Guide to Telegram Cache Management and Auto-Download Settings

Conclusion

Effectively managing Telegram's cache and auto-download settings can significantly save device storage space. By adjusting these settings, users can flexibly control how often the cache is cleared and the types of media that are auto-downloaded, thereby optimising their user experience.

About Telegram Cache and Auto-Download

When using the Telegram client, media files (such as images, videos, audio, and documents) are automatically downloaded, which can consume a significant amount of device storage space. Users can clear the cache manually or set it to clear automatically via the settings. However, please note that some data essential for the application's operation cannot be cleared. Clearing the cache is not equivalent to deleting media files; these files remain stored in the Telegram cloud and can be re-downloaded at any time. Furthermore, Telegram messages automatically sync across all platforms and clients (with the exception of encrypted chats). Therefore, clearing the cache does not affect message retention, and deleting messages is not an effective method for clearing the cache.

How to Clear Cache

• iOS/macOS/Android Clients:

  1. Go to Settings → Data and Storage → Storage Usage → Clear Cache.
  2. You can set the 'Keep Media' retention period to a shorter duration (e.g., 3 days, 1 week, or 1 month). Telegram will automatically clear cached media older than this period. If 'Forever' is selected, automatic clearing will not occur.
  3. You can also set a 'Maximum Cache Size'.

• Windows/macOS/Linux Desktop Clients:

  1. Click the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner → Settings → Advanced → Cache Management → Clear Cache.
  2. Here, you can set a limit for the total cache size.

Auto-Download Settings

• iOS/macOS/Android Clients:

  1. Go to Settings → Data and Storage → Automatic Media Download.
  2. Users can choose to disable automatic downloads, or set a smaller file size limit for auto-downloaded media. Even with auto-download disabled, these files will still be cached on your device when you manually tap on media within a chat.

• Windows/macOS/Linux Desktop Clients:

  1. Click the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner → Settings → Advanced → Automatic Media Download.
  2. Similarly, you can choose to disable automatic downloads or adjust the file size limit.

By configuring Telegram's cache management and auto-download settings appropriately, users can effectively improve device performance and ensure a smoother user experience.