How to Fix the “File Format is Not Supported” Error on WhatsApp

The “File Format is Not Supported” error on WhatsApp can appear when you’re trying to send a video, photo, or document, but WhatsApp is unable to process the file. This typically happens when you’re dealing with an unsupported file type in WhatsApp, such as a rare video codec or non-standard document format.

Example: WhatsApp displaying the “File Format is Not Supported” error when sending a video

This issue most commonly occurs when:

• The media file was recorded or edited in a format WhatsApp doesn’t support.
• The file was corrupted during download or transfer.
• Your WhatsApp installation is outdated or affected by revoked permissions or broken internal configurations, especially on modified (rooted) devices.
• File metadata may be stripped or incorrectly modified—especially if the file was edited using third-party tools. WhatsApp relies on certain metadata to process media correctly.

Quick Check: Before applying any fixes, try sending a different file of the same type (e.g., another MP4 video or JPEG image). If it goes through successfully, the issue likely lies with the original file—such as corruption, codec issues, or bad metadata—rather than with WhatsApp itself.

Now that you understand the possible reasons behind the error, follow the step-by-step solutions below to fix the issue. These methods include checking file compatibility, re-encoding unsupported media, and repairing WhatsApp if necessary.

1. Convert Unsupported Files to WhatsApp-Compatible Formats

If your file doesn’t match one of the supported formats below, you’ll need to convert it before sending. This can be done using built-in tools on your device, editing apps, or media converters that let you convert video to WhatsApp format, such as .mp4 encoded in H.264/AAC.

Beginner Tip: Most image editors, document processors, and video converters allow you to change the file format without modifying the actual content. Look for an “Export” or “Save As” option, and choose a supported format from the list.

2. Use the WhatsApp Desktop App (Windows Version)

WhatsApp Web has limited support for certain file types and features compared to the official desktop application. If you’re encountering the “File Format is Not Supported” error on WhatsApp Web, switching to the Windows desktop app may resolve the issue.

Follow these steps to install the official WhatsApp desktop application from the Microsoft Store:

1. Go to your Windows search bar, type Microsoft Store, and open it.
   
2. In the Microsoft Store, type WhatsApp in the search bar and press Enter.
   
3. Click on the official WhatsApp app published by WhatsApp LLC, then click the Get button to install it.
   
4. Once installed, launch the app and link your mobile device:
   • Open WhatsApp on your phone.
   • Go to Menu > Linked Devices.
   • Tap Link a Device and scan the QR code shown on your PC screen.

3. Reinstall WhatsApp

If you’re still getting the “File Format is Not Supported” error, reinstalling WhatsApp might resolve the issue. A fresh installation clears any corrupted cache and resets app permissions that may have been misconfigured or revoked over time.

You can download the latest version of WhatsApp based on your platform:

For Windows: You can reinstall WhatsApp by downloading it from the official WhatsApp website or through the Microsoft Store (as shown in the steps above).

Example: Downloading WhatsApp from the official website

For Android Users: Go to the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and tap Uninstall. Once removed, reinstall it by tapping Install again. This process also resets any previously denied permissions.

Example: Reinstalling WhatsApp from the Play Store on Android