1. Check Facebook Server Status
Many of the reasons for Facebook pictures not loading are that it’s the result of issues on the side of the user. However, this isn’t always the case, and it’s worth checking the status of the server on Facebook’s developer website to see if they’re having issues. There is an itemized list of issues on the website that gives an idea of past and current issues. Checking this website can let you know if there is an issue with rendering images. In a case like this, you’ll just have to wait until Facebook resolves the issue.
2. Allow Sites to Show Images in Browser
Usually, when a browser is updated, improvements are expected. However, things don’t always work out as planned. It’s possible you may run into a strange issue, like images being disabled after an update. Following the steps below to check for possible issues with your browser, dependent on the browser you’re using.
Firefox
Chrome
Microsoft Edge
If you are using an outdated web browser, you should also try updating the browser. This could resolve possible compatibility issues with Facebook. In Firefox, go to “Settings -> Genera l-> Check for updates,” and in Chrome, access the three-dot menu, then go to “Help -> About Chrome” and update from there. If you’re using Microsoft Edge, click on the three dots in the upper-right corner, then hit “Help & feedback -> About Microsoft Edge.”
3. Clear Browser Cache
Sometimes the problem preventing your Facebook images from loading properly is corrupt data or cache in your browser. To solve this, clear the browser’s cache.
Firefox
Chrome
Microsoft Edge
4. Troubleshoot Internet Problems
There is a chance that if your download speeds are slow, you may have issues loading media, such as the pictures on your Facebook page. Check your Internet speed with a speedtest to see if the speed is causing problems. If you have a broadband service providing download speeds of less than 25 Mbps and upload speeds of less than 3 Mbps, you have a few options:
If you are at home, you should contact your service provider and have them send over a technician to investigate the problem further. They may even be able to troubleshoot the issue remotely.You could also try restarting your router.If you are using public Wi-Fi, you may have to piggyback off your mobile data to see if that provides you with faster speeds.
5. Change DNS Settings
In most cases, your computer will acquire your DNS settings automatically from your ISP. However, it’s possible for there to be connection issues with your ISP’s DNS IP addresses. One attempt at a fix is to change your IPv4 DNS addresses to those provided by Google. Google offers the following IPv4 addresses:
8.8.8.88.8.4.4
The following IPv6 addresses are provided:
2001:4860:4860::88882001:4860:4860::8844
Google claims their DNS servers are more reliable and secure, so it may be worth a shot to try them. Here’s how to do so in Windows:
6. Reset Network Configurations
If these methods haven’t yielded any results, and you’re still having issues with Facebook loading pictures properly, you could try resetting the network cache to see if that helps. If your network configuration and cache are, for whatever reason, corrupt or have bad data, it may also Facebook pictures to not load properly in your browser. Follow these steps to reset the network cache.
7. Disable Ad Blocker
While ad blockers can be incredibly useful, allowing you to enjoy a smooth browsing experience without being bombarded by ads left and right, they may interfere and not allow Facebook to run properly. Removing or disabling these ad blockers is fortunately quite simple. Dependent on your browser, open the browser menu either by pressing on the hamburger menu (Firefox) or three dots (Chrome) and select either “Add-ons and themes” or “More tools -> Extensions.” You can remove the extensions from there. In Microsoft Edge, simply press on the horizontal dots in the upper-right corner and select “Extensions” from the menu.
8. Clear Facebook Cache (Android/iOS)
Your cache is a storage for typically lightweight temporary files that help an app remember you the next time. This helps that app load quicker and work more efficiently. However, if your cache gets cluttered, it can lead to misbehavior, such as your Facebook pictures not appearing. In this case, you should try clearing the cache.
Android
On Android, clear Facebook’s cache by following these steps:
iOS
This works a little differently on iPhone, as you don’t have to go through the Settings app.
9. Disable Data Saver (Android)
If you’re running “Data Saver” mode on your Android device, it might be the cause of your Facebook pictures not loading properly. To see if that’s the cause, try disabling the option. Once on, the option prevents some apps from sending or receiving data in the background. An app you’re currently using can access data but may do so less frequently.
Enable Unrestricted Data Usage for Facebook
Alternatively, if you don’t wish to turn the option off, you can instead enable unrestricted data usage for Facebook and have it bypass the rules of “Data Saver.”
10. Open Facebook in Your Mobile Browser (Android & iOS)
If nothing we’ve listed in this tutorial works so far, you could try opening Facebook in your browser. Log in with your credentials and check whether it’s possible to view pictures in full this way. It may just fix the problem.
11. Try Facebook Lite (Android)
Facebook Lite (Android) is a lightweight Facebook alternative that promises longer battery life for your device, while saving on data and internal storage. If you’ve tried everything, and the issue is still not getting any better, try switching to Facebook Lite to see if pictures will load. The only problem with this method is that the app might not be available in every country and is no longer available for iPhone.
12. Reinstall the App
If you don’t wish to install a new app on your smartphone, another option is to reinstall the usual Facebook app. Download it again from the Play Store or App Store, install it once again and see if that makes any difference. Image credit: Pexels All screenshots by Alexandra Arici