Can't Attach a File to a Scheduled WhatsApp Message? Size and Upload Fixes
When a file will not attach to a scheduled message, it is either over the 16 MB file limit, over the per-message cap, or the upload failed. Here is how to tell which.
Maya Cohen3 min read
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If a file will not attach to your scheduled WhatsApp message, the message editor tells you why. Most often the file is over the editor's 16 MB limit. Shrink it, or split it, then add it again.
What does the file size note say?
When you add a file that is too big, the editor does not add it and shows a note like this: "“report.pdf” is 20 MB. WhatsApp's limit is 16 MB. It was not added."
The Blueticks editor limit is 16 MB per file. The check happens in the editor, before anything is uploaded, so nothing is scheduled with a missing file by accident. If you picked several files at once, only the oversized one is skipped.
How do I get a file under the limit?
- Video: trim it or export it at a lower quality on your phone or computer.
- Photos: resize or compress them before adding.
- PDF or document: compress the PDF, or split it into two files and attach both.
- Add the file again in the Message Planner.
What if the note says I can add only so many files?
A message also has a cap on how many photos and videos, and how many files in total. When you go over it, the editor says: "You can add up to … photos/videos (… files) per message. … files weren't added." The numbers in that note are the live limits. Send the extra files in a second message.
What if the upload fails?
If the file is under the limit but the upload does not complete, the editor says: "Couldn't upload the file. Please check your connection and try again. (report.pdf)" The file name is added at the end. Your existing attachments are kept. Check your internet connection and add the file again.
How is this different from a send failure?
These notes appear while you write the message, before it is scheduled. A message that fails later, at send time, shows a reason on its failed card instead. For those, see why scheduled WhatsApp messages don't send.
A failed send that names the extension is a different problem: see an out-of-date Blueticks extension.
FAQ
Is the 16 MB limit per message or per file?
Per file. 16 MB is Blueticks' editor limit for each file you attach. The number of files per message has its own cap.
Do I lose the other files I attached?
No. The file that is too large is skipped. The files already attached stay.
Want scheduled messages with files and clear errors when something goes wrong? Start free with Blueticks.
