Basic Fixes
- Force quit and relaunch Messages app: You can force quit and relaunch the Messages app to give it a fresh start on your iPhone.
- Update software version: Open Settings > General > Software Update.
Fix 1: Check ‘Shared With You’ Content Settings
All your downloaded content shared by your contacts on iMessage appears in the Photos app by default. But you can disable or hide the content shared in iMessage conversations from the Photos app. So, we suggest enabling content access.
On iPhone and iPad
Open Settings > Messages > Shared with You > Enable Photos.
For specific contacts, open the Messages app > Chat with contact > Contact name > Enable Shared with You.
On Mac
Step 1: Open the Messages app > Info icon next to a contact name in chat.
Step 2: Scroll down and then check if the option of Show in Shared with You is enabled.
Step 3: After that, click on Messages at the top-left corner and then select Settings.
Step 4: Click on the Shared With You tab.
Step 5: Scroll down and then ensure that the Photos app has been allowed access to all content shared with you on iMessage.
Fix 2: Enable iCloud Syncing
If you still can’t find iMessage photos in the Photos app, you should check and enable iCloud syncing on your Apple devices. This ensures that all the content shared with you gets stored in iCloud and is accessible from any Apple device.
On iPhone and iPad
Step 1: Open the Settings app > iCloud > Show all.
Step 2: Tap on Photos and then enable Sync this iPhone.
On Mac
Step 1: Open Settings > Account name > iCloud.
Step 2: Click on Photos.
Step 3: Click the toggle next Sync this Mac to enable syncing. Then, click on Done.
Tip: If you have a lot of content shared from your contacts, keep a check on your iCloud storage.
Fix 3: Check Message History Settings
iMessage allows you to keep your text messages for up to 30 days, one year, and forever. So, you need to check the preference you have selected for storing message history on your device.
On iPhone and iPad
Step 1: Open Settings > Messages > Keep Messages.
Step 2: Check your preference selected for storing your older iMessage texts.
On Mac
Step 1: Open Messages > Settings.
Step 2: Check your preferences for storing your older iMessage texts.
Tip: You can refer to our post if you cannot download photos at all from iMessage.
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Last updated on 31 July, 2024
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