iMessage pics are converting to files 🤷🏻‍♀️

Hi JustWonderin13

welcome to this Apple (user-to-user) Community!

Re: " iMessage pics are converting to files :

Why do all the photos in my iMessages convert to a file format and don’t remain an image"

Most likely it is because of the settings that are in place on your iPhone.

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Please note: We don't know which iOS version is installed on your iPhone in order to provide accurate info.

So, if not using iOS 26: please please click on the linked articles below to open them, choose your correct iOS version at the top of the article, and go by the information they contain:

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Re: "How do I get them to remain a pic/video?"

Change the settings that are in place on your iPhone, or else view the pics as they are in the Photos app

Apple Supports online article (for iOS 26): Share content in Messages on iPhone - Apple Support

Eg: says:

"When someone shares content with you, you can find it in a Shared with You section in the corresponding apps. Apps that support Shared with You include Photos, Music, News, and more."

"You can find a Shared with You section in Photos, Safari, Music, Podcasts, and other supported apps".

"If you don’t want items someone sends to you to appear in those other apps, tap the contact or group icon at the top of the conversation, tap Info, then turn off Shared with You".

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Re: "When I refer back to a text, I can’t just search through the photos to find something specific".

If the iMessage Photos are available in "Shared with You" on iPhone ... try searching there.

Else if you turned off "Shared with You" for the Photos:

(For iOS 26): See how to: Search in Messages on iPhone - Apple Support