WhatsApp Cloud API - Media Download API | Developer Documentation

Find why a received attachment will not open

Open the conversation in the application that received the WhatsApp message. Check the attachment there before following an old media URL or applying a Meta download-token example. Attachment behavior depends on the integration and the connected application's controls.

Locate the correct message and file

1. Confirm the customer, connected business number and message date. Distinguish the original attachment from a preview, exported copy or link sent in the text.
2. Use the application's open or download action. Record the exact result: a missing control, permission error, missing file or file that downloads but does not open.
3. If access is restricted, ask the application's administrator to check the conversation and attachment permissions for your account.
4. If you obtained a file, check its type and complete size, then try the appropriate viewer. Identify a corrupt or incomplete copy separately from a URL-access problem.

If a stored link stops working

Use the original conversation's attachment controls again. If the application provides a current link, use that route; if the file is no longer available, check its retention settings with the administrator or ask the sender for a new copy when appropriate.

A copied URL does not establish a permanent archive. The duration and renewal of a link depend on the service that issued it. Obtain the supported link-expiry and renewal behavior for your connection before implementing a custom download client.

Give support a precise record

Include the integration, business number, message date, file type and size if known, and exact error. State whether the file opens in the original conversation or another authorized account. Avoid putting account secrets or private download credentials in a shared troubleshooting example.

ChatArchitect does not store customer message texts or attachments. Check the storage responsibility guide and existing-copy checklist for the CRM, Meta and your own downloaded copies. For a custom API client, obtain the supported media-download contract; the Quick Start does not define one.