Send large files by Web WhatsApp It used to be a real odyssey just a few years ago: between size limitations, format problems, and compression that ruined the quality of photos and videos. However, the situation has changed considerably, and now there are different alternatives and Tricks that allow you to share everything from work documents to high-resolution videos without any headaches. The problem? Most people are unaware of these options or don't know how to get the most out of them, and are left with the idea that only small or compressed files can be sent.
In this guide I will explain to you, step by step and clearly, how to send large files via WhatsApp Web (and from mobile too, since there's some variation between the two), what the actual limits are in 2024, what solutions exist when you want to send something larger than 2 GB, and how to avoid losing quality or having trouble downloading it. We'll also include all the tricks and recommendations that experts and leading specialized media have tested so you don't get caught halfway.
What are WhatsApp's limits for sending large files?
Before you rush into sending a large file, it's a good idea to be clear What restrictions does WhatsApp apply?Until recently, the limit was 100 MB, which was a big problem for any video file, high-quality photos, or work presentations with resources. Today, That ceiling has changed and WhatsApp allows sending files of up to 2 GB maximum, as long as it is done correctly..
But here comes the nuance: It depends on the type of file and the method you use to attach it.If you choose the "Photos" or "Videos" option (or drag them into the chat window on WhatsApp Web), the system tends to compress the file, reduce its resolution, and apply the 100 MB limit. However, if you use the "Document" sending method, You can transfer any file up to 2 GB and maintain its original quality.This includes photos, videos, PDFs, ZIP files, etc.
Some details to keep in mind:
- Photos and videos sent as native images or videos are compressed and have a 100MB limit.
- Any file sent as a “Document” can be up to 2 GB in size and is not compressed.
- WhatsApp accepts the most commonly used video formats such as .mp4, .avi, .mov and 3GP, but may have problems with advanced codecs like H.265 or 4K in some cases.
- The quality of your internet connection is crucial. If it's slow, uploading or downloading large files can take forever or even fail.
With these limits clear, it's time to see How to avoid typical problems and what steps to follow to avoid making mistakes.
How to send files up to 2 GB via WhatsApp Web and Mobile
The big advantage since the last update is that You no longer need to resort to many external applications for files that do not exceed 2GBYou can send messages on both your mobile phone and WhatsApp Web in almost the same way, although I'll explain each option here so you don't get lost:
Sending from mobile
- Open WhatsApp and enter the conversation where you want to send the file.
- Tap the paper clip or attach icon next to the text field.
- Select “Document” (the file doesn’t have to be strictly a document; it can be photos, videos, audio files, ZIP files, etc.).
- Find the file on your phone; if it doesn't appear, select "Find other documents" to access the full file selector. Android o iOS.
- Select the file (make sure it is less than 2 GB).
- Confirm the submission. The file will be transferred to the chat, and the contact will be able to download it in its entirety and in its original format.
This method also preserves the original quality of photos and videos, which is perfectly valid if you don't want your content to deteriorate.
Sending from WhatsApp Web
- Login to web.whatsapp.com from your browser and pair your phone if you haven't already.
- Click the attachment clip and select "Document" instead of the photo or video options.
- Find the file on your computer. Select it (maximum 2 GB).
- Send and wait for it to transfer.
In both cases, Using "Document" as the delivery method is the key to avoiding compression and bypassing the most annoying restrictions..
What if the file is larger than 2 GB? Cloud solution
While 2GB is a pretty generous limit for most documents and videos, you may occasionally come across even larger files: for example, 4K video recordings, backup, RAW photo series or large multimedia presentations.
In these cases, the only reliable alternative is to resort to services storage in the cloudGoogle Drive is the most universal and simple option, as most users have a Google account and an app set up on both their mobile and computer. Additionally, if you want to manage files in the cloud efficiently, you may want to check out Advantages of Files, file explorer in Windows to make it easier to organize your large documents and files.
Google Drive allows uploading individual files up to 5 TB, making it perfect for these cases. The process is simple, and if done correctly, you ensure your recipient can download what they need without even having to install the app.
- Upload the large file to your Google Drive. You can do this from your mobile phone by accessing the app or from your computer by going to drive.google.com.
- Once uploaded, find the file in your cloud.
- Click the three dots to open the options and select "Manage people and links" or "Share" depending on the version.
- Make the file accessible to "Anyone with the link" (very important so your recipient can see it even if they don't have your account or direct permissions).
- Copy the generated link.
- Paste this link into your WhatsApp conversation (mobile or web). Your contact will receive the link and can download the file from their browser, even if they don't have Google Drive installed.
This trick also offers privacy and control benefits: if you ever delete the file from Drive, the link becomes invalid and no one will be able to access it, so you decide how long it can be downloaded.
Other alternatives for sharing very large files on WhatsApp
While Google Drive is preferred, There are other cloud services such as Dropbox, OneDrive, WeTransfer or Mega These work equally well and can be useful if you need to share files without size limits (or if you've already used up your free Drive space). All of these services allow you to:
- Upload the file to the cloud and generate a public or private link.
- Control who can view, download, or even edit the file.
- Easily share the link on WhatsApp Web, mobile, or other platforms.
Regarding format compatibility, please note the following recommendations:
- WhatsApp supports MP4, AVI, MOV and 3GP formatsIf your file uses an uncommon codec (H.265, HEVC, VC9, or resolutions higher than 1080p), your recipient may need to convert it before it can be viewed.
- Convert video files to standard formats before uploading if you experience playback issues.
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