What to do if "Unfortunately, this file is missing from the internal memory of WhatsApp" on an Android phone?

What to do if Unfortunately, this file is missing from the internal memory of WhatsApp on an Android phone - briefly?

If you encounter the message "Unfortunately, this file is missing from the internal memory of WhatsApp" on your Android phone, it typically indicates a problem with the file's location or access permissions. To resolve this issue, try clearing the app cache and data, then restarting your device.

What to do if Unfortunately, this file is missing from the internal memory of WhatsApp on an Android phone - in detail?

If you encounter the error message "Unfortunately, this file is missing from the internal memory of WhatsApp" on your Android phone, it indicates that WhatsApp cannot locate a specific media file in its designated storage directory. This issue can be quite frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to resolve it:

  1. Check Storage Permissions: Ensure that WhatsApp has the necessary permissions to access your device's internal storage. Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions and make sure that the "Storage" permission is enabled.

  2. Clear Cache and Data: Sometimes, clearing the app cache and data can resolve such issues. Here’s how you can do it:

    • Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp.
    • Tap on "Storage & cache."
    • Clear both "Cache" and "Storage" (this will delete your conversation history, so ensure you have backups if necessary).
  3. Reboot Your Device: A simple reboot can often resolve temporary glitches. Turn off your device, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.

  4. Verify File Integrity: Ensure that the file in question hasn't been corrupted or deleted accidentally. You can check this by going to the WhatsApp media folder in your internal storage:

    • Open the File Manager app.
    • Navigate to Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Media.
    • Look for the missing file and verify its integrity.
  5. Update WhatsApp: An outdated version of WhatsApp might cause compatibility issues. Ensure that you have the latest version installed:

    • Go to the Google Play Store.
    • Search for WhatsApp.
    • If there is an update available, tap "Update."
  6. Reinstall WhatsApp: If the issue persists, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling WhatsApp:

    • Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp.
    • Tap "Uninstall."
    • Once uninstalled, go back to the Google Play Store and reinstall WhatsApp.
  7. Check for Insufficient Storage: Sometimes, insufficient storage space can lead to such errors. Free up some space on your internal memory:

    • Go to Settings > Storage.
    • Check for any large files or apps you no longer need and delete them.
  8. Move WhatsApp to External Storage (if applicable): If your device supports moving apps to external storage, this might help resolve the issue:

    • Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp.
    • Tap "Storage & cache" and then "Change storage."
    • Select the external storage option if available.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "Unfortunately, this file is missing from the internal memory of WhatsApp" error on your Android phone. If the problem persists after trying all these solutions, consider reaching out to WhatsApp support or checking forums and communities for more specific advice related to your device model.