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9 Solutions to Fix Apple Photos Not Showing All Photos on iPhone and iPad

ByJim Miller

The iCloud-powered Photos app is the default option for syncing images and videos across Apple devices. However, sometimes the experience isn't smooth. People have complained about the iPhone not syncing photos on Mac and sometimes the Photos app doesn't show all the photos on the main device either. In this article, we will explore the best ways to fix Apple Photos not showing all photos on iPhone and iPad.

1. Make Sure to Download Full File

When downloading a file from the web or a social media app, make sure to download the full file. Otherwise, it won't show up in the Photos app. It's also important to avoid downloading corrupt files from the web.

2. Unsupported File Type

The default Photos app on iPhone or iPad doesn't support all file types. For example, you can't open and play .MKV, .FLV, .MOV, or .AVI files in it. To play such videos, you need to use a third-party video player like VLC Player on your iPhone.

  1. Download VLC Player on iPhone.
  2. Open the Files app and long-tap on the file. Select Share.
  3. Select VLC from the iOS share sheet and play your favorite video.

3. Check Network Connection

If you're trying to sync iCloud photos and videos in the Photos app on your iPhone, make sure you're connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network and your iPhone is charged.

4. Restart the Photos App

Sometimes, a simple trick like force-rebooting the Photos app can solve the issue. When the Photos app is open, swipe up from the bottom to open the Recents apps menu, then swipe up on Photos to close it. Launch the Photos app again and check if your photos are showing up.

5. Manually Save Photos and Videos From the Files App

If you downloaded photos and videos in the Files app on your iPhone, they won't directly show up in the default gallery. You need to manually save these images and videos in the Photos app.

  1. Open the Files app on iPhone.
  2. Long-tap on a photo and select Share.
  3. Hit Save Image/Video from the iOS share menu.

6. Check Hidden Album in the Photos App

If you or someone accidentally hid images in the Photos app, they won't show up in the default Library tab. To check hidden images, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings and scroll to Photos. Enable the Show Hidden Album toggle.
  2. Launch Photos and go to Albums.
  3. Scroll to Hidden, authenticate with Face ID, and check your images.

7. Check Deleted Album

Check the deleted album in the Photos app on your iPhone. Someone may have deleted several photos and videos in the app. The system stores deleted files for up to 30 days. To check and restore such files:

  1. Go to Albums in the Photos app.
  2. Open the Recently Deleted menu.
  3. Select photos and tap the three-dot menu at the bottom. Tap Recover.

8. Check Folders in the Photos App

The default Photos app has filters to check different media types on iPhone. If you can't find a specific photo, use the following steps:

  1. Head to the Albums menu.
  2. Check media types and find your photos and videos in them.

9. Update System OS

Apple updates the Photos app with system builds. If you're experiencing issues with the Photos app, updating to the latest iOS version on your iPhone may solve the problem. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest iOS version.

Glance Over Your Media Files in the Photos

The Photos app not showing pictures and videos can disrupt your workflow, especially when you're trying to find an important image to send to someone. By following the solutions above, you can quickly fix the problem. In the meantime, if you're not happy with live photos on your iPhone, you can turn live photos into still photos or save them as videos.