WEBP File Not Supported? Here's How to Open or Convert It

You downloaded a WEBP image — maybe from a website, a stock photo platform, a design tool, or a colleague — and now nothing on your computer will open it. The file sits in your downloads folder with a blank icon, and every application you try either ignores it or throws an error. This is a frustrating but surprisingly common problem, particularly on older devices, specific operating system versions, and legacy software. Here's exactly why WEBP compatibility fails, and the fastest proven ways to fix it on any device.

Why Are WEBP Files Sometimes Not Supported?

WEBP is a relatively modern format — Google released it publicly in 2010, but widespread support across operating systems and desktop applications only accelerated between 2018 and 2022. Before that window, most software was built without WEBP support, and older installed versions haven't been updated to add it since. The most common culprits for WEBP compatibility issues include: Windows 7 and Windows 8 (which have no native WEBP support at all), iPhones and iPads running iOS 13 or earlier, versions of Photoshop released before February 2022, email clients like older Outlook versions that strip or refuse to display inline WEBP images, older content management systems that only accept PNG and JPEG uploads, and certain social platforms and stock image submission portals that haven't yet added WEBP to their accepted formats list.

Can't Open WEBP on Windows? Here's the Fix

Windows 10 and Windows 11 include native WEBP support in the built-in Photos app, so most modern Windows users can open WEBP files without any additional steps. However, if you're running an older build of Windows 10 or using Windows 7 or 8, the Photos app may not display WEBP files correctly. There are several solutions. First, check for updates: open Windows Update and install any pending updates — this often resolves WEBP support issues for Windows 10 users. Second, use a modern browser as a viewer: drag your WEBP file into a Chrome or Edge browser tab, and it will display instantly since all modern browsers support WEBP natively. Third, and the most reliable universal fix: convert the WEBP to PNG using Convertify, and then open the PNG in any software on your computer. PNG is supported by literally every piece of software ever made, so you'll never encounter a compatibility issue.

Can't Open WEBP on iPhone or iPad?

Apple added native WEBP support to iOS in version 14, released in September 2020. If your iPhone or iPad is running iOS 14 or any later version, it can open, display, and save WEBP images natively in the Photos app and in Safari. If you're on iOS 13 or an earlier version, WEBP images won't display correctly. The solution is straightforward: either update your device to the latest available iOS version (Settings → General → Software Update), or convert the WEBP to JPEG or PNG first using Convertify directly in Safari on your iPhone — no app installation required.

WEBP Not Opening in Photoshop?

Adobe Photoshop added native WEBP support in version 23.2, released in February 2022. If you have Photoshop CC 2022 or any later version, you can open WEBP files directly by going to File → Open and selecting the file. To check your Photoshop version, go to Help → About Photoshop. If you're on an older version of Photoshop, you have two practical options: update to Photoshop CC 2022 or newer through the Creative Cloud app, or convert the WEBP to PNG using Convertify before opening it in Photoshop. Converting to PNG is lossless, so you won't lose any image quality — and PNG is fully editable in all Photoshop versions going back decades.

WEBP Not Supported in My App or CMS?

Some platforms still reject WEBP files for uploads, particularly older or more conservative platforms. This is most common with: older social media platforms and apps that haven't updated their file handling, email marketing platforms and email clients that don't render inline WEBP images, older WordPress themes and plugins that only accept PNG and JPEG for featured images, stock image submission portals that require specific formats, and some e-commerce platforms with strict image format requirements. When a platform rejects your WEBP file, the simplest solution is to convert it to PNG using Convertify's WEBP to PNG tool. The conversion takes about three seconds and produces a standard PNG that every platform accepts without question.

The Fastest Fix: Convert WEBP to PNG in Your Browser

If you need to open, edit, or upload a WEBP file and nothing is cooperating, converting it to PNG is the fastest and most universal fix. PNG is supported by every piece of software ever made. Here's how to do it on Convertify in under a minute:

1. Go to Convertify's WEBP to PNG converter
2. Upload your WEBP file — drag and drop it onto the converter or click to browse
3. Click "Convert to PNG" (the conversion is instant)
4. Preview the result to confirm it looks correct
5. Click "Download" to save your PNG file

The entire process takes under a minute, happens entirely in your browser with no file uploads to any server, and produces a lossless PNG that opens in every application on every device.

Will WEBP Ever Be Universally Supported?

As of 2025, WEBP support has reached over 97% globally across all browsers, and modern operating system support is near-universal. Windows 10/11, macOS, iOS 14+, and Android all support WEBP natively. The remaining compatibility gaps are limited to very old software and devices that haven't received updates in years. The trend is clearly and consistently toward full adoption — every major software release since 2021 has added or improved WEBP support. For practical purposes in 2025, WEBP works perfectly for the vast majority of users and use cases, and the few remaining exceptions are easily handled by a quick conversion to PNG.