TENCENT(HK:00700) 程序员的那些事·2025-08-05 14:55Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the issue of expired files on WeChat, highlighting user frustrations and the misinformation surrounding methods to recover these files. It emphasizes that the official stance from WeChat denies the effectiveness of these recovery methods and clarifies the file expiration mechanism. Group 1: Expiration Mechanism - WeChat files, images, and videos expire after 14 days if not opened by the recipient, contrary to some claims of a 7-day period [3][4] - The expiration status is not influenced by the user's local device time, meaning changing the phone's date will not allow access to expired files [3][5] Group 2: Misinformation and User Reactions - Users initially believed that changing the phone date could help recover expired files, leading to widespread sharing of this method [2][4] - WeChat's official response labeled these claims as false, stating that the files do not occupy significant storage space once expired [3][7] Group 3: Recovery Methods - Suggested methods for recovering expired files include contacting the sender for a resend, checking the computer version of WeChat for backups, and using the app's fault repair feature [9][10][12] - Users can also explore storage space management within WeChat to find and recover files, although this is only effective if the files have not been actively cleared [15][17] Group 4: Preventive Measures - To prevent file expiration, users are advised to download and save important files promptly, use the favorites feature for long-term storage, and regularly back up files to cloud services [19][20][21] - Utilizing third-party file management tools can enhance file organization and backup efficiency [22]