
Are your files stuck on the “File format is not supported WhatsApp” error? I know it’s very frustrating, but don’t worry. This is a common error in WhatsApp. I will give you some advanced tips to fix this error completely.
Before we start, let me tell you that this problem usually occurs for one reason but sometimes it can have different reasons. Also, if you get this error on WhatsApp Business, these tips work for business users.
File Format Error on WhatsApp Android
The main and common reason behind this issue is sending unsupported files. To understand this easily, let’s take an example.
This error occurs when you are trying to send files to others or your WhatsApp status contains formats like .MPEG and .AVI that WhatsApp does not support.

Fixing Solutions
About 80% of WhatsApp users face this problem when they try to send files that WhatsApp does not support. You can solve this problem in a few ways. I will explain all the points in depth. With them, you can easily solve this error.
1. Use Supported Formats
When you try to send a file in an unsupported format, WhatsApp shows you that the file format is not supported. You won’t get this error from WhatsApp when you share your files in a supported format.
Also, backup WhatsApp so that your chats are not lost anyway and you can easily share your files with others.
These are the media formats that WhatsApp supports.
Media | Supported Formats |
---|---|
Audio | AAC, MP4, AMR, MPEG, |
Video | MP4, 3GPP |
Image | JPEG, PNG |
Sticker | WEBP |
Document | Valid MIME-type |
2. Send via Documents
- Click on the upload media icon.
- Then tap on the Documents option.
- Select any upload option.
- Now, upload the file where you are getting the “File format is not supported WhatsApp” error.

After following all these steps, your file has been successfully sent to the person you wanted to send it to. When the recipient clicks on the document file, they will see your media whatever it is like video, image, audio and any other file.

3. Use a File Converter
A file format converter also helps you send your files easily. Use any file converter to change the extensions of your files. For example, if your file format is mov, convert it to mp4.
- Go to Google > search for file converter.
- Open any website.
- Then, upload your file and select the file format you want to convert.
- Save the converted file and you can easily send your file without the “File format is not supported WhatsApp” error.
4. Update & Clear Cache
Sometimes, WhatsApp shows the file format error due to not having an updated version and having a large cache. Cache is the amount of WhatsApp data load shown in MB. You need to clear all the cache and update your WhatsApp in Play Store or App Store.
To update the app on Android and iPhone, follow the below steps.
- In Android > go to Play Store and in iPhone > go to App Store.
- Then search for WhatsApp on the search bar.
- If there is a new update, you will see an Update button.
- Tap on this button and your WhatsApp will automatically update in a few seconds.
To clear WhatsApp cache, these tips will make it easier for you.
- Go to your mobile settings.
- Then, go to the Apps & Notifications menu.
- Find WhatsApp here and click on it.
- Tap on Storage and Cache.
- Here, you will see your total used cache. Now, click on Clear Cache.
Conclusion
It is a fact, if WhatsApp provides you with many features then you also face some errors like file format not supported. This is a common error on WhatsApp and I have already told you many solutions to this problem.
These methods that I have taught you will work 100% to fix the file format error on WhatsApp if you follow them completely.