6 Ways to Fix WhatsApp Media Download Failed Error on Phone

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Basic Fixes:

Fix 1: Enable Mobile Data for WhatsApp (iPhone)

iOS lets you restrict mobile data use for certain apps from the settings menu. If the option is enabled for WhatsApp, you might not be able to download media on the iPhone. Here’s how to check and disable it.

Step 1:OpenSettingsand tap onWhatsApp. Enable theMobile Datatoggle.

Fix 2: Give Storage Permission to WhatsApp

WhatsApp requires relevant storage permission to save the media files to the device gallery. If this is not granted, you might face errors when downloading media. Here’s how to enable it on iPhone and Android devices.

On iPhone

Step 1:OpenSettings→WhatsApp. Tap onPhotosand selectAll Photos.

On Android

Step 1:Long-press theWhatsApp app icon> select theinfooption >Permissions.

Step 2:OpenPhotos and videosand enable the relevantpermissions.

Fix 3: Check the Date and Time

Incorrect date and time settings on your phone may prevent you from downloading photos and videos on WhatsApp. Here’s how to set your phone to automatically update to avoid such issues.

On iPhone

Step 1:OpenSettingsand head toGeneral>Date & Time.

Step 2:Enable theSet Automaticallytoggle and select the correctTime Zone.

On Android

Step 1:Launch AndroidSettingsand go toSystem>Date and time.

Step 2:Enable theSet time automaticallytoggle.

Fix 4: Enable Background App Refresh

To download WhatsApp media files on an iPhone, allow the app to function properly in the background. Follow the below steps to do this.

On iPhone

Step 1:OpenSettings>WhatsApp. Enable theBackground App Refreshtoggle.

On Android

Step 1:Open the WhatsApp appinfo menu> go toMobile data & Wi-Fi.

Step 2:Enable theBackground datatoggle.

Do your downloaded photos and videos from WhatsApp fail to appear in your phone’s gallery app? You must tweak WhatsApp Settings tosave WhatsApp photos to the gallery. Here’s how.

On iPhone

Step 1:OpenWhatsAppon your iPhone > go toSettings.

Step 2:SelectChats> enable theSave to Camera Rolltoggle.

On Android

Step 1:LaunchWhatsAppon Android > tap thethree-dot menuat the top > openSettings.

Step 2:SelectChats> enable theMedia visibilitytoggle.

Also Read:How to fix WhatsApp images not showing in gallery on iPhone or Android

Fix 6: Reset Network Settings

Incorrect network settings on your iPhone or Android lead to errors like WhatsApp media download failed. In this case,reset network settingsto ensure your device’s network settings do not interfere with WhatsApp’s media downloads. Here’s how.

On iPhone

Step 1:OpenSettings>General>Transfer or Reset iPhone>Reset.

Step 2:TapReset Network Settings.

Android

Step 1:LaunchSettings>General Management.

Step 2:SelectReset> tapReset network settings.

Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process. Then, open WhatsApp and download any media to see if the issue has been resolved.

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Last updated on 27 June, 2024

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