Google is fixing broken incoming images and videos in Messages

Google Messages has been updated to address slowdowns, failures, and other issues that are preventing some users from receiving images and videos. Some users have reported RCS issues related to incoming media files, saying the Messages app slows down or freezes while loading attachments, photos cannot be clicked on or interacted with, and that images and videos appear blurry, load slowly, or refuse to load entirely.

Google has now acknowledged the issues and “has been actively working on” a solution to fix them according to a new support page entry. “We’ve recently rolled out updates aimed at significantly improving media receiving performance,” said Google community manager Monika Y. “We’re hoping you’ll see a noticeable difference now. However, we also know that issues can be complex, and we’re committed to getting this right.”

Google hasn’t specified which media issues these Messages updates are addressing, but it’s likely making backend server changes as users aren’t required to download or install anything new. The fix also may not fully resolve the issues for everyone as Google is asking people to submit feedback if they’re “still seeing problems.” At least one impacted user has reportedly “noticed a difference recently in received RCS photos” since the updates started rolling out.