Upload failed or rejected
DS-160 photo rejected or upload failed
A failed upload is not always the same as a rejected photo. First separate technical file problems from visual problems that may require a new picture.
First check technical upload problems
- Is the final file JPEG?
- Is the final crop square and at least 600 x 600 px?
- Is the file 240KB or less?
- Does the exported file open normally before upload?
Then check retake risks
If the file meets the technical basics but still looks risky, check the background, shadows, glasses glare, expression, face angle, and whether compression made the photo blurry. These issues are often safer to fix by retaking the photo instead of editing.
Why official crop passing is not the same as approval
A crop tool can help prepare the size, but photo acceptance still depends on the full set of photo requirements and official review. Do not treat any third-party checker as a guarantee.