In WhatsApp you can share photos, videos and files that you have saved in other apps. WhatsApp has integrations for file sharing with services such as iCloud Drive, PDF Expert, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive. If you want to use this, these apps must be installed on your iPhone and enabled. This is how you share files from other apps via WhatsApp.
- Maximum file size in WhatsApp
- Share from chat conversation
- Share from apps
How large can files be in WhatsApp?
First of all, it is good to know how large the file can be that you share via WhatsApp. You can share a file of up to 2GB at a time via WhatsApp. It doesn’t matter where you share the file from: locally on your iPhone or from a supporting cloud service. If your file is larger, you will have to look for another solution. Consider sharing a WeTransfer link. Also read our tip about sending large files on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Share files in WhatsApp from a chat
We start with an explanation of how to share a document or other file from a chat in WhatsApp. That is how it works:
- Make sure that the app of the desired service (Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.) is on your iPhone and that you are logged in.
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat in which you want to share something.
- Tap the plus sign next to the chat bar and select Document.
- The Files app will now open. Go to the Browse tab and use the back button at the top left to go all the way to the main menu.
- Now select the three dots at the top right, followed by Change and turn on the switch for the desired service. Then tap Done again.
- Choose the service from which you want to share a file and open the correct folder. Then choose your file and it will be shared.
As you can see, WhatsApp uses the Files app and the services that work with it. So you can only share files from apps that are integrated into the Files app. This applies to the vast majority of cloud services, such as Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive and more.
Share files in WhatsApp from another app
WhatsApp also supports the standard iOS sharing feature. This means that you can send a file via WhatsApp from another app. Depending on the app you use, choose Share for a file or click the share button. Then select WhatsApp. Don’t see WhatsApp? Then scroll to the right and click More to activate the app in the share screen.
More WhatsApp tips? Check out our overview in which we list all WhatsApp tips and guides.
View our complete iPhone tips overview. With hundreds of iPhone tips, we discuss almost every setting and option!
