Top 14 Ways to Fix WhatsApp Media Download Failed Error on iOS and Android

WhatsApp is one of the most popular IM (Instant Messaging) apps out there. It’s an essential platform for many people to exchange messages, photos, videos, files, and stay in touch with friends and family. While many people continue to share multimedia content on WhatsApp, it can be very frustrating if the app suddenly gives an error when downloading media on iOS and Android. Here are the best ways to fix WhatsApp download failed error on iPhone and Android.

WhatsApp not downloading videos can confuse you. It even breaks your workflow if you can’t download important photos sent by your colleagues. You should first refresh the network connection by turning Airplane Mode on and off on your phone and try again. There are many factors at play here. It could be because of an outdated WhatsApp build, network connectivity issues, server outages, etc. Let’s fix it once and for all.

1. Update WhatsApp

WhatsApp regularly updates its apps on iOS and Android. Media download error can happen due to faulty or older WhatsApp build on your phone. You should open the App Store or Google Play Store and update WhatsApp to the latest version.

2. Leaving WhatsApp Beta Program

If download media errors are common on WhatsApp beta builds, you should exit the program and start using the stable version of the App Store or Play Store.

On iPhone, open TestFlight App > WhatsApp > and select Leave beta program from the following menu.

On Android, open the Play Store and search for WhatsApp. Once you find it, you’ll see the option to leave the beta program.

3. Activate Cellular Data for WhatsApp (iPhone)

iOS allows you to restrict mobile data usage for certain apps from the settings menu. If the option is enabled for WhatsApp, you may not be able to download media on your iPhone.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and scroll down to WhatsApp.

Step 2: Turn on the Mobile Data toggle.

4. Grant storage permission to WhatsApp

WhatsApp requires relevant storage permission to save media files to device gallery.

Iphone

Step 1: Open iPhone Settings and scroll to WhatsApp.

Step 2: Select Photos and press ‘All Photos’.

Android

Step 1: Long press on the WhatsApp app icon and select ‘i’ to open the app info menu. Choose permission

Step 2: Open Photos and Videos. Enable permissions.

5. Use a strong network connection

Large media files require a strong and stable network connection for smooth downloads in WhatsApp.

You should make sure that your phone is connected to a stronger network and has enough bar for cellular strength. If your phone and router support dual band, connect to the 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency.

6. Enable Background App Refresh

To download WhatsApp media files on iPhone, you should allow the app to work properly in the background.

Iphone

Step 1: Launch iPhone Settings and select WhatsApp.

Step 2: Turn on Background App Refresh toggle.

Android

Step 1: Open WhatsApp app info menu and go to Mobile Data & Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Enable Background Data toggle.

7. Lock WhatsApp from the Multitasking Menu (Android)

Some third-party skins like Realme UI, MIUI, FunTouch OS and Color OS limit background app usage to save battery. The system shuts down the WhatsApp app in the background and crashes your media download.

As a workaround, these Android skins provide the ability to lock apps in the background to keep apps running smoothly. Open the multitasking menu and tap the three-dot menu at the top. Select lock and it will lock the app in background. When you close all apps from background, system won’t kill/close apps.

8. Save downloaded media to phone gallery

Photos and videos downloaded from your WhatsApp don’t appear in your phone’s gallery app? You need to make a tweak from WhatsApp Settings.

Iphone

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and go to Settings.

Step 2: Select Chat and enable the Save to Camera Roll switch.

Android

Step 1: Launch WhatsApp on Android. Tap the three-dot menu at the top and open Settings.

Step 2: Select Chat and enable the Media visibility toggle.

You can read our dedicated post to fix WhatsApp images not showing in gallery.

9. Reset network settings

Incorrect network settings on your iPhone or Android lead to errors like WhatsApp media download failed. It’s time to reset network settings.

Iphone

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone and navigate to the General menu > Transfer or Reset > Reset.

Step 2: Tap Reset network settings.

Android

Step 1: Launch Settings and scroll to General Management.

Step 2: Select Reset and tap Reset network settings.

You can read our dedicated post to learn what it means to reset network settings on iPhone and Android. Now open WhatsApp and start downloading media without any problem.

10. Check phone memory

If you run out of space on your phone, WhatsApp may not download and save videos. Here’s how you can store leftovers on iPhone and Android.

Iphone

Step 1: Open iPhone Settings and go to General menu > Storage.

Step 2: Check detailed memory analysis from the following menu.

Now check out our dedicated post to free up space on iPhone without deleting apps.

Android

Step 1: Launch Settings and select Storage.

Step 2: You can check memory consumption and free up space from the same menu.

Once you have enough space, try downloading photos and videos from WhatsApp without breaking a sweat.

11. Check the date and time on your phone

Incorrect date and time settings on your phone may prevent you from downloading WhatsApp photos and videos.

Iphone

Step 1: Open iPhone Settings and go to General > Date & Time.

Step 2: Enable the Set Automatically toggle and select the correct time zone.

Android

Step 1: Launch Android Settings and go to System > Date & Time.

Step 2: Set the correct time zone.

12. Ask the person to resend the photo

If you still see the WhatsApp media download failed error, ask the person to resend the photo or video.

13. Reinstall WhatsApp

When none of the tricks worked, it’s time to reinstall WhatsApp on your phone. You should back up your WhatsApp data to iCloud or Google Drive and delete the app.

iPhone users can long press the WhatsApp icon and select Delete App. Now tap Remove App to uninstall the app.

If you use an Android phone, go to the WhatsApp app info menu and select Uninstall. You can download the app from the Play Store or the App Store and use the same mobile number to sign in.

14. Check if WhatsApp server is down

WhatsApp media download failed error could be due to server side problem from WhatsApp. You can go to the error detector and make sure the WhatsApp server is running fine. If WhatsApp experiences an outage, you won’t be able to send messages, send media, or download received videos and photos. You have to wait for the company to solve the problems from their side.

Start downloading media on WhatsApp

Those unrelated ‘Good Morning’ photos can be avoided on WhatsApp. But there are times when you need to download and save media files on the device. If you’re having trouble saving media files, go ahead and apply the tips above to fix the problem.

Categories: How to
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