How to Fix Attachment Unavailable on Messenger?

Messenger is a widely used platform for communication, enabling users to exchange messages, pictures, videos and other types of information. However, like any other technology, Messenger may occasionally encounter technical issues, such as the attachment unavailable error. In this article, we will explore the causes of this error and provide detailed solutions to help you resolve it effectively.

Reasons for Attachment Unavailability

The attachment unavailable error on Messenger can occur due to several reasons. Understanding these causes will help you troubleshoot and fix the issue. Here are the common reasons:

1. Deletion: If the sender or recipient deletes the attachment, it will no longer be available for viewing.
2. Server Removal: Sometimes, attachments may be removed from the Messenger server due to policy violations or technical errors.
3. Incompatibility: If the attachment is in a format that is not supported by your device or the Messenger app version you are using, you may encounter the attachment unavailable issue.
4. Connectivity Problems: Weak or unstable internet connections can disrupt the loading of attachments, resulting in the attachment unavailable error.
5. App Issues: Bugs or glitches in the Messenger app can also cause problems when accessing attachments.
6. Privacy Settings: If the privacy settings of the attachment are set to “Only Me” or “Custom”, you may not be able to view it unless the sender adjusts the settings.
7. Account Suspension: If your Messenger account is suspended or blocked, accessing attachments will not be possible.

Steps to Fix Attachment Unavailable on Messenger:

Check your Internet Connection

Having a stable internet connection is crucial for accessing and loading attachments on Messenger. If your internet connection is weak or unstable, it may cause issues in loading attachments, resulting in the attachment unavailable error. To troubleshoot your internet connection:

1. Check if other apps or websites are working: Try accessing other apps or websites on your device to determine if the issue is with your internet connection.
2. Reset your router or modem: Turn off your router or modem, wait for a few minutes and turn it back on. This can help refresh your internet connection.
3. Switch to a different Wi-Fi network: If possible, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network to see if the issue persists.
4. Restart your device: Sometimes, restarting your device can help resolve internet connectivity issues. Once you have confirmed that your internet connection is stable, try accessing the attachment again on the Messenger app.

Set Public Sharing Setting

This method is often effective in resolving the Attachment Unavailable error on Facebook Messenger. Before sharing an attachment, ensure that the privacy setting is set to Public. Follow these steps:

1. Go to your Facebook main page.
2. Click on the three horizontal lines(hamburger menu icon) to open the drop-down menu.
3. Choose either News Feed or Your Story.
4. Select Public from the drop-down menu on the right side.

Upload to the Specific Group Directly Instead of Sharing the Link

In some cases, sharing a link to the attachment, particularly in group chats, may not work. To fix this issue, you can opt to directly upload the attachment to the group. Follow these steps:

1. Go to your Facebook main page.
2. Choose the group where you want to post the attachment.
3. Click on Add Photo/Video(ensure that the privacy settings are set to Public).
4. Select Upload Photos/Videos and choose the file you want to upload.

Modify the Security Settings of the Image before Posting

Before sharing an image, it is advisable to adjust it’s security settings in case preset options prevent others from viewing it. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Download the image to your computer, which can be done using a web app.
2. Right-click on the image and choose Properties.
3. Scroll down to the Security section at the bottom of the window.
4. Check the box next to Unblock, then click on Apply and OK.

Set Privacy Settings to Public

In order to quickly resolve the Facebook attachment error, change your Facebook Privacy settings to Public. However, be aware that this will enable all Facebook users to view your posts. Follow these instructions:

1. Click on the arrow in the menu bar on the upper right-hand side of the Facebook page.
2. Choose Settings.
3. Navigate to Privacy.
4. Click Edit below Your Activity > Who can see your future posts.
5. Modify the setting to Public.

Clear Messenger Cache and Data(Android Only)

When you use the Messenger app, it stores data and files in it’s cache and data folders. Over time, these files can accumulate and cause issues with the app’s performance, including problems with accessing attachments. Clearing the cache and data of the Messenger app can help resolve these issues and improve the app’s performance. To clear the cache and data of the Messenger app:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Go to Apps or Application manager, depending on your device.
3. Find and tap on the Messenger app.
4. Tap on Storage.
5. Tap on Clear cache.
6. Then, tap on Clear data.
7. Confirm the action when prompted.

Note that clearing the data of the Messenger app will log you out of the app and you will need to log in again with your account credentials.

Update Messenger App

Updating the Messenger app is important for several reasons. App updates often contain bug fixes and performance improvements that can help resolve issues such as the attachment unavailable error. Updating the app also ensures that you have the latest security patches and protections, which can help prevent cyber-attacks and data breaches. To update the Messenger app:

On iOS:

1. Open the App Store on your device.
2. Search for Messenger in the search bar.
3. If an update is available, you will see an Update button next to the Messenger app.
4. Tap on Update.
5. Wait for the update to install.
6. Once the update is installed, re-launch Messenger and try opening the attachment again.

On Android:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap on your profile icon.
3. From the menu that appears, tap on Manage apps & device.
4. Then, tap on See details.
5. Find Messenger in the list of apps.
6. If an update is available, you will see an Update button next to the Messenger app.
7. Tap on Update.
8. Wait for the update to install.
9. Once the update is installed, re-launch Messenger and try opening the attachment again.

Once the update is complete, open the Messenger app and try accessing the attachment again.

Reinstall Messenger App

If updating the Messenger app did not resolve the attachment unavailable issue, the next step is to reinstall the app. This should help resolve any installation-related issues. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Reinstall Messenger App:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Go to Apps or Application Manager, depending on your device.
3. Find and tap on the Messenger app.
4. Tap on Uninstall.
5. Confirm the action when prompted.
6. Go to the Google Play Store or App Store on your device.
7. Search for Messenger in the search bar.
8. Tap on Install or Get to download and install the app.
9. Wait for the installation to complete.
10. Open the Messenger app and log in with your account credentials.

Note that reinstalling the Messenger app will delete all conversations and settings associated with the app, so make sure to back up any important information before proceeding.

Check Device Storage

All the files, programs and data on your device are stored in your device’s storage. The functionality of the Messenger app, particularly accessing attachments, may be affected if your device’s storage is completely or nearly full. To check the storage on your device:

On iOS:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on General.
3. Select “iPhone Storage”.
4. Check the available storage space on your device.

On Android:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Depending on your device, select “Storage” or “Storage & Memory”.
3. Verify the quantity of storage that is available.
   • Consider removing some files or apps to free up space if it is less than 1GB.

To free up space if your device’s storage is low, you can delete unused apps, clear app caches, or move files to cloud storage or an external storage device. After freeing up space on your device, open the Messenger app and try accessing the attachment again.

Update Operating System

If the above fixes do not work, updating your device’s operating system may help. Software updates often address issues and enhance performance, so it’s important to keep your device’s software up to date.

On iOS:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Tap on “Software Update”.
4. Your device will now check for any available updates. If an update is available, you will see a message indicating that there is a new version of iOS available for download.
5. Tap on “Download and Install”. If prompted, enter your passcode to continue.
6. Wait for your device to restart and complete the installation process. This may take several minutes.

On Android:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “About phone”.
3. Tap on “Software update”.
4. Your device will now check for any available updates. If an update is available, you will see a message indicating that there is a new version of Android available for download.
5. Tap on “Download and install” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
6. Wait for your device to restart and complete the installation process. This may take several minutes.

Once your device’s operating system is updated, open Messenger again and try to access the attachment that was previously unavailable.

Disable VPN or Proxy

If you are using a VPN or proxy while accessing Messenger, it could be the reason why you are experiencing attachment unavailable errors. VPNs and proxies can sometimes interfere with Messenger’s ability to access and send files. To fix this issue, you can try disabling your VPN or proxy and then see if the attachment unavailable problem persists.

To disable your VPN, go to your device’s settings and find the VPN section. From there, turn off your VPN. Once you have disabled your VPN or proxy, try sending your attachments again on Messenger.

Contact Messenger Support

If none of the above-mentioned fixes have worked for you, the best option may be to contact Messenger support directly. To contact Messenger support, follow these steps:

1. Open the Messenger app.
2. Tap on the menu icon to bring up the sidebar.
3. Tap on the Settings icon at the top.
4. Scroll down and tap on “Report technical problem”.
5. Then, tap on “Report Problem”.
6. Tap either “Include” or “Don’t Include”.
7. Describe the issue with a screenshot and tap “SEND”.

Messenger support will review your case and provide possible solutions to the issue you are experiencing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the attachment unavailable error on Messenger?

   • The attachment unavailable error on Messenger is an error message that appears when you try to view or download an attachment, but it fails to load or download.

2. What causes the attachment unavailable error on Messenger?

   • The attachment unavailable error can be caused by network issues, privacy settings, low device storage, app bugs and glitches, or account suspension.

3. Will changing my privacy settings to public solve the attachment unavailable error on Messenger?

   • Changing your privacy settings to public may solve the attachment unavailable error; however, it also means that your posts will be visible to all Facebook users.

4. After fixing the error, can I still retrieve attachments that were unavailable on Messenger?

   • It depends on the reason for the attachment being unavailable. If it was due to a network or privacy issue, fixing the error may allow you to retrieve the attachment. However, if the attachment was deleted or removed, it may not be retrievable.

Final Words

These troubleshooting steps should help you resolve the attachment unavailable error on Messenger. We understand that dealing with this error can be daunting, but with these solutions, you should be able to overcome the issue. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, let us know in the comments section below.

Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.