How do I access all photos shared via iMessage on iPhone 17?

denaye00 wrote:

Same issue, only seeing have "links, documents, backgrounds, Info, locations". I want to be easily able to find photos that message and I have shared to one another.

If you've just updated, give it 48-72 hours to fully reindex. The 'Photos' tab should appear after that.

If it's been that long and you still don't see it, or if you see it but it's missing photos- go to Settings > Search > Messages and turning both toggles off, then back on. That should trigger an update.

I tried everything listed above and didn't have any luck.

That being said, I discovered how to view all photos when I was searching for a contact to text.

Tap the Messages Icon and use the Search feature at the bottom. Type in the person's name and hit the search icon/enter. It will then pull up the threads you have with them (individual and group). Under that are the recent texts exchanged, followed by links shared and then photos. You can click See All to view all the photos shared between you and them, including ones sent to just the individual and the ones sent in group chats your both in. Locations and Documents are under the photos.

It's an extra step and more to sort through, but at least they're there.

I turned off iMessages from iCloud, then turned it back on and now i can finally see all the photos ! It worked ◡̈

prftpam wrote:

I’ve had my iPhone 17 ProMax over 2 weeks & did the upgrade. I still can’t review all pictures that I sent in messages.

Try going to Settings > Search > Messages and turning both toggles off, then back on. That should trigger an update.

GCICozy wrote:

Hello,

On previous iPhone, I was able to review all photos sent to someone via text by tapping on their name and then below that "photos" and then "see all". I do not see that on my iphone17. Why would they have "links, documents, backgrounds, Info, locations", but drop the ability to see all photos? Help please

The Photos tab still exists, however, it won't appear until the phone's finished indexing. Depending on the amount of pictures you've sent, I've found that it should appear in 24-48 hours.

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+can+i+see+photos+sent+imessage+iphone+17&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:27535335,vid:2TpBO1CrVVk,st:0

this help me fix the issue

Just spoke with Apple Support, don't know why they won't say it here but they said it is an issue people are having and that they are aware of. I was suggested to wait 3 weeks for them to magically pop-up lol good luck everyone.

Anyone who is having this issue please start a case with Apple Support so they can generate a faster solution

Amess18 wrote:

What are the two toggles you’re referring to? I’ve tried everything and I’m still having the issue.

Open the Settings app, then tap Search, scroll down to and tap Messages, and turn both of the toggles off, then back on again after a few seconds. They're labeled 'Show App in Search' and 'Show Content in Search'.

I just purchased the Iphone 17 pro and am having the same issue on trying to access photos that were sent via text. All I can see is documents, links, etc. I have tried everything in the below list but still am having the issue of not being able to view photos that were sent via text. Is there any update on how to fix this issue or when Apple will fix this as it is really frustrating that phones like the 13 and even earlier had this feature and no complications when getting new phones.

Initial checks

• Check your network connection: Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. Text messages with images require this to download properly.
• Free up storage: If your phone is low on storage, it may not have space to receive new images. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to check and clear up space.
• Restart your iPhone: A simple restart can resolve many temporary glitches. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the slider appears, then drag the slider to turn off the device. 

Troubleshooting iMessage and MMS

• Enable MMS Messaging: Go to Settings > Messages and make sure MMS Messaging is toggled on.
• Toggle iMessage off and on: Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage. Wait a minute, then turn it back on. You may need to sign out of your Apple ID and then sign back in.Check "Low Quality Image Mode": Go to Settings > Messages and see if "Low Quality Image Mode" is turned on. Turning this off may help if images aren't loading.

Advanced steps

• Reset network settings: This will reset all network-related settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
• Check your carrier: Contact your cellular carrier to ensure your account is provisioned for MMS and that there are no service interruptions in your area. 

For specific cases

• Check the Photos tab: If you are looking for images within a conversation, the Photos tab (found at the top of the conversation or in your profile pic in the main Messages list) may not appear until your iPhone has finished indexing the messages, which can take some time.
• Sign out of iMessage: If you've recently switched from an iPhone and are having issues, try signing out of iMessage and signing back in to resync your information. 

This feature isn’t possible on the iPhone 17. This is suppose to be an honest forum for possible solutions however, users are just posting things on here knowing that it doesn’t resolve the solution. None of these ideas will resolve this ( as per Apple)

Have to go to iCloud and turn sync on

ArminNasser wrote:

I have the same problem.

how long does it take till Full indexing?

It is a bit annoying

My experience is it should be between 24-72 hours depending on how many photos you have in Messages.

Yeah, this is absolutely absurd. It’s super important for me to be able to easily access my photographs for work all of the suggestions Previously mentioned do not work at all unfortunately I’m going to need to return my iPhone 17 and get a refund and just use my old one. This is horrible design on Apple’s part.

Hi I just upgraded my phone from iPhone 12 to iPhone 17 on Monday. It hasn't been 48 hours just yet but I noticed the "photos" tab within the chat is missing. For example, I sent my friend a photo this morning and it doesn't even show up in our photos history (the tab is completely missing). I have tried everything - icloud messages to reindex and reload the messages, toggle siri & search / show content in search off, updated to the latest ios and have called apple support so many times in the last 24 hours but none has the right answer. I'm reading many people are facing this issue. Can someone tell me if it's a matter of time and I just need to be patient for these to load - like a week or so? I the example I attached, I sent my friend a photo this morning - 8:44AM ET and the photo doesn't even come up in our chat AND the "photos" tab still doesn't show in our chat. I am experiencing previous images not populating in our chat AND even after the phone has been updated still not showing up. Sorry for the long message just really hope someone has insight or can assist !!