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How to load all images in email since OS 15.0.1 update.

How to load all images in email since OS 15.0.1 update.


I just updated my iPad to the newest software, iPadOS 15.0.1 and since doing so, I have to click the message at the top of every email I open, to “Load All Images”. How can I change this back to how it used to be, where all images would automatically open. It is literally taking twice as long to check my emails due to having to wait for the images to load after I click the “Load All Images” button.

many thanks,

Diane xx

iPad 2, iOS 9

Posted on Oct 3, 2021 9:56 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 3, 2021 10:18 AM

First, it is perhaps worthwhile to understand the reasoning for the default behaviour - whereby embedded images are not initially loaded…


By delaying loading of images until the body text is verified by the recipient, potentially malicious content and trackers are not loaded before the recipient has had opportunity to verify that the email is from an expected source or sender - or, for unsolicited email, taken the positive decision to download all content. Most legitimate email has adequate “body” to establish whether of not the email is (a) legitimate and (b) of interest to the sender.


If instead all content is loaded by default, malicious content is given opportunity to run malicious code or attempt a malware exploit. Similarly, images that contain (or are themselves) trackers will notify the actor that the email has been opened. At the very least, the sender of a broadcast phishing email is notified of a “live” mail account and recipient.


Having considered the above, should you wish to change this protective behaviour and automatically download all content, a simple change can be made in your device settings:

Settings > Mail > Privacy Protection > Block All Remote Content - set to OFF


This screenshot shows the relevant setting in its more secure state:


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 3, 2021 10:18 AM in response to dmm2011

First, it is perhaps worthwhile to understand the reasoning for the default behaviour - whereby embedded images are not initially loaded…


By delaying loading of images until the body text is verified by the recipient, potentially malicious content and trackers are not loaded before the recipient has had opportunity to verify that the email is from an expected source or sender - or, for unsolicited email, taken the positive decision to download all content. Most legitimate email has adequate “body” to establish whether of not the email is (a) legitimate and (b) of interest to the sender.


If instead all content is loaded by default, malicious content is given opportunity to run malicious code or attempt a malware exploit. Similarly, images that contain (or are themselves) trackers will notify the actor that the email has been opened. At the very least, the sender of a broadcast phishing email is notified of a “live” mail account and recipient.


Having considered the above, should you wish to change this protective behaviour and automatically download all content, a simple change can be made in your device settings:

Settings > Mail > Privacy Protection > Block All Remote Content - set to OFF


This screenshot shows the relevant setting in its more secure state:


Oct 3, 2021 11:21 AM in response to LotusPilot

Hiya, thanks for the reply and for the great info about the security that this is now giving me. I am not very good at the technical side of things and wasn't aware of this being an issue, so I am super grateful for you informing me of this and allowing me to now understand why this has been implemented on emails.

I have decided after reading your reply, to actually keep it as it is, as I now know it is in my best interest to do so.

Thanks again,

Diane xx

Oct 3, 2021 12:48 PM in response to dmm2011

You are very welcome.


Whilst accepting that change is not always positive, from an Information Security perspective, this change is one of those that does qualify for praise. Sometimes a little insight is all that is necessary to understand the benefits.


As outlined, should you choose to do so, you can easily restore the previous behaviour - although I recommend that the “hardened” settings are used in preference where possible. If a received email is of no interest, or is suspicious by source or content, it can be simply deleted without downloading potentially unsafe content.

How to load all images in email since OS 15.0.1 update.

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