WhatsApp: How to solve image download problems

Discover different ways to solve problems downloading images and videos on the mobile and web versions of WhatsApp.

Many solutions are possible, such as checking the date and time in your smartphone settings. © Fabio Principe / stock.adobe.com

Are you unable to correctly download the media received in your WhatsApp conversations? Are you facing different error messages such as "download failed", "download not completed" or "please try again later"? Here are some ways to solve this problem on the WhatsApp mobile application and its web version.

For the WhatsApp application on mobile

1. Check the Internet connection

First check to perform: the quality of your Internet connection. If it is faulty, it is no wonder that you are having problems uploading media to WhatsApp. To ensure that your connection is reliable, you can try using another application that requires the use of the Internet or even carry out a search on your browser.

If it turns out to be a Wi-Fi connectivity issue, you can turn off and on the Wi-Fi option. If the problem persists, turn off the Wi-Fi option and just use your 4G/5G connection.

2. Check in the settings that the date and time are correct

Another point to check: the correct synchronization of the date and time on your smartphone. Indeed, if the time displayed on your received messages is incorrect, the connection to the WhatsApp servers to download your media files is impossible. To check your time zone configuration, here's how to do it:

If not already done, it is recommended to opt for the automatic definition of the date, time and time zone, or for the option Provided by the network. This parameter allows you to access the correct time thanks to your mobile operator. If an incorrect date is displayed despite the previous settings being enabled, there may be a problem with your network. You will then need to contact your mobile operator to resolve the problem.

3. Inspect your device's storage space

A problem downloading media may correspond to a full storage space. To check whether this is the case or not, here is how to proceed:

If your storage space is insufficient, it is recommended to clean up your smartphone. As such, you can decide to deactivate the automatic saving of visuals that are shared on WhatsApp, in favor of a manual download of the images or videos that interest you, in order to avoid ending up with elements that would unnecessarily overload the your phone's storage space. To do this, on WhatsApp go to Settings > Chats, and turn off Media Visibility.

4. Download the latest application update

Another step to take is to make sure that the version of WhatsApp you are using corresponds to the latest update. Indeed, a new update may solve your problem. To verify that you have the latest version of WhatsApp, you need:

5. Force quitting the app

If none of the above worked, try force quitting the app. This procedure works as a kind of mail service reset. For this you need:

6. Uninstalling and reinstalling the application

Uninstalling and reinstalling the application can be a solution to a recurring problem, such as that of downloading visuals on WhatsApp. To do this, hold down the application for a long time and click on Uninstall, for an Android smartphone, and Delete the app for an iPhone. Download the app again from Google Play Store or App Store.

7. Restarting your smartphone

Switching your smartphone off and then on again is never a bad thing and it can even solve many problems. Do not hesitate to try restarting your Android smartphone or your iPhone if the problem downloading visuals persists.

For WhatsApp Web

1. Download photos and videos manually

Unlike the mobile version, the web version of WhatsApp does not automatically download the images and videos you receive. This is why you have to download the visuals manually. To do this, click the down arrow at the top right of the received image, then select Download.

2. Clear browser data

If the problem downloading media persists on the web version of WhatsApp, you can opt to clear your browser data. To do this, here are the different steps to follow depending on the browser:

3. Disconnect and reconnect

This solution can solve many problems encountered on the web version of WhatsApp. To do this, click on the three dots at the top right of the application interface, then select Log out. Follow the procedure to reconnect.

Also readWhatsApp on PC: 15 tips to know about the web version

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