Encountering the ‘Error Loading Media’ message in Facebook Messenger can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re trying to view or send photos and videos. Don’t worry, though – in this guide, we’ll help you troubleshoot and fix the ‘Error Loading Media’ issue in Facebook Messenger. Whether it’s a slow internet connection, a glitch in the app, or other common causes, we’ll provide you with practical solutions to ensure smooth media sharing and viewing on Messenger. Let’s resolve this error and get back to seamless communication with friends and family.
10 Ways to Fix Error Loading Media in Facebook Messenger
There are many reasons why photos are unable to load on your Messenger app. Below is a list of some of these reasons that can result in the error on your mobile device (Android or iPhone).
- The outdated operating system of the device.
- Slow internet connection or unstable internet network on phone.
- Enabled Data Server feature on Messenger.
- Low storage space on your device.
- Low RAM or ROM.
- Permission issues with Facebook App settings.
- Corrupt cache files on your device.
- Compatibility issues with operating system features.
While there are a number of reasons that can stop images or media from loading in Messenger, there are some easy troubleshooting ways to resolve the issue as well. From freeing up space on your device, updating the device to a recent software version to checking unused apps or programs, there is a lot you can do. Let us look at the different ways below in which you can download media without an issue on Messenger:
Note: All steps below are performed on an Android phone (Vivo 1920).
Method 1: Enable Airplane Mode
1. Tap on the Settings icon on your device screen.
2. Now, select Other networks & connections in Settings.
3. Next, toggle on Airplane mode.
4. After some time, toggle off Airplane mode.
Now, reopen the Messenger app and check if you download the images now.
Method 2: Troubleshoot Internet Connection
If refreshing the device did not help you with resolving the media loading error on Messenger then you must check your internet connection. To operate Messenger properly, a strong and stable internet connection is required. If the requirements are not met, it can result in the app acting up and throwing picture not loading errors. So, if your internet is slow & lagging, you can check our guide on How to Boost Internet Speed on Your Android Phone and work with your data speed.
Also Read: How to Leave a Group Chat in Facebook Messenger
Method 3: Restart App
If you are sure of your internet connectivity, you can simply try restarting the Messenger app on your device to fix error loading media Messenger. You can simply close all background apps and launch Messenger again. You can also try restarting your device if the app restart does not work.
Method 4: Monitor Server Outage
You must also check the Facebook Messenger server status to rule out the possibility of any technical fault in case you are unable to load images in chats. You can visit sites like Downdetector and find out the status of the app easily and wait out if any technical fault is found.
Method 5: Allow Messenger to Use Mobile Data
Your smartphone allows you to manage data permissions for each app separately that is installed on your device. If there is error loading media in Facebook Messenger, you must permit it to use mobile data. To allow Messenger to use data, follow the instructions given below:
1. Tap on Settings on your mobile phone home screen.
2. Navigate to Apps & permissions and tap on it.
3. Now, open App manager.
4. Locate and open Messenger from the list.
5. Select Data usage in App info.
6. In it, toggle on Data network SIM 1.
Also Read: How to Unblock yourself on Facebook Messenger
Method 6: Disable Data Saver Mode
1. On your Android device, launch the Messenger app.
2. Now, tap on your Profile picture at the top-left.
3. Next, select Data Saver.
4. Disable the Off option in it.
Method 7: Update Messenger App
Next, to resolve pictures not loading on Messenger error, you must make sure that your Messenger app is up to date. An outdated app is one of the primary reasons why media downloading errors occur. Therefore, you must update Messenger from Google Play Store using the following methods.
1. Open the Play Store app on your Android phone.
2. Tap on your name icon at the top-right.
3. Now, select Manage apps & device from the menu.
4. Tap on Updates available under the Overview tab.
5. Select Messenger from the list.
6. Finally, tap on Update.
Also Read: Facebook Messenger Rooms and Group Limit
Method 8: Clear Device Cache
Like other apps & programs on your device, when you use Facebook Messenger and exchange photos videos, and messages on it, the app collects temporary data on your mobile phone. This cache data tends to build up with time and can lead to image failed to load Messenger error. Therefore, you must clear your device cache to help improve the app’s performance. You can learn more about it from our guide on How to Clear Cache on Android Phone (And Why Is It Important).
Method 9: Use Messenger Lite
If there are memory issues on your Android device that are leading to error loading media Messenger, you must try using a stripped-down version of Messenger, which is Messenger Lite. Downloading it will help you operate Messenger fast and will also let you have enough storage on your device. You can download the app easily from Google Play Store or third-party sites on your Android.
Method 10: Reinstall Messenger
The last way to help you resolve error loading media in Facebook Messenger involves reinstalling Messenger. It is possible that the Facebook Messenger app that you have installed has a corrupt installation file. If so, you will not be able to load media in it, therefore, you must do a fresh install of the app to fix pictures not loading on Messenger problem.
1. Launch Settings and tap on Apps & permissions on your Android.
2. Next, select App manager and navigate to Messenger in the list.
3. Open Messenger and tap on Uninstall.
4. Confirm the step by tapping on OK.
5. Once the process is complete, launch Play Store on your phone.
6. From the search bar, find and open Messenger.
7. Tap on Install to download the app again on your device.
Hence, these are the troubleshooting methods to solve pictures not loading on Messenger issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why does error loading occur?
Ans. One of the main reasons for error loading is the size of the file. More data from a photo or a video means it will take more time to upload. Therefore, it might cause issues in loading, especially if it is a large media file.
Q2. How can I get rid of the loading error on my phone?
Ans. To resolve the loading error on your phone, you can try fixing the poor internet connection, restarting your phone, clearing your phone cache, or simply refreshing your device.
Q3. Why is there a send a failed message on Messenger?
Ans. If you receive a send failed message on Messenger, it can be due to a technical problem or an issue from the recipient’s end. You can try restarting your phone and then restarting the app.
Q4. Why am I unable to send pictures on Messenger?
Ans. The inability to send pictures on Messenger can be due to insufficient storage space on your phone or due to a limited amount of data that makes it impossible to send files that are larger than a few kilobytes.
Q5. Why are videos on Messenger not loading?
Ans. Videos not loading on Messenger can result if the person you are trying to reach on the app is on an older device that cannot support the video size you are trying to send.
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We hope that our doc on error loading media in Facebook Messenger was successful in clearing all your doubts regarding the causes of the error and different ways in which you fix it. If you have any other suggestions for us or have queries to make, then leave them below in the comments section.
