can’t add #images (GIFs) in Messages in Tahoe 26.0.1

Here’s what I’m doing:

Open messages.

Start a new message.

Click the + on the left.

Select #images.

The window opens, with the search box, but the squares that usually show GIFs are all gray and blank.

When I type in the search box, “elf,” for instance, all the squares remain gray and blank.

If I choose a gray and blank box, I get this message: "could not hare image. CFNetworkDownload_Pv59pB.tmp” couldn’t be moved to “Caches” because either the former doesn’t exist, or the folder containing the latter doesn’t exist."

TIA.

And, here’s what I’ve already done, per ChatGPT, to no avail:

1. Quit Messages

• Go to Messages ▸ Quit Messages (or press ⌘ + Q).

✅ 2. Open the Library Folder

• In Finder, press Shift + ⌘ + G.
• Paste and open this path:

~/Library/Containers/com.apple.iChat/Data/Library/

✅ 3. Recreate or Clear the “Caches” Folder

• Look for a folder named Caches.
  • If it exists: open it → delete everything inside.
  • If it doesn’t exist: create a new folder named Caches.

✅ 4. Clear CFNetwork Cache

• Again press Shift + ⌘ + G, and open:

~/Library/Caches/

• Delete any CFNetworkDownload_… files or com.apple.CFNetwork folder (macOS will rebuild it automatically).

✅ 5. Restart Your Mac

• Restart to clear leftover temp files.

✅ 6. Try Again

• Reopen Messages and try sending the GIF again.

🧰 (Optional) Run First Aid

If the issue persists:

1. Open Disk Utility.
2. Select Macintosh HD → click First Aid → Run.