WhatsApp has very active development. Application updates serve to implement new functions and eliminate bugs. However, sometimes, WhatsApp can have problems, as in the case of a failed download error. If you have suffered this failure, the tips we give you here will help you solve it.
Why I cannot download on WhatsApp
We review the different reasons why you might be experiencing problems when downloading with the messaging application.
Free up internal storage space
One of the reasons why WhatsApp is not able to download files is that the memory is full. We recommend that you go to the phone settings and open the storage preferences.
Open the storage settings
Then, tap on the top button to free up space. Depending on the manufacturer, this tool will be more or less complete.
Free space on Android
Note which file types take up the most space. With this information in mind, go to the browser and delete the files you no longer need or upload them to the cloud to create a backup copy. Once you have free space in the memory, return to WhatsApp to download the file again.
Check that WhatsApp can access memory
Another possible cause of the failed download error is that WhatsApp does not have access to storage. Open the information section of the application to check it.
Open the application’s info
There, enter the permissions preferences.
View the app’s permissions on Android
Check if the permission to access the internal memory is under the Denied statement. If that is the case, tap on it.
Open the storage permission
Finally, tap on Allow so that WhatsApp will be able to access the internal memory, and thus, be able to save files.
Allow WhatsApp to access the internal memory
When you are done, open WhatsApp and check whether it is possible to download files or not.
Reset the application to fix errors
An effective solution in most cases is to reset the application completely. In the information section you visited in the previous section, you will see the storage and cache settings.
View storage options
First, clear the cache and check if this is enough. If not, tap on Clear storage to reset WhatsApp to zero.
Reset the application
After following these steps, you will need to log back into the application with your phone number.
Download the latest version of WhatsApp
Having the latest WhatsApp update installed is essential to avoid errors like the one we are dealing with here. Click on the link on this page where you can access the download file of the application in Malavida.
Look for the green button that grants access to the download section from our app review where you can find our analysis and screenshots.
Download the latest version of WhatsApp
Tap on the download button and get the APK.
Start downloading the APK
When the download is complete, open the file you just downloaded on your phone.
Open APK you just downloaded
Tap on the install button to start the process.
Install the WhatsApp update
The last step will be to open the application and check if the failure has been solved.
Open WhatsApp after updating
Make sure you have an Internet connection
Of course, without an Internet connection, it is impossible to download files. Enter the Android quick settings panel and take a look at the active connectivity of your device.
Check your Android’s Internet connection
You must turned on wifi or mobile data. Similarly, turn off airplane mode if you have enabled it for some reason or by mistake.
Test if other apps can download data
In case you have checked that all connections are working properly, try using other applications and download content to them. If they are working fine, WhatsApp is most likely temporarily down. In that case, the only thing you can do is wait for the servers to work again.
Download the file from WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web becomes a good ally to obtain the files of your conversations on the platform. First, you must link your computer. Enter the following URL using your browser:
- https://web.whatsapp.com
Then, open the context menu on your cellphone and tap on Linked devices.
View the linked devices
Tap on the central button to link a new device.
Link a new device
With the camera, scan the QR code that you will see on WhatsApp Web.
Scan the QR code
Now, open the conversation on the computer and try to download the file. If you have been successful, send the file via USB to the cellphone or use a service that works in the cloud.
Ask for the file from your contact again
We finish this article with the possible solutions to the WhatsApp failed download error with the simplest method: ask your contact to send you the file again. When the problem is in the document itself, it will be enough for the other user to forward it to you via WhatsApp. If the service is down, contact it by e-mail or SMS to request a copy of the file.
