iMessage "Tap to Download" Issue

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!

Having same issue! Lots of memories are locked into my texts and not being able to download them for more than 8 months is unacceptable. Apple, please address this issue or provide a solution!

what worked for me is I went to iCloud and turned off messages and turned it back on and when I checked my messages my photos had been downloaded

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.