How to Fix WhatsApp Not Sending Videos on iPhone and Android

Quick Tips

• Check the video file size to ensure it’s under WhatsApp’s limit. To circumvent the issue, you can send it as a document.
• Edit the video (make some changes and undo it). As WhatsApp re-encodes the video, the problem can be resolved.
• Clear WhatsApp cache (Android) to get rid of corrupted files and try sending the video again.

Why Can’t You Send a Video on WhatsApp?

There could be several underlying reasons, such as:

• Video’s file size – The default video size limit for WhatsApp is 100MB and 720p resolution (fast internet connections) and 64MB and 480p resolution (slower internet connections). If your video exceeds the limit, it might not be shared.
• Unstable internet connection – A fluctuating internet speed can affect uploads; ensure you have a stable connection through mobile data or Wi-Fi.
• Insufficient device storage – If your phone’s storage is full, it may prevent WhatsApp from saving or sending media files, including videos.
• Background app restrictions – WhatsApp must run smoothly in the background to send videos successfully. Check if it has the necessary permissions.

Basic Fixes

• Check video size – While WhatsApp compresses a video before it shares it, the file size may be too large. Check the file size and edit or convert the video to reduce it if needed.
• Check WhatsApp status – When WhatsApp servers are out, you can’t send a single message, let alone an entire video. Visit Downdetector and search for WhatsApp service status to confirm the issue.
• Try sending video in HD – The compression when you send a video in HD is different. Since WhatsApp will be treating the video differently, the issue might not occur.
• Convert video to a different format – Maybe the error is in the video’s format or coding. When you convert it, the issue will be resolved; try it.
• Force close and open WhatsApp – It is another effective way to fix the ‘can’t send this video’ error on WhatsApp. The idea is to reset the app connection to resolve bugs or glitches.
• Update WhatsApp – If the culprit is a bug on WhatsApp’s end, an update can save you plenty of effort.

Fix 1. Enable Background App Refresh

When enabled, the setting keeps WhatsApp open and running in the multitasking menu, and the system won’t pause the video-sending process.

On iPhone

Step 1: Open Settings on iPhone. Scroll down to WhatsApp.

Step 2: Enable Background App Refresh from the following menu.

On Android

Step 1: Open Settings on your device. Select Connections from the menu.

Step 2: Tap Data Usage.

Step 3: Now, select Wi-Fi data usage/Mobile data usage. Select WhatsApp.

Step 4: Toggle on Allow Background data usage.

Fix 2. Edit the Video on WhatsApp Before Sending

Trimming or cropping the video could reduce its file size, allowing for a smoother upload. However, even if you don’t want to cut any parts, editing the video on WhatsApp is a great solution as it re-encodes the video, which, in turn, may resolve the issue and send the video successfully.

Step 1: Open WhatsApp → Chat → select the video from the gallery.

Step 2: Here, you can crop or trim the video as needed and tap Done. You can also add stickers or text and remove them (so the video does not change) and tap Done.

Step 3: Now, try sending the video again.

Fix 3. Clear WhatsApp Cache (Android)

WhatsApp collects cache data on Android to make the app run faster and more responsive. However, the practice often slows down when the system collects an abnormal amount of data, so you need to clear the WhatsApp cache on Android.

Step 1: Long-tap on the WhatsApp app icon and open the info menu.

Step 2: Go to the Storage menu and select Clear cache.

Some users have also faced issues with posting videos on WhatsApp status. If you are among them, check our troubleshooting guide to fix the problem.