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WhatsApp: The File Format is Not Supported

WhatsApp: The File Format is Not Supported

Posted on December 17, 2020 by Madalina Dinita Leave a Comment

If you can’t send photos, videos, or other files via WhatsApp, the file format may indeed not be supported. This could also be a temporary glitch caused by running an outdated app version or using incorrect date and time settings.

In this quick guide, we’ll bring you five solutions to solve this problem.

Fix WhatsApp File Not Supported Errors

Check the File Format

There are certain file formats that WhatsApp does not currently support. For example, the platform does not support AVI video files. However, WhatsApp does support MP4, MOV, and MKV files.

On the other hand, whether or not you can send and open certain types of files also depends on your terminal. In other words, if your device does not have the necessary codecs, you won’t be able to open that file or send it to another person.

Change the File Location

One quick workaround to get rid of this error is to simply change the location of the problematic file.

In other words, copy the file and then save it somewhere else on your phone. For example, if the problematic file is an image or video, open the Gallery and create a new album. Then add the file to the new album.add new album gallery android phone

When you try to send it again via WhatsApp, make sure to navigate to the new file location.

Check Your Date and Time Settings

If your date and time settings are not correct, your terminal won’t connect to WhatsApp’s servers and download the files your contacts sent you.

Go to Settings → System → Date & time. And set your phone to configure time zone information automatically.

android date time settings

Update WhatsApp

If you’re running an outdated WhatsApp version, the list of potential glitches and errors is endless. And it includes the file format error.

Open the Play Store app and search for WhatsApp. If there’s an Update button next to the app, tap it.update whatsapp android

Restart your phone after updating the WhatsApp app. Check if the error is gone.

Check Your SD Card

Not being able to send or receive files via WhatsApp may indicate your SD card is corrupted. In this case, you only have two main choices: format the SD card and erase all the content, or get a new SD card. Check if WhatsApp still says the file format is not supported.

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Filed Under: Android Tagged With: Android, Troubleshooting, WhatsApp

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