iMessage "Tap to Download" Issue

FIXED! I had the same issue.

• Go to Settings.
• Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.
• Enter your iPhone passcode.
• Tap Reset Network Settings to confirm.
• Go to Settings again.
• Tap Wi-Fi, then select your network and enter the password.
• Open iMessage to reload all its content, including pictures.

SAME!!! I’m trying to screenshot some older messages before I get a new phone, and some pix are there, but most aren’t. Just the “tap to download” box that does nothing to bring the photos back. I too have tried ALL the troubleshooting options multiple times, even turning icloud backup off for messages so they’ll stop saving in the cloud and download on my phone. I have PLENTY of space, over 40GB. PLEASE somebody fix this problem!

That Gg in your profile name must stand for Double-Genius. I appears to be working. Very slowly but I have a ton of images. Looks like you saved my memories. My Mother passed away last year and I was scrolling through the text messages we shared so I read our previous conversations and skim through the images, but no images were downloading. I have them now, along with a huge smile on my face and warmth in my heart. Thank you gganne! I'm happy because of you, but disappointed that Apple dropped out of the conversation sometime ago and without a solution. I've been using Apple since Apple was born, and it's disappointing to see that they bailed on this conversation.

SAME with my 12Pro iOS 15.2.1.

Pictures disappear after I read them and they are replaced with “tap to download” boxes that do not work.

PLENTY of space, iPhone and iCloud!

No problem with iPad. iPad imessages display received pictures and there are no "tap to download" links for pics.

Curious as to if you have discovered a solution. I am having the same issue. Plenty of space on my iphone and I also have the 2TB icloud plan with plenty of space. I have tried logging in and out, updating software etc. Tap to Download does nothing when I click on the link. this seems to be happening with older pics as current ones seems available.

So much for thinking a picture will say a thousand words, SOL, we lost 3 years; some photos returned, most still not downloading... All this started after the IOS15 install... APPLE DO YOU EVEN CARE!

Hey there PacoHunter10,

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities. We understand you're having issues with downloading photos sent in the Messages app, and we'd be happy to look into what's going on.

To get started, you've done some great troubleshooting to help isolate the issue. Going forward, how much storage space do you have available on your iPhone? If unsure, check out this link that can help with checking your available storage: How to check the storage on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

If you have iCloud Photos enabled, we'd also recommend checking how much iCloud Storage is available to ensure that the issue is not related to insufficient storage: Manage your iCloud storage - Apple Support

If you find that you're low on storage, try freeing up some space using the recommended steps in the same resources above, and let us know if that's able to help.

Have a great day!

The fix is to click the person or the group chat until you get to the Menu area where you FaceTime and see links, scroll all the way down And there should be an option to download the photos. Make sure iMessage is turned on in your iCloud settings and keep messages is enabled in iMessage settings.

As an Apple user after running into the same issues I’ve finally found a solution. First off appreciate gganne , hazeleyesArie , and a few other people that gave light on the situation. If turning off messages, disable and download. Turning the phone off and on etc didn’t work for you. 1st What you have to do is go into settings scroll down until you see messages click it. 2nd Click “send and receive” make sure you have your number as well as iCloud email selected under the receive option (most important step). 3rd Turn your phone off and on so it can register and you should be set. (Test it out by going into your messages and clicking on a photo that had the error issue)..

Some results, still missing earlier photos, attachments, etc.. Thanks for passing along anecdotal solutions. Fact: While apple revenues increase, support declines…and the end users, once again figure out how to survive!

I have had the same issue with my phone as well. Same with my husband and my sister. It’s really unfortunate that we can’t get the pictures we were sent. Plenty of space in both iCloud and iPhone storage.

Same issue for me for years 😡😡😡

Can anyone, engineer, SDE from apple fix this?!!!

So annoying that we have lot of people with same issue and no one care at all or just redirect the issue to people around 😢😢😢

just updated the new ios 15.1 as well, reset, ton of space and nothing fixed

Same issue with two iPnones:

iPhone 8, iOS 15.2.1, 64 GB storage, 18 GB available, iCloud storage 50 GB/28 GB available.

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 15.2.1. 256 GB storage, 233 GB available, iCloud storage 50 GB/31 GB available.

Clearly not a storage issue. I am reluctant to try what gganne suggested as a fix for fear of losing more than just the photos that are not appearing when "tap to download" does not work. Can others report on the details of the steps involved and their results? Thanks in advance.