Core 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 changing the phone's date does not affect the expiration status of files, and the official response from WeChat clarifies the actual mechanisms behind file expiration [5][10][24]. Summary by Sections User Frustration - Users often encounter issues with important files, images, and videos becoming "expired" on WeChat, leading to frustration over the inability to access them [1]. - The design of the expiration mechanism has been criticized by users, who feel that while files become inaccessible, they still occupy storage space [1]. Misinformation and Official Response - A claim circulated that changing the phone's date to within 7 days of receiving a file could allow users to view expired content, which was refuted by WeChat staff [2][5]. - WeChat clarified that the expiration period for files is actually 14 days, not 7, and that the expiration mechanism does not rely on the user's local time [7][8]. Recovery Methods - Users are advised to contact the sender for a resend if files are expired [13]. - Files may be retrievable from the computer version of WeChat if synchronization and backup features are enabled [14]. - The article suggests using WeChat's fault repair function, although it is primarily for issues caused by app crashes [16][18]. - Users can also check the storage space management feature in WeChat to attempt recovery, but this is only effective if the files have not been actively cleared [19][21]. - Third-party data recovery software is mentioned as a potential option, but it carries risks of data loss and privacy concerns [22]. Preventive Measures - To avoid issues with expired files, users are encouraged to download and save important files promptly, use the favorites feature for long-term storage, and regularly back up files to cloud services or external devices [23][24].