Many users are facing a frustrating issue where a Facebook Reel link received on WhatsApp opens the Facebook app correctly, but the Reel itself does not play. Instead, Facebook displays the message:

“The video that you tried to open is not available.”

This problem can happen on both Android and iPhone devices and is often confusing because the link itself appears valid.

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What Exactly Happens

Typical behavior looks like this:

1. Someone sends a Facebook Reel link on WhatsApp
2. You tap the link
3. The Facebook app opens automatically
4. Instead of opening the Reel, Facebook shows:
   • “The video you tried to open is not available”
   • Blank screen
   • Error loading content

Sometimes the same Reel works perfectly for the sender but not for the receiver.

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Why This Happens

There are several common reasons behind this issue.

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1. The Reel Was Deleted or Made Private

The most common reason is simple:

• The original creator deleted the Reel
• Privacy settings were changed
• The Reel is now restricted to certain audiences

If the content is no longer public, Facebook cannot load it through the shared link.

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2. Facebook App Link Handling Bug

Sometimes the Facebook app fails to process external links correctly.

This especially happens:

• After Facebook app updates
• With cached app data
• When opening links directly from WhatsApp

The app opens, but the deep-link to the Reel breaks.

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3. Login or Account Restrictions

Some Reels are visible only:

• In certain countries
• To logged-in users
• To friends or followers

If your account lacks permission, Facebook may display the “not available” message.

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4. Broken WhatsApp Preview Link

Occasionally, the shared link itself becomes malformed or incomplete during forwarding.

This can happen after:

• Multiple forwards
• Partial copy-paste
• Expired tracking links

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5. Facebook Cache or Sync Issues

Corrupted app cache may prevent Facebook from loading Reel URLs correctly.

This is more common on:

• Android devices with heavy cache buildup
• Older app versions

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How to fix Facebook Reel Link From WhatsApp Opens App But Shows “Video Not Available” Error

1. Open the Link in Browser Instead of App

This is one of the most effective fixes.

Instead of opening directly in the app:

• Long press the link
• Open in Chrome or Safari

Many times the Reel works properly in browser mode.

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2. Update the Facebook App

Go to your app store and make sure:

• Facebook is fully updated
• WhatsApp is updated too

Older versions often create link compatibility issues.

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3. Clear Facebook App Cache

Android:

• Settings → Apps → Facebook → Storage → Clear Cache

iPhone:

• Offload or reinstall the app

This removes corrupted temporary data.

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4. Ask Sender to Reshare the Reel

If the link is broken:

• Ask the sender to copy the Reel link again directly from Facebook
• Avoid forwarded copies if possible

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5. Check if the Reel Opens on Another Account

Sometimes the issue is account-specific.

Try:

• Another Facebook account
• Browser without login

If it works there, the restriction may be tied to your account.

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6. Reinstall the Facebook App

If nothing works:

• Delete Facebook app
• Restart phone
• Install it again

This refreshes app permissions and deep-link settings.

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What Usually Does NOT Help

• Restarting WhatsApp repeatedly
• Switching internet connection
• Force closing the app multiple times

These rarely fix link-level or permission-related issues.

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Final Thoughts

If a Facebook Reel link from WhatsApp opens the Facebook app but shows:

“The video you tried to open is not available”

the problem is usually caused by:

• Privacy restrictions
• Broken links
• Facebook app bugs
• Cache or account issues

In most cases, opening the Reel in a browser or clearing the Facebook app cache solves the issue quickly.