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WhatsApp

How to fix WhatsApp error 131053 (file not sent)

Error 131053 shows up when WhatsApp cannot upload the image, video, audio or document in your message. Check the format (JPEG/PNG for images, MP4 H.264+AAC for video), the size (5 MB image, 16 MB video and audio, 100 MB document) and, if you use a link, that it is public HTTPS and ends in the file extension.

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Before you start

  • WhatsApp must be connected in Settings › WhatsApp.
  • This error is about the file, not the contact: the message does not go out and the file does not arrive.
  • WhatsApp's limits depend on the file type:
    • Image: up to 5 MB, JPEG or PNG. WebP does not work as a regular image.
    • Video: up to 16 MB, MP4 or 3GPP with H.264 video and AAC audio, one audio track or none.
    • Audio: up to 16 MB, AAC, MP4, MPEG (MP3), AMR or OGG (OPUS only).
    • Document: up to 100 MB, PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and most common formats.
    • Sticker: up to 100 KB, static WebP, exactly 512 × 512 pixels, transparent background.
  • Limits are measured after WhatsApp encrypts the file, so leave headroom (images under 4 MB, videos under 15 MB).
Where to find it

Conversations › customer's conversation › failed message › error description

Step by step

  1. Open Conversations, click the conversation and read the error description: it often says exactly what failed, for example "unsupported image mime type image/webp".
  2. Check the file's real format, not just its extension. A file renamed to .jpg but saved as WebP still fails. Convert if needed:
    • WebP (as image) → JPEG or PNG.
    • GIF → short MP4 video (animated GIFs are not supported).
    • TIFF, BMP or HEIC → JPEG or PNG.
    • MOV, AVI or MKV → MP4 with H.264 + AAC (HandBrake or ffmpeg).
    • WAV, FLAC or WMA → AAC or MP3.
  3. Check the size. If it is over the limit, compress the image, lower the video quality or export the document as PDF. A large file can go as a document (up to 100 MB).
  4. If you send the file by link (in a template or workflow), make sure the link:
    • starts with https:// (HTTP is not accepted);
    • opens in a private browser window without asking you to sign in;
    • ends in the file extension (.jpg, .mp4, .pdf);
    • does not redirect to another address; use the final, direct address.
  5. If the format and size are fine and it still fails, re-export or re-save the file from its original application to clear hidden metadata. For video, re-encoding with HandBrake or ffmpeg almost always fixes it.
  6. Send again and confirm the message shows as delivered.
  7. If it persists, contact Elooo System support with the file type, format and size, the full error description and, if link-based, the link itself.

Tips

  • For images, always use JPEG or PNG; they work on every device.
  • For video, always export MP4 with H.264 + AAC.
  • Host template files at a stable HTTPS address; temporary or expiring links fail later.
  • When in doubt, send it as a document: more formats and larger files are accepted.

Common problems

  • "Unsupported image mime type image/webp" → WebP is only for stickers. Convert the image to JPEG or PNG.
  • The video is MP4 and still fails → Wrong codec (H.265, VP9…) or multiple audio tracks. Re-encode to H.264 + AAC with a single track.
  • The link opens in my browser but WhatsApp won't send it → The link requires sign-in, is HTTP or redirects. Test it in a private window and use the final address.
  • The image is under 5 MB and fails → The limit applies after encryption. Compress it under 4 MB or re-export the file.

Frequently asked questions

Can I send an animated GIF?

Not as an image. Convert it to a short MP4 video.

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