Shared Links, Photos, and Videos in Messages Disappeared After Updating to iOS 18: How to Fix
Reading Time: 3 minutes The release of iOS 18 brought several new features and improvements, but like any major update, it hasn’t been without its issues. One common problem that many users have encountered is the disappearance of shared links, photos, documents, and videos in the Messages app. This includes iMessages and text messages. After updating, previously accessible media in individual or group conversations may appear to be missing, leaving users concerned about lost memories or important information.
For example, I often share photos through Messages to preserve and revisit memories. By opening individual or group threads, I can easily find and view all the photos, links or documents that I and others have shared. This provides a convenient way to keep track of shared moments.
This issue can be especially frustrating for those who rely on the Messages app to store shared media with friends, family, or colleagues. Whether it’s cherished photos, useful links, or videos exchanged over time, the sudden disappearance can feel alarming. The good news is that there’s a straightforward fix to restore the missing shared content. In this guide, you’ll find the step-by-step instructions needed to resolve this issue quickly and effectively.
The Fix: Restore Shared Links, Photos, and Videos in Messages
If your shared content in Messages has disappeared, follow these steps to restore it:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Apps and then scroll down to Messages.
- Tap on Siri & Search.
- Turn off all the settings (such as “Learn from this App”, “Show in App”, “Show on Home Screen” etc.).
- After that, turn each setting back on.
- Go back to the Messages settings menu by tapping Messages in the top-left corner of the screen, then tap on Search.
- Once again, turn off all the settings (such as “Show App in Search”) and then turn them back on.
After completing these steps, open the Messages app. You should see a message indicating that your phone is indexing all your messages. This process may take some time—anywhere from a few hours to an entire day. Be patient, and eventually, your shared links, photos, and videos should reappear in your conversations.
While the iOS 18 update has caused some inconvenience with missing shared content in Messages, this simple fix has proven to be effective for many users. By toggling Siri & Search settings off and back on, your phone can reindex the Messages app, allowing your shared photos, links, and videos to return. If the issue persists after waiting for the indexing to complete, consider reaching out to Apple Support for further assistance.
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