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Question marks instead of photos in iMessage

On my iPhone 12 Pro Max running iOS 16.3.1, in my Messages app I'm seeing question marks with file names instead of photos. Please see the image below. In contrast, my 6th generation iPad Pro does not have this problem. I've tried closing and reopening the app,  turning off iMessage in settings and turning it back on, Force Restarting the iPhone, and resetting network settings but nothing has worked. I know I can re-download individual photos. Why did this happen and how do I prevent it from happening in the future?

iPhone 12 Pro Max

Posted on Mar 17, 2023 7:07 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 18, 2023 4:36 AM

"Probably you have enabled Lockdown mode."


No. Lockdown Mode has never been turned on. It is off. There must be some other explanation.


2 replies

Mar 18, 2023 2:55 AM in response to peterkz

Probably you have enabled Lockdown mode.


How Lockdown Mode protects your device

When Lockdown Mode is enabled, some apps and features will function differently, including:

  • Messages - Most message attachment types are blocked, other than certain images, video, and audio. Some features, such as links and link previews, are unavailable. 
  • Web browsing - Certain complex web technologies are blocked, which might cause some websites to load more slowly or not operate correctly. In addition, web fonts might not be displayed, and images might be replaced with a missing image icon.
  • FaceTime - Incoming FaceTime calls are blocked unless you have previously called that person or contact.
  • Apple services - Incoming invitations for Apple services, such as invitations to manage a home in the Home app, are blocked unless you have previously invited that person.
  • Shared Albums - Shared albums are removed from the Photos app, and new Shared Album invitations are blocked. You can still view these shared albums on other devices that don’t have Lockdown Mode enabled. When you turn off Lockdown Mode, you need to turn Shared Albums on again in your device settings.
  • Device connections - To connect your iPhone or iPad to an accessory or another computer, the device needs to be unlocked. To connect your Mac laptop with Apple silicon to an accessory, your Mac needs to be unlocked and explicit approval provided.
  • Configuration profiles - Configuration profiles can’t be installed, and the device can’t be enrolled in Mobile Device Management or device supervision while in Lockdown Mode.

Phone calls and plain text messages continue to work while Lockdown Mode is enabled. Emergency features, such as SOS emergency calls, are not affected. 



Question marks instead of photos in iMessage

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