Unfortunately, this file is missing from the WhatsApp internal storage. How do I fix this error?

Unfortunately, this file is missing from the WhatsApp internal storage. How do I fix this error - briefly?

If you encounter the message "Unfortunately, this file is missing from the WhatsApp internal storage," it indicates a problem with accessing your media files within the app. To resolve this issue, try clearing the cache and data of the WhatsApp application through your device's settings.

Unfortunately, this file is missing from the WhatsApp internal storage. How do I fix this error - in detail?

If you're encountering the error message "Unfortunately, this file is missing from the WhatsApp internal storage," it indicates that a specific file or media (such as an image, video, or document) cannot be found in the designated storage location within your WhatsApp application. This issue can arise due to several reasons and can be quite frustrating. Here are some detailed steps you can follow to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this error:

  1. Check Storage Permissions: Ensure that WhatsApp has the necessary permissions to access your device's storage. To do this, go to your phone’s Settings, then Apps, find WhatsApp, and check the storage permissions. If they are not granted, enable them.

  2. Clear Cache: Clearing the cache can often resolve minor glitches within applications. Here’s how you can clear the WhatsApp cache:

    • Go to your phone's Settings.
    • Navigate to Apps or Application Manager.
    • Find and tap on WhatsApp.
    • Tap on Storage & Cache.
    • Clear the Cache.

  3. Check Available Storage: Sometimes, insufficient storage space can cause files to go missing. Make sure your device has enough free space by deleting unnecessary files or moving them to an external storage device.

  4. Reinstall WhatsApp: If the issue persists, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling WhatsApp. This process can help resolve any corrupted files within the application:

    • Uninstall WhatsApp from your phone.
    • Restart your device.
    • Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
    • Log back into your account and check if the issue is resolved.

  5. Backup and Restore: If you have a backup of your WhatsApp data, you can try restoring it to see if the file reappears:

    • Go to WhatsApp Settings.
    • Tap on Chats.
    • Select Chat Backup.
    • If there’s an available backup, restore it.

  6. Update WhatsApp: Ensure that you are using the latest version of WhatsApp. Developers frequently release updates to fix known bugs and improve overall performance:

    • Open the Google Play Store.
    • Search for WhatsApp.
    • If there’s an update available, tap on Update.

  7. Check Media Visibility: Sometimes files may not be visible due to media visibility settings. Make sure your media is set to visible:

    • Go to WhatsApp Settings.
    • Tap on Chats.
    • Select Media Visibility.
    • Ensure that the option “No one” or “My contacts except...” isn’t selected for the missing file type.

  8. Contact Support: If none of the above solutions work, it might be a more complex issue that requires attention from WhatsApp support:

    • Go to WhatsApp Settings.
    • Tap on Help.
    • Select Contact Us and follow the prompts to reach out to their support team for further assistance.

By following these steps methodically, you should be able to diagnose and fix the error related to the missing file in your WhatsApp internal storage.