Why do images sent to me via text change to a filename instead of image?

When I receive an image via text, it comes across fine initially. But when go I try to view it again later, the image is no longer displayed but rather a placeholder box with the filename, like IMG_232.heic. This is super frustrating if I need to find an image that was texted to me but I didn't save to photos. If I click on a person in the messaging app to view all the photos they've texted me, the ones that would show only the filename placeholder in the text thread aren't shown at all. So, I have to scroll through the thread and click on every placeholder (usually the image will display then, but it is slow and inconsistent) to find a specific image.


It's almost like there is a setting somewhere to "compress" or not fully download images in my text thread to save space, but my phone has tons of space, so I'd love to turn that off.

iPhone 13 Pro

Posted on Mar 14, 2023 04:19 PM

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Posted on Apr 20, 2023 07:12 AM

I have the same problem, and lockdown is NOT enabled. Same thing on my sisters’ iPhones, though the photos DO appear on her Apple Watch. They are sent via email from a Samsung phone using gmail. Ideas?

2 replies

Mar 15, 2023 10:00 AM in response to sydfb

Probably you have enabled Lockdown mode.


How Lockdown Mode protects your device

When Lockdown Mode is enabled, some apps and features will function differently, including:

  • Messages - Most message attachment types are blocked, other than certain images, video, and audio. Some features, such as links and link previews, are unavailable. 
  • Web browsing - Certain complex web technologies are blocked, which might cause some websites to load more slowly or not operate correctly. In addition, web fonts might not be displayed, and images might be replaced with a missing image icon.
  • FaceTime - Incoming FaceTime calls are blocked unless you have previously called that person or contact.
  • Apple services - Incoming invitations for Apple services, such as invitations to manage a home in the Home app, are blocked unless you have previously invited that person.
  • Shared Albums - Shared albums are removed from the Photos app, and new Shared Album invitations are blocked. You can still view these shared albums on other devices that don’t have Lockdown Mode enabled. When you turn off Lockdown Mode, you need to turn Shared Albums on again in your device settings.
  • Device connections - To connect your iPhone or iPad to an accessory or another computer, the device needs to be unlocked. To connect your Mac laptop with Apple silicon to an accessory, your Mac needs to be unlocked and explicit approval provided.
  • Configuration profiles - Configuration profiles can’t be installed, and the device can’t be enrolled in Mobile Device Management or device supervision while in Lockdown Mode.

Phone calls and plain text messages continue to work while Lockdown Mode is enabled. Emergency features, such as SOS emergency calls, are not affected. 



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Why do images sent to me via text change to a filename instead of image?

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