Fix: Error Loading Media in Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger may sometimes fail to load images, GIFs, and other multimedia files. The app often says that an error occurred while loading the media file. This issue seems to affect only the images you receive from your contacts. Use the troubleshooting tips below to fix your Facebook Messenger media rendering issues.

How Do I Fix Media Rendering Errors in Facebook Messenger?

Restart the App

Many users confirmed they solved this problem simply by restarting the app. Close FB Messenger, wait for five or ten seconds, relaunch the app, and check if the issue is gone.

Open the Image Gallery

Tap the Info button (top right corner of the chat window) to see the images you exchanged with the other person. In this manner, you should be able to see the images right after you received them. If you wait for a couple of minutes, the media files should load in the chat window as well.

Use Messenger Lite

Additionally, you can also download Facebook Messenger Lite, the stripped-down version of Messenger. This app version supports only the basic Messenger features, which means that it doesn’t require as much bandwidth as the fully-fledged app.

Clear the Cache and Update the App

Clear your Messenger cache and check if this solution solves the problem. Go to Settings, select Apps, go to All Apps and select the Messenger app. Tap Storage and hit the Clear cache button.

Then launch the Google Play Store app, search for Messenger, and check if a newer app version is available for download. Update the app, restart your device and check the results.

Then go back to Settings, select System, tap System Updates, and install the latest Android OS updates available for your device. If the problem persists, reinstall Messenger.

Conclusion

If Facebook Messenger doesn’t render multimedia files, restart the app, clear the cache and check for updates. If the issue persists, open the Image Gallery and check if the images you received from your contacts are available there. Additionally, you can switch to Facebook Messenger Lite and check if you notice any improvements. Did these solutions help you fix the problem? Let us know in the comments below.