How Do I Fix My Photos Not Showing up on iPhone?8 Proved Ways

Part 1: Why can't I See Images on iMessage after Updating to iOS 18?

After updating to iOS 18, you may experience messages disappearing from iPhone 16. This can be due to misconfigurations with your iCloud sync settings that prevent photos from appearing.

• Software glitches caused by iOS 18 updates could interfere with the device's ability to display images.
• Low device storage or network connectivity may prevent iMessage photos from loading properly.

Understanding these causes will help you identify and restore photos that disappeared from iMessage.

Part 2: How do I recover photos from iMessage?

Recover 1. Wait for a while to restore photos

Device updates might take longer, especially from a very old version to the latest one. For instance, updating iOS 13 or 14 to iOS 18 contains extensive updates that reset the system. So, you might encounter iMessages disappeared on your iPhone. The only thing you need to do at first is wait for a few hours while ensuring that the device is connected to a stable internet connection.

Recover 2. Sync iMessages with iCloud

You can sync your iMessage account with iCloud to display photos in iMessage chats.

Step 1: Navigate to your iPhone's ‘Settings’ tab to check and enable iCloud sync for messages.

Step 2: Choose [Your Name] in the ‘Settings’ menu and select ‘iCloud.’

Step 3: Verify if the ‘Messages’ option is enabled here. You can also enable it if it is disabled. It will sync all your iMessages via iCloud, allowing you to download all iMessage photos.

Note: The process might be different based on the iOS versions.

Recover 3. Restart Your iPhone

Force restarting the iPhone refreshes the system, clearing minor glitches and restoring proper functioning. So, it might also resolve iMessage not sending pictures if it is due to minor bugs.

Let’s discover the steps for the latest iOS devices like the iPhone 15.

Step 1: Press and instantly release the ‘Volume Up’ button.

Step 2: Press and instantly release the ‘Volume Down’ button.

Step 3: Press and hold the ‘Side’ button until the Apple logo appears.

Recover 4. Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings on the device can resolve connectivity issues that might cause iMessage photos to disappear. It involves a few simple steps on your iPhone.

If you have iOS 15 or later Version, try these steps:

Step 1: Open your iPhone’s ‘Settings’ tab and navigate to ‘General.’

Step 2: Scroll down and choose the ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’ option.

Step 3: Choose ‘Reset Network Settings’ and confirm that you will proceed.

Note: Type the credentials again to connect to the network.

Recover5. Advanced Fixes for iOS 18 Control Center Bugs without Losing Data

ReiBoot is an iOS-oriented tool that allows users to troubleshoot various issues with iOS devices. For example, a standard repair option can instantly resolve multiple issues, including photos not loading in iMessage.

Features

• Recovery mode with just one click.
• Various repair types like standard repair and deep repair.
• Upgrade or downgrade iOS Versions.
• Reset iOS devices.
• Anti-data recovery repair

How to Use?

If you are curious about why won’t images load on iMessage, then follow these steps on ReiBoot to restore images with a guarantee to prevent data loss.

• Step 1: Download and install Tenorshare ReiBoot on your PC or Mac and connect your iPhone via a USB cable (Apple original lightning USB cable). ReiBoot will automatically detect and connect it. Choose ‘Start Repair’ to proceed.

• Step 2: If you don’t want to risk your data on the device, choose the ‘Standard Repair’ option, as it is the safest option with no chances of data loss.

• Step 3: ReiBoot will automatically detect relevant firmware with your device. Click on download to proceed.

• Step 4: Once the firmware is downloaded, initiate standard repair. It will take some time, and you will be notified when it’s done.

Pro and Cons

Why We Choose Reiboot？

ReiBoot offers a free trial to check its features and functioning. It has reasonable pricing plans, allowing scalability and flexibility. ReiBoot is the ultimate solution users can try when all other free methods fail to resolve why won't images load on iMessage, just like the scenario discussed below:

Recover 6. Check iCloud Storage

Follow these steps to verify iCloud storage space, as a lack of space can cause iPhone Text Messages and iMessages to disappear.

Step 1: Select your name from the iPhone’s ‘Settings’ tab.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘iCloud’ tab and choose the ‘Manage Storage’ option.

It will display a breakdown of how data is being consumed.

If you find the iCloud storage space full, free up some space or purchase additional space.

Recover 7. Check on Another Device

Use another Apple device, such as a Mac or iPad, to check if iMessage pictures are not showing on them either. On your Mac or iPad, navigate to the Messages app and open any conversation in question. If the images show up there, it means the issue is with a specific iPhone, most probably due to a software glitch. This helps a lot in finding the actual cause of the problem.

Recover 8. Restore from a Backup

You can restore from a backup if photos are not showing in iMessages.

Step 1: If your device is already set up, you need to erase all content. Navigate to Settings > General > Reset > Erase all Content and Settings.

Step 2: Follow the on-screen instructions for setup and reach the ‘Transfer your Apps and Data’ screen to choose ‘From iCloud Backup.’

Step 3: Verify the data and size while choosing the backup. Be sure to select the backup created before the photos disappear.

Related reading：iCloud VS iTunes Backup, Which one is Better）

iPhone Tips: Prevent Photos from Disappearing in the Future

Here are some tips that will never let you face images missing from iMessage issues in the future:

• Regularly check out the iCloud storage space and remove unnecessary files.

• Always keep your iOS updated with the latest Version.

• Back up iMessage and iCloud regularly.
• Use iCareFone backup apps for enhanced security.