You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple ID, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

unable to save shared photos

within "photos" on my iPhone i have many photos and videos that are "shared with me". when i attempt to "save shared photo" i often (but now always) get a "preparing..." or "downloading..." prompt for extended periods of time and nothing ever happens. the photo does not save.


any ideas?

Posted on Jan 6, 2022 12:07 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 9, 2022 10:47 AM

Hi Chad,


I am also experiencing this issue while trying to be sure I have everything saved before sending my old phone in as a trade in. I think I may have discovered a workaround or additional method so thought I'd share!


First check that your device is signed into iMessage. I had some that would not download and after toggling iMessage off then on again, they completed. Do this in Settings > Messages: turn the iMessage switch On (or Off then On again).


Second, when viewing the image you will see a small banner at the top of the screen with "From: (Contact Name)>". Tap there and it will take you to the message in which that contact sent you the photo/video.


Long Press the photo within that message and you should get an option to Save. This will instantly save the photo/video to your gallery where you can then manage it properly!


So far I've been able to do this to all but one file and that file appeared differently within Messages. It said "Tap To Download", whereas the others showed their file name or image preview. Since it was just a photo, I took a screenshot and transferred that to my computer.


I hope this helps. Good luck!



4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 9, 2022 10:47 AM in response to Chad

Hi Chad,


I am also experiencing this issue while trying to be sure I have everything saved before sending my old phone in as a trade in. I think I may have discovered a workaround or additional method so thought I'd share!


First check that your device is signed into iMessage. I had some that would not download and after toggling iMessage off then on again, they completed. Do this in Settings > Messages: turn the iMessage switch On (or Off then On again).


Second, when viewing the image you will see a small banner at the top of the screen with "From: (Contact Name)>". Tap there and it will take you to the message in which that contact sent you the photo/video.


Long Press the photo within that message and you should get an option to Save. This will instantly save the photo/video to your gallery where you can then manage it properly!


So far I've been able to do this to all but one file and that file appeared differently within Messages. It said "Tap To Download", whereas the others showed their file name or image preview. Since it was just a photo, I took a screenshot and transferred that to my computer.


I hope this helps. Good luck!



Jan 7, 2022 12:19 PM in response to Chad

Hi Chad,


Welcome to Apple Support Communities. Thanks for reaching out to us with this trouble you're having saving shared photos. We're happy to help. First, we'll need a little background info. Are you having this issue while using Wi-Fi, cellular data, or both? Are you able to save photos that weren't shared with you, like from an app or website? Get back to us with this info, and we can go from there.


Have a great day!

unable to save shared photos

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.