Even though WhatsApp is the largest instant messaging platform in the world, iMessage still remains the primary communication medium for iPhone users. Apple’s in-house messaging service can do it all – from sending pictures to sharing locations. However, it is not impervious to errors. If you are unable to download pictures using iMessage on your iPhone, check out these 10 fixes.
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In This Article
Why is iMessage not downloading pictures?
If you are unable to download pictures and videos from iMessage, it could be due to one of the following reasons.
- Your internet connection is faulty
- The iPhone is running out of storage space
- Your Apple ID is malfunctioning
- iMessage servers are down
- Background software issues
- You are using an outdated iOS version
Disable and re-enable iMessage
Step 1: Go to Settings and select Messages.
Step 2: Turn off the toggle switch next to iMessage.
Step 3: Turn the toggle switch back on.
Sign out of iMessage and then sign in
Step 1: Go to Settings and select Messages.
Step 2: Tap on Send & Receive.
Step 3: Tap on your Apple ID.
Step 4: Hit Sign Out.
Now, sign into iMessage again using your Apple ID.
Check your internet connection
If you’re on a weak WiFi network, the images and videos will take a lot of time to download on iMessage. If the WiFi isn’t working, the media won’t download at all. Switch to mobile data or a different WiFi connection to download the images. Perform an internet speed test to check if the network you are connected to is facing any issues.
Check your iPhone’s internal storage
If your iPhone is running out of storage space, it may not download new media from any app, including iMessage. To fix this, go to Settings>General>iPhone Storage and delete the apps you don’t use. You can also remove large files from your phone to free up storage space.
Check if iMessage is down
It is possible that the problem lies with Apple’s servers and not your iPhone or internet connection. Apple’s iMessage service is not a stranger to server outages. To check if iMessages’ servers are down, go to Apple’s System Status page. If there is a red dot next to iMessage, it means that its servers are not functional at the moment.
Update the Messages app
If you’re using an old version of the Messages app, chances are that a bug may be causing the problem with sending images. Most likely, this bug has been resolved in the latest version of the app. Go to the App Store, tap your profile picture, scroll down to Messages, and hit ‘Update’ next to it.
Toggle MMS on your iPhone
Media files are sent as an MMS. Turn off and turn on MMS on your iPhone to refresh it.
Step 1: Go to Settings and select Messages.
Step 2: Scroll down and turn off the toggle switch for MMS Messaging. Wait for a few seconds and then turn it back on.
Restart your iPhone
If a background software issue is preventing iMessage from downloading pictures, a quick restart will fix it. To restart your iPhone, press and hold the side button along with any volume key. Drag the power slider across the screen. After a few seconds, press and hold the side button to restart the device.
Reset Network Settings
Step 1: Go to Settings and select General.
Step 2: Tap on Transfer or Reset Device.
Step 3: Hit Reset.
Step 4: Select Reset Network Settings.
Update iOS
Step 1: Make sure your iPhone is connected to a WiFi network and plug in its charger.
Step 2: Go to Settings and select General.
Step 3: Select Software Update.
Step 4: Tap on Download and Install.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I disable iMessage on my iPhone?
Go to Settings>Messages and turn off the toggle switch next to iMessage to disable it.
How do I sign out of iMessage on my iPhone?
Go to Settings>Messages>Send and Receive, tap on your Apple ID and hit Sign Out.
How do I filter unknown senders on my iPhone?
If you don’t want to receive text from unknown numbers, go to Settings>Messages>Unknown and Spam and turn on the toggle switch for ‘Filter Unknown Senders’.
How do I check if iMessage is down?
Go to the Apple System Status page and scroll down to iMessage. If there’s a red dot next to it, it means that its servers are down.
How do I update the Messages app on my iPhone?
Launch the App Store on your iPhone, tap your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen, scroll down to Messages, and hit ‘Update’.
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Conclusion
These are the top 10 ways to fix the ‘iMessage not downloading pictures’ issue on your iPhone. If these methods don’t work out, try performing a factory reset on your iPhone. While you’re here, check out this article to learn how to leave group chats on an iPhone.
