Meta Tech ProviderWhatsApp error 131053: Media upload error
Your template. What it means, how to fix it, and whether to retry.
WhatsApp error 131053 means WhatsApp could not fetch or accept the image, video or document in your message — often because the link to the file had expired or the file is an unsupported type or size. Upload the file to the template again and resend.
Why it happens
- The link to the header file has expired. Some platforms store a temporary link to your upload, which works while you test and stops a few hours later.
- The file is a type or size WhatsApp does not support for that kind of message.
- The server hosting the file refused WhatsApp's request.
How to fix error 131053
- Upload the picture, video or document to the template again.
- Use a supported type: JPEG or PNG for images, MP4 for video, PDF for documents — within WhatsApp's size limits.
- If you host the file yourself, make sure the link is public and doesn't expire.
Should you retry?
Only after fixing the file. Every recipient will fail the same way until then.
How to prevent it
- Use a platform that keeps your uploaded file and fetches it fresh on every send, so it can't expire.
- Send yourself a test the day after creating a media template, not just the same hour.
Common questions
My image template worked yesterday and fails today with 131053. Why?
Most likely the link to the image expired. Temporary links often last only hours, so a template works while you test and fails afterwards. Upload the image again.
Are messages that fail with 131053 charged?
No. Undelivered messages are not charged.
How ThinnestAI shows it
On ThinnestAI every message WhatsApp doesn't deliver shows WhatsApp's own message first — word for word, with its code — and what it means underneath, on the broadcast and in the inbox. Undelivered messages aren't charged. See the WhatsApp Business API.