Why is drag and drop from Photos to Messages not working in Sequoia on new Mac mini?

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Level 1

39 points

Why is drag and drop from Photos to Messages not working in Sequoia on new Mac mini?

This function works perfectly on my older iMac, also running Sequoia (15.3.1.) I can't find a difference in the settings, but one can pick up a picture like normal, drag it to a conversation (the plus sign appears) but when you drop it nothing happens. I now have to dump it on the desktop, and then drag it to the Messages window.

This is apparently not the same issue was this discussion, which involved a trackpad and Finder.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255784482?answerId=261315900022&sortBy=rank#261315900022

Any help appreciated. MacOS 15.3.2

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on Apr 19, 2025 7:15 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Old Toad

Level 10

215,382 points

Apr 20, 2025 11:39 AM in response to derring do

It's working for me with Sequoia 15.4.1 on a Mac Mini M4.

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

91,006 points

Apr 20, 2025 9:24 AM in response to derring do

1) There are bug fixes in the later Sequoia versions. If you are still running 15.3.2 update to 15.4.1

What's new in the updates for macOS Sequoia - Apple Support

2) Send Feedback reporting the problem directly to Apple.

Feedback - Mac mini - Apple

Feedback - macOS - Apple

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

215,382 points

Apr 21, 2025 9:52 AM in response to derring do

Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

91,006 points

Apr 19, 2025 8:47 AM in response to derring do

Open Photos > select the desired Photo or Photos > click on the Share icon and select Messages.

Also note: the latest Sequoia version is 15.4.1 which has some bug fixes.

see > What's new in the updates for macOS Sequoia - Apple Support

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Answer 5

derring do Author

Level 1

39 points

Apr 20, 2025 8:35 AM in response to den.thed

Yes, thanks. It being Apple there are a lot of different ways to move photos around (ctrl/c ctrl/v, drag to desktop and into Messages, etc.) The D&D has always worked for me, is the easiest, and it is no longer working.

Trying to work out why.

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Answer 6

derring do Author

Level 1

39 points

Apr 21, 2025 3:46 AM in response to Old Toad

Safe boot did not improve the behavior for the D&D between Photos and Messages.

Forgot to mention, D&D works just fine between Photos and other apps, like Notes, both in regular and safe mode. This feels like some strange setting somewhere, blocking the D&D behavior only for Messages. But I have no idea what it could be.

Thanks for the posts, I'm going to call Apple support today and see if they have any insight.

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Answer 7

derring do Author

Level 1

39 points

Apr 21, 2025 12:21 PM in response to Old Toad

Nothing like that.

Talked with Sr Tech today, for this and another odd Photos behavior issue, other one of which they know is a problem. Passed it along to Dev, will post if/when I hear back.

Thanks again.

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Answer 8

derring do Author

Level 1

39 points

Apr 20, 2025 6:55 PM in response to Old Toad

Thanks for the post, I have updated to 15.4.1 today, and it's still showing this odd behavior. Will do a safe boot tomorrow and give it a try. Appreciate the ideas.

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