HEIC files not viewable in Messages

Recently when someone sends me a photo from another iPhone or Mac all I see is pic below. The download button does nothing when tapped. It was working fine a week or so ago. I can send photos fine, they appear in Messages. I just can’t receive them. I’m up to date on updates. I restarted my phone, no luck.

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 16

Posted on Apr 29, 2023 5:01 AM

Reply
Question marked as Apple recommended

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. 



Posted on Apr 29, 2023 5:16 AM

41 replies

Aug 12, 2023 9:01 PM in response to gumtheory

I am having the same issue! My daughter sent me some photos except,..it’s just a file that says img and when I click on it it does nothing. I have looked for remedies but nothing works and I cannot view these important photos!!

What is wrong with this. I recently updated and now I have ISSUES!

I even tried downloading a converter for images and it will not download this app either! 😡

HEIC files not viewable in Messages

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