Free up app storage

Free up Threema storage

Threema stores encrypted chats, photos, videos, and files on this phone. There is no central server copy of your messages. Threema says your data lives only on the device. Delete media or reinstall only after a real backup, or those files are gone.

See how much space Threema is using

iPhone

1. Open the iPhone Settings app.
2. Tap General > iPhone Storage.
3. Tap Threema.

Android

1. Open your phone Settings > Apps.
2. Tap Threema.
3. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.

Threema does not have a WhatsApp-style Free up Storage screen. Use the system total, then delete media inside chats.

Back up before you delete anything large

Threema Safe is not a chat backup. Official docs: it saves your ID, contacts, groups, and some settings. It does not include chats or media.

iPhone

1. Open Threema > Profile > Backups.
2. Turn on Threema Safe if you want the ID backup.
3. Create a data backup / export for chats and media before a big delete or reinstall.

Android

1. On the main screen, tap the menu (three dots) > Backups.
2. Enable Threema Safe if you want the ID backup.
3. Create a Data backup for chats and media. Save that file somewhere other than Threema.

Delete media from one chat

1. Open the chat.
2. Tap the contact or group name.
3. Open media / files if you see that section.
4. Select photos, videos, or files, then delete them.

You can also tap and hold a message in the thread and delete it. That removes the encrypted file from this phone. The other person still has their copy.

Delete a conversation

1. On the chat list, swipe or tap and hold the conversation.
2. Tap Delete.
3. Confirm.

There is no cloud restore for that thread unless you already made a data backup.

Stop media from saving to Photos or Gallery

1. Open Threema settings (Profile / menu > Settings).
2. Open media or chat settings.
3. Turn off saving incoming media to Photos or Gallery if that switch is on.

Copies already in Photos stay there until you delete them, including Recently Deleted / Trash.

Clear Threema cache on Android

1. Open your phone Settings > Apps > Threema.
2. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.
3. Tap Clear cache.

Do not tap Clear storage / Clear data unless you mean to wipe Threema on this phone. That deletes local encrypted chats. Recover them only from a data backup you already saved.

iPhone does not offer a separate Threema cache button. Delete media in chats, or offload the app only if you already have a data backup.

Reinstall the app if storage is still high

If you already cleaned media and Threema still looks huge, a fresh install can clear leftover cache and temp files that are hard to reach by hand.

1. Make a Data backup first, and write down your Threema Safe password. Threema Safe does not restore chats or media. Without a data backup, reinstalling permanently deletes encrypted messages on this phone.
2. Delete the app from your phone.
3. Restart your phone.
4. Install Threema again from the App Store or Google Play.
5. Sign in and restore from backup if the app offers it.

This often frees a lot of space. You may need to download some media again after restore.

What to do next

After Threema is lighter, check your photo library for duplicates and similar shots. That is what Dedupo is for.

More app guides: Free up app storage.