Can someone competent explain to me how can an image or video from Files be saved to Photos on iOS 26.2❓🤨
Apparently this is one of basic transfer functionalities between native Apple system apps that got ruined with the upgrade to 26.x … (And there is more annoyances as well.)
iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 26
iOS 26 didn't break anything as it relates to saving photos or videos. Where exactly are the photos/videos you want to save being seen? If in the Files App, simply tap and hold the video/photo until you see the share button and direct it where you want to save it. If you're seeing is somewhere else, you may see a box with an up arrow and if you tap that, you can then direct where you want the photo/video to be saved.
iOS 26 didn't break anything as it relates to saving photos or videos. Where exactly are the photos/videos you want to save being seen? If in the Files App, simply tap and hold the video/photo until you see the share button and direct it where you want to save it. If you're seeing is somewhere else, you may see a box with an up arrow and if you tap that, you can then direct where you want the photo/video to be saved.
Hi everyone! After a bit of testing I did in the meantime I can say everything is fine. Almost everything.
Saving (or better say copying of) images from Files app or some different app to Photos app works ok. However, images are saved and placed to a position there according to their creation date, thus they are not simply added to the end of the list and with current date, but are kept as they originally were, timestamp including. So, one can most easily and quickly find them through the Recently Saved utility (I didn’t notice it earlier). But, I noticed, that Duplicates utility in Photos, when and if available, doesn’t refresh its contents in real time, therefore it is rather unreliable.
I also noticed, that - for example - (only) certain video clips from the Telegram app chats don’t really(?) get saved to Photos despite original app (i.e. Telegram) saying otherwise (‘Saved’ or ‘Saved to Photos’ at the end). I couldn’t find them in there.
Anyway, I think admins can close my case now. Thank you to everyone for your help, and all well in this newest year❗️🙂
alpha7B5 wrote:
For example: Any image or video file I keep in Files. Locally stored files. Share —> Save Image doesn’t do anything, so it seems to me. I would expect this action would make a copy of selected file to the Photos app, but it never appears there. I first noticed this behavior several days ago, but only got into it more thoroughly yesterday. For sure this never was a case in iOS 18.x or older.
And what did you learn by checking your Screen Time Settings? Otherwise, I really don't know what to tell you. I have no issues saving a photo from files to my Photos App. iOS 26.2 didn't break this. If it did for you, at a minimum, Force Restart your iPhone --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support - I do this after EVERY iOS update and honestly, I never have issues after an iOS update.
And if nothing helps, then contacting Apple Support for direct assistance is what would be recommended. If you're in the US, you can call them at: 800-MY-APPLE or schedule an in-person appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar --> Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
I save photos from many 3rd party apps, like Facebook and Pinterest, to name two as examples, without any issues on iOS 26.2 and all of my devices. I don't know what restrictions (new or otherwise) you're referring to? I'll reiterate that iOS 26.2 didn't cause issues with photos being saved.
Without more information about exactly where you are to get photos to save to your Photos on your devices, it's very difficult to help you.
You might want to check your Screen Time Settings. Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions - is everything marked Allow in the settings there?
You might want to schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar and show the behavior to Apple directly.
alpha7B5 wrote:
About Content & Privacy Restrictions: Everything seems to be set to Allow at that top level. The sliding button is turned off however, but even if I turn it on and enable settings editing, it makes no difference. Also - I never changed anything via Content & Privacy Restrictions menu and section itself.
If you also tried a forced restart as I recommended above and it too doesn't help, then it's time for you to reach out to Apple directly for help.
Hi, what you described above is the normal procedure, yes. Of course. Unfortunately it doesn’t work with my device and software, as I described it clear enough in my initial post and inquiry. ‘Save Image’ action doesn’t work anymore. Unless the respective files are being saved to location unknown … Btw. - I didn’t mention this yesterday, but the same issue seems to exist across different apps, even 3rd party ones. Perhaps the issue has something to do with eventual (new?) restrictions within Photos app itself.
alpha7B5 wrote:
Hi, what you described above is the normal procedure, yes. Of course. Unfortunately it doesn’t work with my device and software, as I described it clear enough in my initial post and inquiry. ‘Save Image’ action doesn’t work anymore. Unless the respective files are being saved to location unknown … Btw. - I didn’t mention this yesterday, but the same issue seems to exist across different apps, even 3rd party ones. Perhaps the issue has something to do with eventual (new?) restrictions within Photos app itself.
The only apps you mentioned were Files, and Photos. The only software we assumed was iOS26.2 and the device is 13PM. The response was correct.
Outside that you need to be specific .
For example: Any image or video file I keep in Files. Locally stored files. Share —> Save Image doesn’t do anything, so it seems to me. I would expect this action would make a copy of selected file to the Photos app, but it never appears there. I first noticed this behavior several days ago, but only got into it more thoroughly yesterday. For sure this never was a case in iOS 18.x or older.
P.S.: Beneath my initial post there is a section stating the following:
iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 26
Posted on Dec 31, 2025 7:59 PM
This info was required prior to posting my inquiry, so I expect it can be seen publicly.
About Content & Privacy Restrictions: Everything seems to be set to Allow at that top level. The sliding button is turned off however, but even if I turn it on and enable settings editing, it makes no difference. Also - I never changed anything via Content & Privacy Restrictions menu and section itself.
Exactly. Where and about what do you need me to be more specific?
"My devices and software" is unspecific.
That explains it!
Saving images/videos from Files to Photos locally
