If WhatsApp is not automatically downloading Photos and Videos on iPhone, the problem is most likely due to “Save Photos to Camera Roll” option being disabled on your device.
However, if you are also unable to Manually Download WhatsApp Photos to iPhone, the problem in most cases is due to WhatsApp not being provided with the permission to access the Photos App on your device.
Apart from this, the problem of WhatsApp Photos/Videos not downloading on iPhone could be due to a variety of other reasons.
WhatsApp Photos Not Downloading on iPhone
If WhatsApp is unable to download Media (Photos & Videos) to iPhone, you should be able to fix the problem using the following troubleshooting steps.
1. Enable/Disable Airplane Mode
Start by enabling and disabling Airplane Mode on your device. This helps in resetting the wireless networks and is known to help in fixing network connectivity issues.
1. Open the Settings App on your iPhone > Move the toggle Next to Airplane Mode to ON Position.
2. Wait for 30 seconds > Disable Airplane Mode by moving the toggle to OFF position.
2. Provide WhatsApp with Access to Photos App
As mentioned above, WhatsApp won’t be able to download Media, if the Privacy Settings on your iPhone are set to prevent WhatsApp from accessing the Photos App.
1. Open Settings > scroll down and tap on Privacy & Security .
2. From the Privacy screen, go to Photos > WhatsApp > select All Photos option.
Now that WhatsApp has access to Photos App, it will be able to download Photos & Videos to your device.
3. Allow WhatsApp to Save Photos to Camera Roll On iPhone
This extra step is required, if you want WhatsApp to Automatically download Photos to the Camera Roll on iPhone.
1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the Settings tab in bottom-menu.
2. From WhatsApp Settings screen, go to Chats > move the toggle next to Save to Camera Roll to ON position.
After this, you should always find WhatsApp automatically downloading photos to the Camera Roll on your iPhone.
4. Check Your Internet Connection
Stable internet connection is required to download Photos and Videos on iPhone.
1. Open Settings > tap on the Wi-Fi tab.
2. On the next screen, take a look at the network strength. If the network strength is weak, you can switch to 5G Network (If Available under “My Networks” section).
Note: In case of cellular network, 5G will be available only if it is provided by your service provider.
5. Allow WhatsApp to Use Cellular Data
If you are trying to download WhatsApp photos over Cellular Network, you need to provide WhatsApp with access to Cellular Network.
1. Open Settings > tap on the Cellular tab.
2. On the next screen, move the toggle next to WhatsApp to ON position.
After this, you will be able to download and save WhatsApp Photos using both WiFi and Cellular Network.
6. Check Device Storage Status
WhatsApp won’t be able to Download Photos, if your device is low on storage space.
1. Open Settings > go to General > iPhone Storage.
2. On next screen, you will be able to see the amount of storage space used and available on your iPhone.
If there is insufficient storage space, you need to make efforts to Free Up Storage Space on your iPhone.
7. Check Date & Time Settings
Incorrect Time and Date Settings can also delay or prevent WhatsApp from downloading Photos.
1. Open Settings > go to General > Date & Time .
2. On the next screen, make sure that Date & Time is correct.
If your iPhone is showing incorrect Date or Time, you can fix this issue by following steps as provided in this guide: How to Fix iPhone Showing Wrong Time and Date
8. Disable Low Data Mode
In general, WhatsApp Videos calls do not function properly if iPhone is set to Low Data Mode.
1. Open Settings > go to Cellular > Cellular Data options.
2. On the next screen, move the toggle next to Low Data Mode to OFF position.
After disabling Low Data Mode, you should be able to make WhatsApp Video calls.
9. Update WhatsApp
Make sure that the latest version of WhatsApp is installed on your iPhone.
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
2. On you are in App store, use the Search bar to search for WhatsApp.
3. From the Search results, tap on the Update option located next to WhatsApp Messenger.
Note: Update option will be available only if an Update is available for WhatsApp.
10. Reinstall WhatsApp
If these solutions do not work, it is possible that the installation of WhatsApp on your iPhone has become corrupted.
In which case, you can first make a backup of WhatsApp and then Delete and Reinstall WhatsApp back on your iPhone.
During the re-install process, make sure that you tap on the ‘Allow‘ option, when WhatsApp prompts you to grant permission to access photos on your device.