---
id: mac-storage-basics.how-do-i-reduce-whatsapp-or-telegram-storage-on-a-mac
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-reduce-whatsapp-or-telegram-storage-on-a-mac
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Mail, Messages and chat apps"
question: "How do I reduce WhatsApp or Telegram storage on my Mac?"
alt_questions:
  - "whatsapp mac storage huge"
  - "telegram cache mac"
  - "whatsapp desktop taking space"
  - "clear telegram data mac"
  - "chat media mac storage"
short_answer: "Use each app's own storage settings: Telegram can clear its cache and limit how long media is kept; WhatsApp lets you review and delete large media and stop auto-downloads."
tags: ["whatsapp", "telegram", "chat apps"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-reduce-messages-storage-on-a-mac", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/is-it-safe-to-delete-caches-on-a-mac"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How do I reduce WhatsApp or Telegram storage on my Mac?

Both apps keep downloaded media from chats. Use their own controls:

- **Telegram** — its **Data and Storage** settings show storage usage, let you clear the cache and set how long media is kept.
- **WhatsApp** — its storage settings let you review and delete large media per chat; turning off automatic media download stops new media piling up.

Avoid deleting their folders in Library by hand, which can remove chat history or sign you out. Storage Studio's What's Using Space recognises many chat apps' data, so you can see which one is responsible.