New ios26 Transfer Photos Missing in Messages App

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Kwb1989 Author

Level 1

12 points

New ios26 Transfer Photos Missing in Messages App

So me and my wife both went from Iphone 14 Pro - Iphone 17 Pro . Since we have transferred i have noticed that the Photos tab in Messages appears to come and go on its own . I have searched high and low online for a solution but nothing seems to have worked . I even went to the max of completely deleting the conversation and trying to start a new one and the same thing happens . But when i go into the Search feature and look under the Messages data its still pulling images from the old conversation that's been deleted. I dont icloud sync enabled so you would think it would have been deleted with the conversations

iPhone 17 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 12, 2025 4:00 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 12, 2025 4:35 AM in response to Kwb1989

One of you have not activated iMessages. Try sending over Apple ID instead of the Phone number.

To activate iMessage and FaceTime using your Phone number

First, check to know whether you have an SMS plan enabled for at least one SMS*** with your carrier. Contact your Carrier (Cellular Service Provider), the agency that issued the SIM to you
If your iPhone is used with a carrier not found in the wireless carrier articles, make sure you can send and receive international SMS. (One international SMS*** Only)
If you can't turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple ...

*** You may not have an SMS plan (Domestic & International) enabled by your carrier for the SIM/eSIM that you use on your device. Apple Inc. does not provide SMS services.

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Answer 2

Dec 12, 2025 4:35 AM in response to Kwb1989

It's not always the iOS update's fault! Many things can cause phone problems. If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...