Fix: WhatsApp-Web.js InvalidMediaCheckRepairFailedType Error
Hey guys! Ever run into that pesky InvalidMediaCheckRepairFailedType error when trying to send videos using whatsapp-web.js? It's a frustrating issue, but don't worry, you're not alone! This article will dive deep into understanding why this error occurs and, more importantly, how to fix it. We’ll explore the common causes, walk through various troubleshooting steps, and provide solutions to get your video messages sending smoothly. Let's get started and tackle this issue together!
Understanding the InvalidMediaCheckRepairFailedType Error
So, what exactly is this InvalidMediaCheckRepairFailedType error? When you're trying to send video files using client.sendMessage() with MessageMedia in whatsapp-web.js, WhatsApp Web does an internal validation check. This error pops up when that validation fails. It's like WhatsApp's way of saying, "Something's not quite right with this video file." The error is often accompanied by a Puppeteer evaluation error, making it even more confusing. Let's break down the key components of this issue and see why it happens. Understanding the root cause is the first step to fixing it!
Common Causes
- Incorrect Media Encoding: The video might not be encoded in a format that WhatsApp Web readily accepts. WhatsApp has specific requirements for video codecs, resolutions, and bitrates. If your video doesn't meet these standards, it can trigger the error.
- File Size Limitations: WhatsApp has limits on the size of media files you can send. If your video is too large, it might fail the validation check. While this seems straightforward, it’s a very common mistake to overlook! So, always double-check your file sizes.
- Corrupted Video File: Sometimes, the video file itself might be corrupted. This could happen during the encoding process, download, or storage. A corrupted file will definitely fail the media check.
- whatsapp-web.js Issues: There could be underlying issues within the
whatsapp-web.jslibrary that cause the media preparation or upload to fail. Library bugs are rare but possible, especially with frequent updates and new versions. - WhatsApp Web Internal Validation: The error message itself points to WhatsApp Web's internal media validation (WAMediaWasmWorkerClient). This means the issue lies within WhatsApp's own checks, not necessarily your code.
The Importance of Proper Video Formatting
To ensure your videos are sent successfully, it's crucial to adhere to WhatsApp's recommended video formats. WhatsApp typically prefers MP4 files encoded with the H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec. The resolution and bitrate should also be within acceptable ranges. Videos that deviate from these standards are more likely to trigger the InvalidMediaCheckRepairFailedType error. Make sure to always check your video encoding settings!
Troubleshooting Steps and Solutions
Now that we understand the potential causes, let’s dive into the solutions. Here's a systematic approach to troubleshooting and fixing the InvalidMediaCheckRepairFailedType error. We'll cover everything from basic checks to advanced techniques, so you'll have a comprehensive toolkit to tackle this issue.
1. Verify Video File Integrity
First things first, let's ensure the video file itself isn't the problem. Try playing the video locally on your computer. If it plays without any issues, then the file isn't corrupted. If you encounter playback errors, the file might be damaged, and you'll need to re-encode it or obtain a fresh copy. This is a simple yet crucial step!
2. Re-encode the Video
If the video plays fine locally, the next step is to re-encode it. This can help ensure that the video meets WhatsApp's formatting requirements. We'll use FFmpeg, a powerful command-line tool for video manipulation. Don't worry if you're not familiar with FFmpeg; we'll walk you through the commands. FFmpeg is your best friend when dealing with video encoding issues.
Using FFmpeg for Re-encoding
Here’s a basic FFmpeg command to re-encode your video:
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -crf 23 -preset medium -vf scale=1280:-2 -c:a aac -b:a 128k -movflags +faststart output.mp4
Let's break down this command:
-i input.mp4: Specifies the input video file.-c:v libx264: Sets the video codec to H.264, which is widely compatible.-crf 23: Sets the Constant Rate Factor (CRF) for video quality. A lower value means higher quality (0-51, where 23 is a good balance).-preset medium: Sets the encoding speed.mediumis a good compromise between speed and quality.-vf scale=1280:-2: Scales the video resolution to a maximum width of 1280 pixels while maintaining the aspect ratio.-c:a aac: Sets the audio codec to AAC.-b:a 128k: Sets the audio bitrate to 128kbps.-movflags +faststart: Optimizes the video for streaming.output.mp4: Specifies the output video file.
Experiment with different CRF values and resolutions to find the optimal settings for your video. Sometimes, a little tweaking can make a big difference.
3. Check File Size
WhatsApp has a file size limit for media uploads (typically around 16MB for videos). If your video exceeds this limit, it will likely fail to send. You can reduce the file size by further compressing the video using FFmpeg. Play around with the CRF value; a higher CRF means more compression, but it can also reduce video quality. It's a balancing act!
4. Try Different Encoding Settings
Sometimes, the issue isn't just the file size but also the encoding settings. Try different encoding parameters with FFmpeg. For instance, you can adjust the -preset (e.g., fast, slow), -crf, and -b:a (audio bitrate) values to see if it resolves the issue. A slightly different encoding profile might just do the trick!
5. Base64 Encoding (Manual Method)
If MessageMedia.fromFilePath() isn't working, try the manual base64 encoding method. This involves reading the video file, encoding it to base64, and then creating a MessageMedia object. Here’s how you can do it:
import { readFile } from 'node:fs/promises';
async function sendVideoWithBase64(client, message, videoPath, caption) {
try {
const b64 = await readFile(videoPath, { encoding: 'base64' });
const product = new MessageMedia('video/mp4', b64);
await client.sendMessage(message.from, product, { caption });
} catch (error) {
console.error('Error sending video with base64:', error);
}
}
This method can sometimes bypass issues with the library's built-in file handling. Give it a shot; it might just work!
6. Update whatsapp-web.js
Ensure you're using the latest version of whatsapp-web.js. Library updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address compatibility issues. Keeping your dependencies up-to-date is always a good practice. Think of it as giving your library a little tune-up.
npm update whatsapp-web.js
7. Check Puppeteer Configuration
whatsapp-web.js uses Puppeteer to interact with WhatsApp Web. Ensure your Puppeteer configuration is correct. Sometimes, certain Puppeteer arguments can interfere with media uploads. A common issue is the --no-sandbox flag, which might be necessary for some environments but can cause problems in others. Try adjusting your Puppeteer arguments to see if it helps. A well-configured Puppeteer is key!
Here’s an example of a Puppeteer configuration:
const client = new Client({
puppeteer: {
args: ['--no-sandbox', '--disable-setuid-sandbox']
},
authStrategy: new LocalAuth()
});
Try removing or modifying these arguments to see if it resolves the issue.
8. Review WhatsApp Web Console Logs
The WhatsApp Web console can provide valuable insights into the error. Open the console in your browser (usually by pressing F12) and look for any error messages related to media processing. The error messages in the console might give you a clearer picture of what's going wrong. Think of the console as your detective's notebook.
9. Test with Different Video Files
Try sending different video files to see if the issue is specific to one file or a general problem. If other videos send successfully, the original video file might be the culprit. This helps you narrow down the problem and focus on the problematic file. Testing is always a good idea.
10. Check for Library Conflicts
Sometimes, conflicts with other libraries in your project can cause unexpected issues. Try removing other dependencies or creating a minimal test case to isolate the problem. Library conflicts can be sneaky, so be thorough!
11. Contact the Community and Report Issues
If you've tried all the above steps and still can't resolve the issue, reach out to the whatsapp-web.js community. There might be others who have encountered the same problem and found a solution. You can also report the issue on the library's GitHub repository. The community is always there to help!
Practical Examples and Code Snippets
Let’s look at some practical examples and code snippets to help you implement the solutions we've discussed.
Sending a Video with Re-encoding
Here’s a complete example of how to re-encode a video using FFmpeg and send it with whatsapp-web.js:
import pkg from 'whatsapp-web.js';
const { Client, LocalAuth, MessageMedia } = pkg;
import qrcode from 'qrcode-terminal';
import { exec } from 'child_process';
import { promisify } from 'util';
const execAsync = promisify(exec);
const client = new Client({
puppeteer: {
args: ['--no-sandbox', '--disable-setuid-sandbox']
},
authStrategy: new LocalAuth()
});
client.once('ready', () => {
console.log('Client is ready!');
});
client.on('qr', (qr) => {
console.log('QR RECEIVED', qr);
qrcode.generate(qr, { small: true });
});
client.on('message_create', async (message) => {
if (!message.fromMe) {
const inputVideo = './test.mp4';
const outputVideo = './test_reencoded.mp4';
const caption = `Here is your re-encoded video`;
try {
// Re-encode the video using FFmpeg
await execAsync(`ffmpeg -i ${inputVideo} -c:v libx264 -crf 23 -preset medium -vf scale=1280:-2 -c:a aac -b:a 128k -movflags +faststart ${outputVideo}`);
// Send the re-encoded video
const product = MessageMedia.fromFilePath(outputVideo);
await client.sendMessage(message.from, product, { caption });
console.log('Re-encoded video sent successfully!');
} catch (error) {
console.error('Error re-encoding or sending video:', error);
}
}
});
client.initialize();
Sending a Video with Base64 Encoding
Here’s an example of how to send a video using base64 encoding:
import pkg from 'whatsapp-web.js';
const { Client, LocalAuth, MessageMedia } = pkg;
import qrcode from 'qrcode-terminal';
import { readFile } from 'node:fs/promises';
const client = new Client({
puppeteer: {
args: ['--no-sandbox', '--disable-setuid-sandbox']
},
authStrategy: new LocalAuth()
});
client.once('ready', () => {
console.log('Client is ready!');
});
client.on('qr', (qr) => {
console.log('QR RECEIVED', qr);
qrcode.generate(qr, { small: true });
});
client.on('message_create', async (message) => {
if (!message.fromMe) {
const videoPath = './test.mp4';
const caption = `Here is your video (Base64)`;
try {
const b64 = await readFile(videoPath, { encoding: 'base64' });
const product = new MessageMedia('video/mp4', b64);
await client.sendMessage(message.from, product, { caption });
console.log('Video sent successfully using Base64!');
} catch (error) {
console.error('Error sending video with base64:', error);
}
}
});
client.initialize();
These code snippets provide a solid foundation for implementing the solutions we’ve discussed. Feel free to adapt them to your specific needs.
Conclusion
The InvalidMediaCheckRepairFailedType error in whatsapp-web.js can be a real head-scratcher, but with a systematic approach, you can conquer it. Remember, the key is to understand the potential causes, troubleshoot methodically, and leverage the tools and techniques we've covered. From verifying file integrity to re-encoding videos and using base64 encoding, you now have a comprehensive guide to tackle this issue. Keep experimenting, stay patient, and don't hesitate to seek help from the community. You've got this! 🎉