WhatsApp images are stored directly in the Photos app; if not, check the Files app. 3. Search via WhatsApp Chat Open the specific WhatsApp chat where the image was sent. Tap on the contact/group name at the top. Select "Media, Links, and Docs" .
Knowing this can help determine if the file can be recovered from backup or if it has been permanently deleted.
If it's not showing in the gallery app, check the file manager: