Whatsapp the file format is not supported​

WhatsApp has become one of the most widely used messaging platforms globally, providing users with a quick, convenient way to communicate. From sending text messages to voice notes, video calls, and multimedia files, the app supports a wide range of formats. However, users sometimes face an issue when trying to send or receive files. A message that often appears is: “The file format is not supported.” This can be frustrating, especially when the files are essential for work or personal communication.

What File Formats Does WhatsApp Support?

WhatsApp supports a variety of file formats, including images, videos, documents, and audio files. However, it has its limits, and certain file types may not be compatible. Here are the most commonly supported file formats on WhatsApp:

Image Files: WhatsApp supports most image formats, including:

JPG/JPEG

PNG

GIF

WebP (especially for images received in messages)

Audio Files: Audio files are supported in the following formats:

MP3

M4A

AAC

WAV

Video Files: WhatsApp supports most video formats, such as:

MP4 (the most widely supported format for video sharing)

AVI

MKV (though less common)

MOV (on iOS devices)

Document Files: WhatsApp also allows sharing documents in the following formats:

PDF

DOCX

PPTX

TXT

XLSX

Other Files: WhatsApp also supports a variety of other file types for sending, such as:

ZIP files

APK files (Android application packages)

However, certain types of files, such as executable files (.exe), certain video codecs, and unsupported image formats, may result in the error message “File format not supported.” WhatsApp’s ability to process these files is limited by both the operating system’s capabilities and the app’s native processing power.

Common Causes of WhatsApp File Format Not Supported Error

The “file format is not supported” error on WhatsApp can arise from several different causes. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Unsupported File Format

The most obvious reason for this error is that the file format is simply not supported by WhatsApp. While WhatsApp supports a wide range of file types, certain proprietary or niche formats (like certain RAW image files or custom video codecs) may not be compatible.

Corrupted Files

If the file has been corrupted or partially downloaded, WhatsApp may not be able to recognize it correctly, leading to the “file format not supported” error. This can happen during the download or upload process, especially if your internet connection was interrupted.

Outdated WhatsApp Version

Using an outdated version of WhatsApp could also lead to compatibility issues. WhatsApp regularly updates its app to support new file formats or improve support for existing ones. If you’re not using the latest version, you might encounter issues with newer file types or features.

Operating System Compatibility

Sometimes, the issue might not be with WhatsApp itself but with the device’s operating system. For instance, a file type might be supported on iOS but not on Android or vice versa. Certain files that are supported by the OS may not be recognized by WhatsApp due to compatibility issues.

File Size Limitations

WhatsApp has a file size limit for sending media files. The maximum size for images, videos, and documents that can be sent is 100MB. If you try to send a file that exceeds this size, WhatsApp might display the error.

File Extension Mismatch

Occasionally, files may have an incorrect extension or the wrong file type, even though they appear to be in a format WhatsApp supports. This happens when the file extension doesn’t match the actual file format (e.g., a .mp3 file that’s actually a video or an image with a .png extension that’s corrupted).

How to Troubleshoot WhatsApp File Format Issues

Now that you understand the common causes of the “file format is not supported” error, let’s look at how you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue. These steps can help you overcome the issue and successfully send or receive files on WhatsApp.

Check the File Format

The first step is to confirm that the file you’re trying to send is in a supported format. You can do this by checking the file extension and comparing it with WhatsApp’s list of supported formats. If you find the file is in an unsupported format, you’ll need to convert it to a compatible one.

Update WhatsApp

Ensure that you are using the latest version of WhatsApp. App updates often include bug fixes, compatibility improvements, and support for newer file formats. Go to the Google Play Store (for Android) or the Apple App Store (for iOS) and check if there is an update available.

Try a Different File

If a particular file isn’t sending, try sending a different file of the same type. For instance, if a video isn’t sending, try sending a different video. If the new video sends successfully, the problem might be with the specific file (e.g., corrupted or in a different format than it appears).

Re-Download or Re-upload the File

If the file is corrupted, it might have been partially downloaded or improperly uploaded. Try downloading the file again from its original source or ask the sender to upload it again.

Convert the File

If you’ve identified that the file format is unsupported, you can convert it into a compatible format. There are many online tools and apps that allow you to convert video, audio, and image files to formats like MP4. MP3. JPG, or PNG. Some tools include CloudConvert, Zamzar, and Format Factory.

Check for File Size

Make sure that the file you are trying to send is within WhatsApp’s file size limit of 100MB. If the file is too large, consider compressing it or trimming down the content. For example, you can use a video editor to shorten the video or reduce its resolution to make it smaller.

Clear WhatsApp Cache (Android Users)

On Android devices, clearing the app cache might help resolve minor app glitches, including file format issues. Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear Cache. This will not delete your data or chats but may resolve the issue by removing any temporary files that could be interfering.

How to Convert Unsupported Files to Compatible Formats

If you’ve identified that the file format you are trying to send is unsupported by WhatsApp, you’ll need to convert it into one of the supported formats. There are various ways to convert media files:

Converting Image Files

Use online converters like Convertio or CloudConvert to change your image to JPG, PNG, or GIF.

You can also use editing software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP to save the image in a compatible format.

Converting Video Files

For video files, HandBrake is a great tool for converting them to MP4. which is widely supported.

Online services like Zamzar or Online-Convert allow you to upload video files and convert them to compatible formats.

Converting Audio Files

Tools like Audacity or Online Audio Converter can convert audio files to MP3. M4A, or other compatible formats.

File Compression Tools

If the file size is an issue, use compression tools like WinRAR or 7Zip to compress the file into a ZIP format. WhatsApp supports ZIP files, so this can help in reducing the size without losing content.