1. Check network (Wi-Fi & mobile data)

Media download requires an active internet connection. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to test which one works. If downloads work on mobile data but not on Wi-Fi, restart your router or forget and rejoin the network.

• Turn Wi-Fi off and on again.
• Try a different network (e.g., mobile hotspot).
• Ensure there are no firewall or DNS restrictions on the network.

2. Check storage space & SD card

If your device storage is full, WhatsApp cannot save incoming media. Also, if WhatsApp is set to save media on an SD card, a faulty or write-protected card will block downloads.

• Go to Settings > Storage and free up space if below 10%.
• If using SD card, unmount and test by saving a file manually.
• Set WhatsApp to save media to internal storage if SD is unreliable.

3. Check WhatsApp permissions

WhatsApp needs permission to write to storage and access media files. Without permission, it cannot save photos and videos.

How to check:

• Open Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions.
• Ensure Storage / Files and media permission is enabled.
• Also allow background data if the option exists.

4. Disable data saver / battery saver

Android’s Data Saver or Battery Saver restricts background data for apps, often preventing automatic downloads.

• Turn off Battery Saver from quick settings.
• Turn off Data Saver or allow WhatsApp as an exception.

5. Clear WhatsApp cache

Corrupted cache can interrupt downloads. Clearing cache is safe (it doesn’t remove chats).

How to: Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear cache

6. Update WhatsApp & Google Play Services

Older app versions sometimes have bugs. Update WhatsApp from the Google Play Store and ensure Google Play Services is up to date.

7. Reset network settings

If your network configuration is broken (bad DNS, APN), resetting network settings can help. Note: this removes saved Wi-Fi passwords.

How to: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

8. Reinstall WhatsApp (backup first)

Uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp can fix deeper app-level issues. Make sure to back up chats first (Google Drive backup) if you need to keep messages and media.

9. Server-side problems & contacts

Occasionally WhatsApp’s servers or a contact’s connection (small provider outage) can block media delivery. Check Downdetector or WhatsApp status pages before extensive troubleshooting.

Final checklist

• Network OK? (Test on mobile data)
• Storage OK? (Free at least 10%)
• Permissions OK? (Storage & background data)
• App updated and cache cleared

If none of the above works, try asking the sender to resend the photo or video as a compressed file or via a different app (Telegram / email) to test whether the file itself is corrupted.