✅ How to Fix “Import Failed” When Importing Animation FBX Files in Unreal Engine

If you're importing animation FBX files into Unreal Engine (UE 5.0–5.5) and you see an “Import Failed” error, don’t worry — this is a very common issue, especially when the animation FBX contains bones only (no mesh).

The good news is that the fix is very simple.

Below is the recommended workaround for Meshtint assets and any custom rigs.

❗ Why This Happens

Many animation FBX files contain:

• Bones only

• No mesh

• Baked animation keyframes

Unreal Engine expects animation-only FBX files to be imported with the correct import settings.
If certain options are turned on, UE will fail immediately (with no clear explanation).

✅ Fix: Disable “Import Meshes in Bone Hierarchy”

When importing animation FBX files:

✔ Turn ON

• Import Only Animations

• Select the correct Skeleton (the one imported from your main character FBX)

✔ Working Import Settings (Recommended)

For animation-only FBX files:

• Import Only Animations: ✔ Enabled

• Skeleton: Select your character’s skeleton

• Import As: Skeletal Mesh or Animation (both work as long as the above settings are correct)

With these settings, Unreal Engine will correctly import animation sequences.

📌 Remember:

This issue is not related to:

• FBX version (2018 / 2020 both work)

• Binary vs ASCII format

• Missing mesh in the animation file

The problem is only the Unreal import settings.

Once the two problematic options are turned OFF, the animation imports correctly every time.

👍 Final Note

If your animation import still fails after applying the settings above, feel free to contact Meshtint for help.

In most cases, adjusting these checkboxes solves the problem instantly.