How To Fix Error 'Sorry, This Media File Doesn't Exist On Your SD Card/Internal Storage'

Have you ever tried to open a media file on WhatsApp and got the error “This media file doesn't exist on your SD card”? It's a frustrating message. This problem can happen for many reasons, such as file deletions, SD card issues, or app glitches.

The message "Sorry this image does not exist" is not uncommon. Many users face this issue when the media file is either moved, deleted, or corrupted. It can also be due to problems with the SD card or the app itself.

In this guide, we’ll explain why the app says, "Sorry this image does not exist." We’ll also tell you how to fix it. By the end of this article, you’ll know where WhatsApp images are stored and how to change the storage location of WhatsApp.

Part 1: Why Is App Saying “Sorry, This Media Doesn’t Exist”?

Before diving into the solutions, it's essential to understand the reasons behind this issue. Here are some common causes:

• File Moved: The file might have been moved from its original location.
• File Deleted: The media file could have been deleted accidentally.
• SD Card Issues: Problems with the SD card might cause this error.
• Corrupted File: The media file might be corrupted and unreadable.
• WhatsApp Bugs: Sometimes, the app itself has bugs that cause this error.
• Write Protection: If the SD card is write-protected, it can cause problems.
• Unmounted SD Card: The SD card might not be properly mounted.
• Backup Issues: Problems with backups can lead to missing media files.

Part 2: How To Fix “Sorry, This Media File Doesn’t Exist” Issue?

If you get the error "Sorry, this media file doesn't exist on your SD card," there are ways to fix it. Each method addresses different causes. From using recovery tools to restarting your phone, these solutions can help. Let's look at each method to fix the error and access your media files again.

Method 1: Use SD Card Media File Recovery Tool – Wondershare Recoverit

Recoverit is a powerful tool for recovering missing files from your SD card. This method is effective and easy to use.

With its user-friendly interface, even those without technical skills can easily navigate and use the software. It supports various file types, making it a versatile solution for recovering lost media files, documents, and other important data.

Moreover, Wondershare Recoverit offers a high success rate in file recovery. It scans your SD card thoroughly to locate and retrieve the missing files. The process is quick, allowing you to recover your data in just a few steps.

By using this tool, you can ensure that your important files are recovered safely and efficiently.

How It Helps:

• Easy to Use: User-friendly interface.
• Quick Recovery: Recovers files fast.
• High Success Rate: Recovers most files.

Steps:

1. Download and install Wondershare Recoverit. Open the software and select the SD card.

   

2. Click Scan to scan for missing files.

   

3. Recover the files you need.

   

Method 2: Recover Missing Media Files Using Dr.Fone

Dr.Fone is another excellent tool for recovering media files from SD cards. It is reliable and user-friendly. The software is designed to help users recover lost or deleted files quickly and efficiently. With its intuitive interface, even those without technical expertise can easily navigate the recovery process. Dr.Fone supports a wide range of file types, ensuring that you can recover various media files, including photos, videos, and documents.

Dr.Fone has a high recovery success rate. It scans your SD card thoroughly to find and retrieve lost files. With advanced features, it makes data recovery easy. Using Dr.Fone, you can restore important media files and reduce the risk of data loss. It's a reliable tool for recovering your missing files.

How It Helps:

• Powerful Tool: Recovers various file types.
• User-Friendly: Easy for everyone.
• Reliable: Trusted by many users.

Steps:

1. Download and install Dr.Fone. Select Data Recovery and choose the SD card.

   

2. Select Recover WhatsApp Data.

   

3. Follow the instructions. Scan and recover the missing media files.

   

Method 3: Restart Your Phone

Sometimes, restarting your phone can solve the problem. A restart refreshes the system and can fix minor issues that cause errors. It is a quick and easy way to fix small glitches without needing technical skills.

How It Helps:

• Quick Fix: Solves minor glitches.
• Easy to Do: No technical skills required.
• Safe: No data loss.

Steps:

1. Press the power button on your phone. Select “Restart”.

   

2. Open WhatsApp and check the media files.

Method 4: Copy the Missing Media To the Original WhatsApp Folder

Moving the files back to their original location can solve the issue of missing media files. This method is straightforward and works by fixing the file path so that WhatsApp can locate the media files. When files are moved or renamed, WhatsApp might not be able to find them, which leads to the error message.

By moving the files back to their original location, you restore the correct path and make the files accessible again.

How It Helps:

• Simple: Just move the files.
• Effective: Fixes the path issue.
• Quick: No tools needed.

Steps:

1. Open the file manager on your phone. Locate the missing media files.

   

2. Copy and paste them back to the WhatsApp folder.

Method 5: Easy Way To Restore WhatsApp From Backup

Restoring from a backup can bring back missing files on WhatsApp. This method is reliable and ensures you recover all your important media files. When you have a recent backup, it contains all your chats and media files.

Restoring this backup will replace the current data on your app with the data from the backup, including any missing files. It's an effective way to solve the "this media file doesn't exist" issue and is easy to follow.

How It Helps:

• Reliable: Recovers all backed-up data.
• Simple: Easy steps to follow.
• Effective: Solves many issues.

Steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings. Select Chats and then Chat Backup.

   

2. Restore from the latest backup.

Method 6: Eliminate Write Protection From SD Card

Removing write protection from your SD card can solve the "this media file doesn't exist" error. This method allows you to modify the contents of the SD card. Write protection prevents changes to the card, which can cause issues when trying to save or access files.

By disabling write protection, you can ensure that files are saved correctly and that the app can access them without problems.

How It Helps:

• Enables Modifications: You can move files.
• Fixes Errors: Solves many SD card issues.
• Restores Access: You can use your SD card fully.

Steps:

1. Look for the small switch on the side of your SD card. Move it to the "unlock" position.

   

2. Put the SD card back into your device and check if you can modify the files.

That's it! Your SD card should now be write-protection free.

Method 7: Unmount & Mount Your SD Card

Unmounting and then mounting your SD card can refresh its connection and solve the issue of missing media files. When the SD card is not properly mounted, it may cause errors in accessing files, leading to messages like "this media file doesn't exist."

Unmounting and remounting the SD card ensures that it reconnects correctly with your device, resolving any connection issues that might be causing the error.

How It Helps:

• Simple Process: Easy to do.
• Fixes Errors: Solves connection issues.
• Safe: No data loss.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings on your phone. Select Storage.

   

2. Unmount and then mount your SD card.

Part 3: Useful Tips To Avoid 'Sorry, This Media File Doesn't Exist On Your SD Card' Error

Here are some useful tips to help you avoid encountering the error “this media file doesn’t exist on your SD card” in the future:

• Regular Backups: Always keep a backup of your media files. Regular backups ensure that you have a copy of all your important media files in case something goes wrong. You can use cloud storage services or external storage devices to back up your files.
• Check SD Card Health: Regularly check the health of your SD card. SD cards can become corrupted over time, leading to issues with file storage. Use tools and software to check for errors and fix any issues promptly.
• Organize Files: Keep your media files well-organized. Create specific folders for different types of files and avoid moving files unnecessarily. This helps in maintaining the correct file paths and ensures that the app can locate the files easily.
• Use Reliable SD Cards: Invest in high-quality and reliable SD cards. Cheap or low-quality SD cards are more prone to failure and data corruption. Using trusted brands can help reduce the risk of errors.
• Avoid Overloading SD Card: Do not overload your SD card with too many files. Keep some free space available to ensure the SD card operates efficiently. An overloaded SD card can lead to performance issues and errors.
• Update WhatsApp Regularly: Keep your WhatsApp app updated to the latest version. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can help prevent issues like missing media files.
• Properly Eject SD Card: Always properly eject your SD card before removing it from your device. Improper ejection can cause file corruption and other issues. Follow the correct procedure to safely remove your SD card.
• Avoid Write Protection: Ensure that your SD card is not write-protected. Write protection can prevent files from being saved or accessed correctly. Check the write protection switch on your SD card and make sure it is disabled.

By following these tips, you can minimize the chances of encountering the error “this media file doesn’t exist on your SD card” and ensure your media files are safe and accessible.

Conclusion

Dealing with the error “This media file doesn't exist on your SD card” can be frustrating. But, with the methods mentioned, you can fix it. Remember, knowing where WhatsApp images are stored and how to change the storage location of WhatsApp can help prevent this issue.

By following these steps, you can recover missing media files. Fixing this problem doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little effort, your WhatsApp media files will be accessible again.

Stay organized and keep your files safe. If you ever face this error again, you’ll know what to do.