How to Download WhatsApp Status Video and Photos

Besides one-on-one and group chats, WhatsApp also allows users to share photos, videos, and text updates with their contacts via WhatsApp Status, which automatically disappears after 24 hours. Sometimes, a friend’s video or image update might catch your eye, prompting you to find ways to save it for later use.

While WhatsApp doesn’t offer a built-in option to download someone else’s status, there are safe and effective workarounds to save these updates. Keep reading to learn how.

Why You Might Want to Download a WhatsApp Status

Although a WhatsApp Status is meant to be personal and temporary, there are several practical and personal reasons you might want to save one:

• Save memories: Keep special photos or videos shared by friends and family.
• Offline access: View meaningful content later without needing the internet.
• Inspiration: Save quotes, outfit ideas, or recipes you liked.
• Reposting: Share someone’s story with credit or permission.
• Archiving: Preserve content that features you or holds sentimental value.

Note

Always respect privacy and ask before sharing someone else’s status.

Is It Legal or Ethical to Save Someone’s WhatsApp Status?

There’s no specific law that outright bans saving someone’s WhatsApp Status for personal use, but doing so is generally considered unethical. This is why WhatsApp does not officially allow downloading others’ status updates.

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Additionally, sharing someone else’s content without permission could violate privacy laws or even copyright regulations, depending on your region. If the content includes sensitive or personal information, it can lead to legal consequences under data protection or cyber laws.

It’s best to ask the person to share their WhatsApp Status with you directly in a one-on-one chat. Saving it without their consent could feel like a breach of trust if they find out.

How to Download WhatsApp Status (iPhone, Android, Desktop)

Since WhatsApp doesn’t offer a direct download option, here are a few reliable workarounds you can try based on your device:

Method 1: Save WhatsApp Status Images By Taking a Screenshot (iPhone and Android)

On iOS, app data access is restricted, making screenshots the most practical option to save image statuses.

To take a screenshot on iPhone:

1. Open the photo status.
2. Press the Side + Volume Up buttons to take a screenshot.
3. The image will be saved to your Photos app.

On Android:

1. Open the WhatsApp Status you want to save.
2. Press the Power + Volume Down buttons.
3. Check the screenshot in your Gallery.

Method 2: Use Screen Recording for Videos (iPhone and Android)

While this isn’t exactly “downloading,” it’s the quickest and easiest way to save a WhatsApp Status video on your iPhone or Android device.

On iPhone:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.
2. Locate and tap the Screen Recording tile, unless you have customized the Control Center and deleted it. The screen recording will begin after the 3-second timer.
   
3. Open the WhatsApp video status and let it play entirely.
4. Tap the red dot in the Dynamic Island, then tap the Stop button.
   

Find the screen recording in the Photos app and trim extra footage as needed.

Related: How to Screen Record on iPhone or iPad

On Android:

1. Use your phone’s built-in screen recorder.
2. Start recording, play the status, and stop when it finishes.
3. Edit the video using your gallery or a third-party video editor.

Method 3: Use a WhatsApp Status Saver App (iPhone and Android)

Screen recording captures everything on the screen, not just the video. If you want a clean save, you’ll need a third-party app like Status Save, which is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store.

Steps:

1. View the status in WhatsApp.
2. Open the Status Saver app.
3. Tap the image or video you want, then hit Download.

Caution

Linking your WhatsApp account to unauthorized apps can compromise your data and violate WhatsApp’s terms of service. Use only apps that don’t require login credentials.

Method 4: Use a File Manager (Android Only)

WhatsApp temporarily saves viewed statuses in a hidden folder on Android devices. Here’s how to access them:

1. View the status you want to download on WhatsApp.
2. Open File Manager (e.g., Files by Google).
3. Tap the hamburger icon in the top-left corner and select Settings.
4. Scroll down and toggle on “Show hidden files.”
   
5. Now, head to Internal Storage → Android → Media.
   
6. Select com.whatsapp → WhatsApp → Media.
   
7. Tap the “.Statuses” folder. You’ll see images and videos you’ve recently viewed.
   

Method 5: Use a Chrome Extension (Desktop Only)

Don’t want to install an app or link your account? Try using WhatsApp Web with a Chrome extension.

1. Go to the Chrome Web Store, search for extensions like “Status Saver,” and click the Add to Chrome button.
   
2. Next, click the Add Extension button on the pop-up confirmation prompt.
   
3. Open WhatsApp Web in the Chrome browser and sign in to your account.
4. Then, open the WhatsApp status video or image you want to download.
5. Click the Extension icon next to the Address Bar, then select Download.
   

Where Are WhatsApp Status Videos and Photos Stored?

• Screenshots or screen recordings are saved in the Photos app (iPhone) or Gallery (Android).
• Files saved via File Manager or third-party apps are stored in your internal storage or downloads folder.
• Downloads from Chrome extensions are stored in your computer’s Downloads folder by default.

Are There Any Risks in Using Third-Party Apps or Extensions?

Yes, using unauthorized tools may:

• Compromise your data or privacy.
• Display intrusive ads or install malware.
• Violate WhatsApp’s terms of service, risking account suspension.

Stick to built-in tools like screen recording or file access when possible, and avoid shady apps or extensions.

Save Smart, Respect Privacy

WhatsApp doesn’t currently allow saving someone else’s Status, and it is unlikely to do so in the future due to privacy concerns. Still, you can use various workarounds to preserve content that’s meaningful or useful to you.

Just remember: respecting someone’s privacy is always more important than saving a status.

Got a tip of your own for saving WhatsApp Statuses? Share it in the comments to help fellow readers!

Related articles worth reading:

• How to Use Perplexity AI to Generate Images on WhatsApp
• How to Enable WhatsApp End-to-End Encrypted Backups
• How to Use Two WhatsApp Accounts on iPhone