Thousands of WhatsApp users around the world are reporting problems sending photos through the messaging app, with the issue also affecting users in Kenya.

Reports started appearing online after users noticed that images would begin uploading, display a loading icon, then eventually fail with a “Retry” message. While text messages continue to send normally in many cases, photo uploads have become unreliable.

The problem has been widely reported by users on Reddit, with people from the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Brazil, India, Mexico, Italy, Malaysia, the UAE, South Africa and many other countries confirming they are experiencing the same issue. Users across different Android devices, including Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, Redmi and OnePlus phones, have reported identical symptoms.

Image Source: DownDetector

Many affected users initially believed the problem was caused by their phones or internet connections. Some even uninstalled and reinstalled WhatsApp, restarted their devices, switched between WiFi and mobile data, or checked app permissions, but none of these steps resolved the issue.

Downdetector has also recorded a sharp increase in WhatsApp outage reports. According to the service, user reports indicating problems with WhatsApp began rising significantly, with messaging being the most commonly affected feature.

The widespread nature of the reports strongly suggests the problem is on WhatsApp’s side rather than with individual users or internet service providers. If you are unable to send photos, there is a good chance you are experiencing the same global issue.

What Should You Do?

If WhatsApp is failing to upload photos, there is little evidence that resetting your phone or reinstalling the app will solve the problem. Instead, you can:

• Wait for WhatsApp to restore normal service.
• Avoid uninstalling the app unless absolutely necessary, especially if you have not backed up your chats.
• Continue using text messages if they are still working.
• Try sending the image later once the service has been restored.

Source: Reddit

Our Advice

We understand that many people assume their WiFi or internet connection is at fault whenever apps stop working. In this case, the available reports point to a wider WhatsApp service issue affecting users across multiple countries.

Before troubleshooting your internet connection, it is always worth checking whether the service itself is experiencing an outage. Doing so can save you time and prevent unnecessary changes to your device or network.

We will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates if WhatsApp officially confirms the cause or announces that the issue has been resolved.

Stay Updated

Follow the WiFi Mtaani WhatsApp Channel for live updates on this WhatsApp outage, internet news, service alerts and practical tech tips.

📢 Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6zrAVKwqSMgiFhZl0T

📞 Need help with your internet or WiFi? Call us on 0113 22 9993 and our team will be happy to assist.