Skip to main content

Images and videos not loading in Google Messages? A fix is on the way

The Google Messages app on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Google Messages is a staple in any Android phone , which is why it’s annoying when something doesn’t quite work the way that it should. That’s been the case for many users as of late, with reports flooding in about various failures and slow performance. Google has just responded to these complaints, and it’s good news all around: A fix is currently rolling out.

Some users have been experiencing a bunch of issues when using Google Messages lately. It all seems to be centered around trying to view photos and videos in the app. Users run into frustrating RCS issues when loading attachments, and the list of complaints is pretty long. People notice that the app slows down or even crashes entirely; even if the app stays intact, the photos and videos are still having a bad time. Some won’t load at all; others are blurry; many can’t be interacted with.

Recommended Videos

Google’s Monika Y, a community manager, responded to the situation and shared an update . Although it’s a little light on the details, it seems like Google is working on the case.

Google Messages app on a Pixel 8 Pro, showing an RCS Chat message thread.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

“Our team has been actively working on this, and we’ve recently rolled out updates aimed at significantly improving media receiving performance. We’re hoping you’ll see a noticeable difference now,” said the Google representative. “However, we also know that issues can be complex, and we’re committed to getting this right. Please continue to share your experiences with us.”

Monika then went on to say that Google is still waiting to hear if people are experiencing these issues despite the updates.

As noted by The Verge , the fix is likely on Google’s end, as there have been no Android updates waiting to be downloaded as a result of the fix. As such, if you’ve been getting annoyed with the media performance of Google Messages lately, give it another shot — it might be working now.

Monica J. White
Monica is a computing writer at Digital Trends, focusing on PC hardware. Since joining the team in 2021, Monica has written…
Google Pixel 10: everything you need to know
We're expecting to see the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold very soon
Leaked render of Google Pixel 10 angled view from front and back.

The Google Pixel 10 launch is firmly on the horizon. A Made by Google event is scheduled for August 20, and when the keynote kicks off at 1pm ET (10am PT) we expect to be treated to a Pixel-packed fest.

The Google Pixel 9 has been enjoying its time in the sun, thanks to its stunning cameras, spectacular battery life, spontaneous use of Gemini AI, and a matte finish on par with the iPhone 16. We've also seen the affordable Pixel 9a launch, but it's high time for Google's next generation of phones.

Read more
Google Photos can now turn your pictures into Ultra HDR images
Someone holding a Pixel 9 Pro, running the Google Photos app.

It won't be available to everyone just yet but Google Photos has started rolling out a new feature that lets you turn your normal photos into Ultra HDR images. These "High Dynamic Range" photos capture a much wider range of brightness levels and produce images with more detail and color range.

As reported by Android Authority, this feature has been hidden in the app for a while and just recently started appearing for select users. To see the effects of HDR, you need to view your photo on an HDR display. There are plenty of smartphones that have displays like this, such as the Google Pixel 9a, Samsung Galaxy S25, or OnePlus 13R, which will let you appreciate your upgraded photos right on your phone. If your screen isn't HDR, however, you'll still be able to convert your photos and view the results when you put it on a different display.

Read more
You’ll soon be able to see more text in Google Messages
The Google Messages app on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

If you've been lamenting the relatively limited size of the Google Messages text box, good news: it can now get bigger than just four lines. Last month, Google Messages redesigned its compose field — the area where you write your message — but a lot of fans took issue with the fact it could only display four lines of text at once. This was a particular pain point if you had to share a long URL that took up the majority of the field.

Now, though, things are changing. In the latest version of the Google Messages beta, the text field can expand up to 14 lines before you need to scroll to see what you've typed. It's not yet available in the stable release but should be soon.

Read more