WhatsApp pictures: Download failed - that's why

The WhatsApp error message "Download failed" when downloading images can have various reasons. This may be too little space or a poor internet connection. If the problem persists, we'll give you more tips here.

WhatsApp: Download failed while loading images - that can help

Usually simple tricks like restarting the cell phone or closing and reopening WhatsApp help. If it still hangs, it could be because:

• No internet connection: If the mobile data is too weak or the WiFi range is too short, a download may fail.
• If you are connected to a (public) W-LAN and the connection is too bad, errors can occur before the cell phone automatically switches to mobile data. Disconnect the WiFi and try again in the mobile network.
• With larger image files, the download can also fail if your data volume is used up. The same applies if the internet connection is too slow. So make sure that you still have enough volume or download the file in the fast WiFi.
• An incorrectly set date or time can also cause problems with the servers and stop the download. So also make sure that this is correct. At best, set the date and time to "Automatic" on your smartphone. In this way, the cell phone also searches for the correct time when you are traveling between different time zones.

The unsuccessful download of WhatsApp images can still have these reasons

Another indication of the faulty download is the SD card or the internal memory. If there is no space here, the file cannot be saved.

• Even if you usually get an error message in this case that there is not enough space, this can be the problem. So check this option first and delete unnecessary files if necessary. In another practical tip, we will show you specifically how you can create free space on your Android smartphone.
• A read-only SD card can also cause problems with images on WhatsApp. If you have set that files should be saved on the SD card, but it is write-protected, the download cannot work.
• If you can save data on the card, but not WhatsApp images, it can help to remove existing WhatsApp data from the SD card. Don't forget to back up your data beforehand before deleting the "WhatsApp" folder on the card.
• A defective SD card can also be a reason. To do this, it must be formatted. In the settings of the SD card you will usually find the "Format card" button. Caution: All data will be permanently deleted.

WhatsApp images download still faulty: that's how it works

If restart, reset internet connection and format SD card did not help, you can still clear the WhatsApp cache.

• Under "Settings - Applications" or "Apps" you can clear the WhatsApp cache. Depending on the system - Android or iOS - and depending on the version, you will find the "Clear cache" button here.
• You may have to go to "Storage", there you will find the button mentioned above.
• If you also deactivate the app, all possibly incorrect settings should be reset to standard. If you want to uninstall and then reinstall the app, you should make a backup.

In another practical tip, we present 7 things that you did not know about WhatsApp.