roaming. In each of these sections You can define the behavior of the mobile when the images arrive, audios, videos or documents. Simply turn off the Documents option in all three, although it is possible to do so with all of them for added security.
Disabling this feature can also save space in the internal memory of the mobile. Indeed, there will be times when it is not even necessary to upload an image or video if the user knows in advance that they are not interested, such as for example a promotional poster for a company or an attachment to a broadcast message.
