iMessage is one of the most used and best-designed messaging apps out there, so it’s not strange that people love it. However, it still has its share of problems. These are mostly individual cases, but if you’re on the “wrong side” of the line, you’ll only care about resolving it.
One of the most common problems with iMessage is when the in-message pictures can’t be seen or won’t load properly. For that purpose, we prepared a list of possible solutions that should help you resolve this problem. If you have trouble seeing the images in your text messages, make sure to check the list below.
Table of contents:
- Check the connection
- Make sure that the MMS is enabled
- Sign out/in with your AppleID
- Reset Network settings
Why did my pictures disappear from my iPhone messages?
1. Check the connection
Even though the text messages can be sent in all manners, for MMS messages you’ll need a proper connection in order to receive or send the multimedia files. Additionally, it’s important that both the sender and recipient have a stable connection, so make sure that the one you’re texting is also on the grid.
Moreover, you can restart your device as the first precautionary step and switch to a more stable Wi-Fi network rather than using mobile data.
2. Make sure that the MMS is enabled
Secondly, to send and receive multimedia messages you’ll need to enable them first. If this feature isn’t enabled, you won’t see pictures, even though the sender is certain that they’re delivered. So, in order to do so, follow the instructions:
- Tap Settings.
- Open Messages.
- Navigate to MMS Messaging and make sure that it’s enabled.
- If not, enable it and check your Messages to look for changes.
If you’re still unable to see the images that are clearly sent to you, move on to the next steps.
3. Sign out/in with your AppleID
Some users reported that they were able to resolve the problem with pictures by re-signing with the AppleID. Namely, some kind of bug prevented them from seeing the images, and it was gone when they sign out and back in. If you’re not sure how to do that, follow the instructions below.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Messages.
- Open Send & Receive.
- Tap and hold your AppleID.
- Sign out.
- Choose ”Use your AppleID for iMessages”.
- Enter your AppleID credentials and confirm.
- This will restore backed-up settings and messages and clear the possibly corrupted data.
This step should resolve your issues. But, if you still have hard times with the pictures, check the final step on the list.
4. Reset Network settings
It’s not unusual for your network configuration to take a wrong turn and cause issues with different connection-related features. The same goes for Multimedia Messages that are dependent on the connection. Luckily, you can reset your network settings to defaults and check for changes.
The one drawback is the fact that you’ll need to set up and customize all of the connections again, including Bluetooth, mobile data, and VPN.
This is how to reset your Network settings to their default values:
- Tap Settings.
- Open General.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Enter the password when prompted and tap Reset to confirm.
After that, you’ll at least be sure that you’re in the clear. The problem is most certainly on the other end, so make sure to tell that to the one that messages you.
That should do it. In case you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to post them in the comments section below. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Facebook.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in June 2017. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.
I’ve gone through all of those steps and my photos still do not appear in the message app
ANy ideas
I have the same problem
me too bruh
I can no longer open photos from text messages; I see the image in the message string, but when I tap on it to open and expand it, on my phone screen it just says Photo/JPEG image. I have gone through all of the steps above but the same thing is happening.
I’m on 12.4.5 and having a problem seeing iMessage photos that I have previously been able to see. Now it just shows me a file folder. If I click on it, it shows me the file name “IMG.0087.JPG” in “Images”. Clicking on it does nothing. I know the photo is stored somewhere because once in a great while I do see the photo in Images, but then it disappears again.
same here….I used to get pictures sent to me on Msg and to send them but it just shows me file name.
Same have you found a solution
I cannot reopen images I have sent in text messages. I have tried signing out and in again. I have checked that MMS is on. I have restarted my phone. None of these steps allow me to reopen an attachment that I have sent in a previous text.
I can’t send an enclosed pic or gif in a message any suggestions. I have the new IPhone 13 pro
none of these worked – anything else to try??