Where does Messages save downloads?

When I click the download button next to a picture sent to me in Messages on my iMac , I can't find where it goes. I thought it saved it to the Downloads folder by default, but it is not there. And I don't see an option in Messages Preferences to change the location or even see the default location. I also checked in Photos and it isn't there either.


I had the same problem as many others. I don't see the simple solution posted anywhere, so sharing here:

  1. Don't do that
  2. Right click on the image
  3. Select 'Copy' from the context menu
  4. Open Mac Finder
  5. Locate the destination directory
  6. Right click on the destination directory
  7. Select 'Paste' from the context menu


Hope this helps someone.

Posted on Mar 17, 2025 12:01 PM

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5 replies

Mar 18, 2025 7:05 AM in response to Ted Spradley

Ted Spradley wrote:

Yes, that is what the system does.

But in your initial post, you said that you were not able to find the photo in Photos. Can you clarify which behavior you're seeing?


When I click on the download button, this is what I see:



If I tap "Save Photo", I find it in Photos. Do you see that option? It's possible it would look different if you don't have iCloud photos enabled.


What troubleshooting steps have you taken so far?


And it is also why I posted this. This reply is not helpful, nor is the system design that automatically does this helpful, expected or appropriate. The user should be given the choice of where a file is stored and should be made aware of where the file is stored by the UI.

No one participating in this forum has any control over the system software or the options. You can let Apple know your thoughts here:


Product Feedback - Apple


Mar 18, 2025 7:26 AM in response to Ted Spradley

Ted Spradley wrote:

You are absolutely right. I should not have posted the solution here nor made the follow up comment. Apologies, a tad frustrated with bad design. I was just trying to be helpful. If there is any way to delete the post, Please do so.

This is a user-to-user technical support forum. When you post, people assume you want help with a problem. You apparently do have a problem. However, what is now obvious is that you don't want any help resolving it.


None of us can remove a post.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Where does Messages save downloads?

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