To save a picture from Facebook Messenger on your iPhone, open the chat, tap the photo to view it full screen, and tap the Save (download arrow) button, usually at the bottom or under the three-dot menu. You can also touch and hold the photo in the chat and choose Save. The picture goes to your iPhone’s Photos app. The first time, Messenger asks for permission to add photos. Tap Allow, or the save won’t work.
Messenger’s buttons move around between versions, so look for similar labels if yours looks slightly different. Below you’ll also find how to save photos automatically and how to fix saving problems.
How to save a single photo
- Open Messenger and go to the chat with the photo.
- Tap the photo to open it full screen.
- Tap Save (the download arrow). If you don’t see it, tap the three dots and choose Save.
Shortcut: in the chat, touch and hold the photo and tap Save from the menu that appears.
How to save several photos at once
- Tap the person’s or group’s name at the top of the chat.
- Tap View media, files & links (or Media).
- Open a photo and tap Save, then swipe to the next one and repeat.
When someone sends several photos together, you may see a Save all option when you open them.
How to save photos automatically
- In Messenger, tap the menu (three lines) or your profile picture, then the Settings gear.
- Tap Photos & media.
- Turn on Save photos (and Save videos if you want them).
New photos you receive and send are saved to your Photos app automatically. This can fill up storage quickly in busy group chats.
If you can’t save Messenger photos
- Give Messenger access to Photos. Go to Settings > Apps > Messenger > Photos (on older iOS, Settings > Messenger > Photos) and choose Add Photos Only or Full Access.
- Check storage. If your iPhone is full, saves fail. Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Update Messenger from the App Store.
- Disappearing and view-once media can’t be saved, by design.
- Try a screenshot as a last resort if you only need a quick copy. Keep in mind the other person may not want their photos shared.
Where do saved photos go?
Open the Photos app. Saved pictures appear in your library, usually sorted by the date you saved them, and in an album named Messenger on some versions.
Frequently asked questions
Does the other person know I saved their photo?
No. Messenger doesn’t notify people when you save a regular photo. Screenshots in some disappearing-message modes may send a notification.
Can I save photos from Messenger on a computer?
Yes. At messenger.com or in the desktop app, open the photo and click the download icon.
Why are saved photos lower quality?
Messenger compresses photos when they’re sent. Ask the sender to share the original through a file-sharing option if you need full quality.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.