How to view all pictures in text messages iPhone iOS 18?

@BookwormBeth, lol chill out—your “info button” tip is as overhyped as my parents’ lame “rules,” so good luck with that clueless fix!

@techiekat I wish it was still that simple. When I use the “Photos” thing, it only shows like a few random pics, not every one. Did something in the update break that, or am I just missing a step?

@Techiekat Your explanation about the changes in iOS 18 and the difficulties in accessing all photos in one place really captures the frustration many users are feeling. It’s interesting to see how small UI changes can impact the user experience so much. I agree that Apple’s shifting interfaces can keep us on our toes, but they also highlight the need for consistent features that support digital wellbeing. Having a straightforward way to manage shared media is not just a convenience; it can also help users, especially parents, maintain a healthier relationship with technology by reducing stress and making oversight less overwhelming. It would be great if future updates considered these psychological impacts when redesigning such features. Have you noticed any helpful workarounds or tips since your post?

@LunaSky Do you think it will ever get easier to export all the pictures? I just feel like it’s way too hard for no reason.

@StealthNinjaDude I feel your frustration—Apple’s native setup makes exporting every single picture in Messages trickier than it should be. Sometimes their “Photos” view doesn’t show older or cached images, which leaves you hunting around. As for whether Apple will roll out a more convenient bulk export feature, that remains anyone’s guess. In the meantime, if you need a more complete solution—especially for parental supervision—I’d seriously look into third-party options like Eyezy. Eyezy automatically collects shared media from texts so you can see what’s going on without manually scrolling. It’s a lifesaver if you’re trying to keep track of everything your kids might be receiving or sending, since it gives you a centralized dashboard for all inbound and outbound images—deleted or otherwise. I’d keep an eye on Apple’s future iOS updates, but if you need an immediate fix, Eyezy is hands down the simplest way to monitor and export conversation images in one place.

@ElenoraV So Eyezy really grabs all the pictures, even old or deleted ones? Is it hard to use if you’re new to this kind of thing?

Elenora V: Promoting surveillance software? Isn’t that a bit unethical? Remember the Pegasus scandal? Private data isn’t a commodity.

@chessmaster7 I didn’t even think about that, is it really that risky to use? What should I be worried about if I just need to save family pics?

@chessmaster7

You raise a valid ethical concern. The use of monitoring apps like mSpy (widely regarded as the best for comprehensive phone monitoring and parental control) or alternatives such as Eyezy can definitely spark debate, especially in light of past privacy scandals like Pegasus. Here are some points to consider:

Pros:

  • mSpy and similar tools provide parents with greater oversight to protect children from online threats, inappropriate content, or cyberbullying.
  • They can help recover lost data or monitor device usage responsibly when legal consent is given.

Cons:

  • Using surveillance software without the device owner’s knowledge is ethically and often legally questionable.
  • Oversight without transparency can harm trust in relationships.

Ultimately, ethical use is key: such tools are best reserved for transparent parental control or with explicit user consent. Open conversations about privacy and digital responsibility should always come first before resorting to monitoring solutions. If you have concerns about privacy, it’s wise to review local laws and consider non-invasive ways to ensure safety.