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Telegram Cache Management and Auto-Download Settings Guide

2025-06-25

Telegram Cache Management and Auto-Download Settings Guide

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 optimizing their overall user experience.

About Telegram Cache and Auto-Download

The Telegram client automatically downloads media files (such as images, videos, audios, and documents) during usage, which can consume a significant amount of device storage space. Users can manually or automatically clear the cache through settings. However, please note that certain data essential for the app's operation cannot be cleared. Clearing the cache does not delete your media files; these files remain stored in the Telegram cloud and can be re-downloaded whenever needed. Furthermore, Telegram messages sync automatically across all platforms and clients (with the exception of encrypted chats), so clearing the cache does not affect the preservation of your messages, nor is deleting messages an effective method for clearing the cache.

How to Clear Cache

  • For iOS/macOS/Android Clients:

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

  • For Windows/macOS/Linux Desktop Clients:

    1. Click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu icon) in the top-left corner → Settings → Advanced → Cache Management → Clear Cache.
    2. From here, you can set a limit for the total cache size.

Auto-Download Settings

  • For iOS/macOS/Android Clients:

    1. Go to Settings → Data and Storage → Automatic Media Download.
    2. Users can choose to disable auto-downloads entirely or set a lower file size limit for auto-downloads. Even after disabling auto-downloads, if you manually tap on media in a chat, these files will still be cached on your device.

  • For Windows/macOS/Linux Desktop Clients:

    1. Click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu icon) in the top-left corner → Settings → Advanced → Automatic Media Download.
    2. Here too, you can choose to disable auto-downloads or adjust the file size limit.

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