Some users have noticed that their contact photos have vanished from Google Messages after the latest update. The images still appear in the Contacts app and even briefly flash when you tap a conversation, but otherwise every chat shows the default monogram instead.
On Reddit’s r/GoogleMessages, several users described the same odd behavior. u/Jmerse__ wrote, “Happened to me as well. But only for contacts that are iPhone users.” And u/elshagon said they’d “temporarily fixed it by uninstalling updates for Google Messages, but this morning all my contact photos are gone again within the Messages app.” Both Pixel and Samsung users report the issue, and many are running the beta version of Google Messages.
I tried to replicate the problem on my Pixel 8 running the latest Google Messages beta — 20250507_02 — and I could not reproduce the bug. My contact pictures stayed put even after force-closing the app and rebooting the phone. So it’s possible that the glitch is only affecting some select users instead of being widespread.
Some users have tried clearing caches or fully uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Others have left the beta program altogether, reporting that their photos returned once they switched back to the stable release. But not everyone wants to give up the beta just to see a little picture next to their texts.
It’s not clear whether Google is aware of the issue yet. A wider rollout of the “Delete for everyone” feature kicked off around the same time, so it’s possible an unrelated change introduced an unexpected side-effect. Given how visible those icons are in day-to-day messaging, it’s bound to irritate anyone who relies on quick visual cues for family and friends.
At this point, there’s no official patch date. In the meantime, those hit by the problem might try backing up their messages, uninstalling updates, and reinstalling Google Messages. If you’re on beta, you could also opt out and wait for the next stable build. Hopefully, Google will address the missing photos soon and restore that little bit of personal flair to our conversations.
Dwayne Cubbins
947 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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