Fortunately, several troubleshooting steps can be taken to address this problem. This article will guide you through some of the simplest solutions to fix “Tap to Download” not working in iMessage on iPhone.
1. Check Internet connection
If the Tap to Download feature on your iMessage app is not functioning, one of the basic steps is to verify your network connection. It is crucial to ensure that the network connections are strong enough to download the media message. You can inspect the network by checking the top right corner of your iPhone. Additionally, you can also invoke the Control Center and ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. If you are having problems downloading shared media, especially HEIC images, on your iMessages, you should check to see if iMessage is enabled on your device. To confirm its status, follow the steps below:
Ensure iMessage is enabled
2. Check storage space on your iPhone
Inadequate storage on your iPhone can cause various issues, including pictures not downloading in iMessage running on iOS 16. When your device’s storage space is depleted, new media cannot be downloaded. Check the existing storage on your iPhone to resolve this issue. If you’re running out of space, you can easily solve the problem. You can prominently purchase additional storage for your iPhone, as well as clear some space on your iPhone or can free up some other space on your device. When you have enough free space, try tapping on the download again to see if it works.
3. Sign out and Sign in to your iMessage
Signing out and back in can help if you’re experiencing the “Tap to Download” issue in iMessage. This process reconnects your device to iMessage servers, which can prevent data corruption and disruptions. It also ensures that your iMessage settings are correct and that your account is up to date. To sign out of iMessage, follow these steps. After signing out, you can still use Messages as a regular messaging app, but you won’t have access to iMessage features. Sign back in and re-enable iMessage. Here’s how: Note: In case you don’t have a SIM inserted on your iPhone, follow steps 1-2, then select the box next to your profile icon → enter your desired Apple ID → hit return on the keyboard to finish.
4. Restart iMessage
Another simple and effective solution for Tap to Download not working on iPhone is to restart the app. Restarting the Messages app is a simple process. You just need to close the app and remove it from the app switcher; then, you can use the Messages app by relaunching it.
5. Other fixes:
Restart your iPhone: When pictures are not downloading in iMessage on your iOS 16 device, one of the most simple and effective solutions is to restart your device. Update iOS: Updates on your iPhone allow fixing any existing bugs. If a bug caused the HEIC images to not download in iMessage, the most recent iteration of iOS would likely have fixed it. Updating your iPhone is a simple process, but there are some things you can do to prepare your device for the latest update. Reset Network Settings: Poor or unreliable network connectivity may highly likely cause the “Tap to Download” not working issue on an iPhone. To perform a network setting reset on your iPhone, go to Settings → select General → navigate to Transfer or Reset iPhone → tap Reset → choose Reset Network Settings → enter your passcode if prompted → confirm by tapping Reset Network Settings. Reset iPhone: Consider resetting as a last resort after exhausting all other options. However, before proceeding with the resetting process, it is advisable to back up your iPhone to ensure the safety and security of your data. If you run into any problems, you can find help in our article on how to factory reset your iPhone. Contact Apple Support: If you’ve experienced disappointment with all previous attempts, it may be necessary to visit an Apple Store. You may refer to our article on contacting Apple Support if needed.
That’s it! I am confident the abovementioned techniques helped you solve the problem. If you have any other problems with your iPhone, please drop your queries below, and I will be happy to be your assistant. Read more:
How to fix ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’ error How to set up iMessage on multiple devices How to sign out of iMessage on Mac How to edit shortcuts on iPhone
