Pictures won't load on X, but the posts themselves show up just fine. Start with a quick comparison to narrow the problem to your connection, app, or browser, then use the matching fixes below. Blurry images and sensitive-content restrictions need different settings, so we've covered those too.
Find out where pictures stop loading
Open the same post on x.com in another updated browser or on another device.
Compare several posts so you aren't troubleshooting around just one picture.
In desktop Chrome, reload with Ctrl+R on Windows or Linux, or Command+R on Mac.
For a reload that bypasses cached content, press Ctrl+Shift+R on Windows or Linux, or Command+Shift+R on Mac.
In Safari on Mac, press Command+R to reload.
If pictures still fail, try another internet connection. When the failure persists across devices and independent connections, retry later. Otherwise, continue with the fixes for the affected app, browser, or network.
Give the app a fresh start
On a Pixel, open Settings > Apps > See all apps > X > Force stop.
Tap OK.
On an iPhone with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause to open the app switcher. On an iPhone with a Home button, double-click that button instead.
Swipe X's preview upward to close it.
Reopen X to test the pictures.
For an Android app update, open Google Play Store > profile icon > Manage apps & devices > Updates available.
Install the available X update.
On iPhone or iPad, open App Store > profile icon > App Updates.
Install the available X update.
Tip: Test the same posts after reopening or updating so you can tell whether the change helped.
Check the connection that fails
When pictures load on one connection but fail on another, start with the affected network's connectivity and filtering.
Switch from Wi-Fi to cellular data, or try another Wi-Fi connection.
Reopen X on that connection. If pictures load, focus on the original network.
Disconnect the VPN in your VPN software.
Test X again. If disconnecting fixes the problem, contact the VPN provider.
On iPhone, open Settings > Cellular. On cellular iPads, look for Cellular Data as the section name.
Turn on Cellular Data.
Enable X in the app list.
On a Pixel, turn off Airplane mode under Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode.
If you previously selected a custom Private DNS provider on a Pixel, open Settings > Network & internet > Private DNS.
Select Automatic.
Tap Save.
Retry X. This checks the custom DNS configuration rather than repairing X itself.
When other sites or devices also have trouble on your home Wi-Fi, unplug your router and cable modem.
Reconnect them.
Test the connection again.
Clear X's stored media
Try clearing cached media before resetting the app's storage or reinstalling it. Pick the path for your device.
On a Pixel, go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > X > Storage & cache > Clear cache.
On a Samsung Galaxy, use Settings > Apps > X > Storage > Clear cache. The exact path depends on your software version.
In X for iOS, open the profile menu > Settings and privacy > Accessibility, display, and languages > Data usage > Storage > Media storage > Clear media storage.
Confirm the deletion.
Reopen X to test the pictures.
If pictures still won't load, continue to the browser checks for x.com, or try signing out of the app. Leave a full storage reset or reinstall until later, and prepare for the loss of local app data before either step.
Adjust settings for blurry or hidden pictures
Blurry pictures need a different check. X's Data saver reduces image quality, rather than blocking every picture. In X for iOS, turn off Data saver under Settings and privacy > Accessibility, display, and languages > Data usage.
To keep data saving enabled, long-press an individual image. Select Load high quality.
For sensitive-content restrictions, sign in to x.com. Open More > Settings and privacy > Privacy and safety > Content you see. Check Display media that may contain sensitive content; the change saves automatically.
X directs iOS users to those web settings too, and access remains subject to age and regional eligibility. Complete the age-assurance flow when X presents it. To challenge an incorrect under-18 determination, contact X Support through the app or website.
Check the browser when only x.com fails
These checks address browser permissions, stored data, and extension interference.
In desktop Chrome, press Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Linux, or Command+Shift+N on Mac, to open an Incognito window.
Open x.com in that window.
Sign in if prompted. If pictures work here, focus on the normal browser profile's cookies, settings, and extensions.
Open x.com in your normal Chrome window.
Select View site information beside the address.
Open Site settings.
Set Images to Allow.
Set JavaScript to Allow.
Reload X.
If pictures still fail, open More > Extensions > Manage extensions.
Turn off one extension.
Reload X after each extension change to identify the one causing interference.
To clear Chrome's stored browsing data, open More > Delete browsing data. Be ready to sign back into websites after deleting cookies.
Set the time range to All time.
Select Cookies and other site data.
Select Cached images and files.
Select Delete data.
For Safari on Mac, open File > New Private Window.
Test x.com in that window.
If it works, open Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data.
Select X's entry.
Choose Remove.
Click Done.
Reopen X in a normal window.
For Safari on iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced.
Turn on JavaScript.
If mobile Safari still fails, open Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
Confirm with Clear History.
For desktop Firefox, open Menu > Help > Troubleshoot Mode….
Select Restart.
Select Open. This temporarily disables extensions, themes, and hardware acceleration.
Test X in that mode.
For desktop Edge, open Settings and more > History > Open history page > Delete browsing data.
Set Time range to All time.
Select Cached images and files.
Choose Clear now.
Sign in again before resetting the app
Save your drafts separately before signing out.
Make sure you have your login details and access to your sign-in verification method.
In X for iOS, open the profile menu > Settings and privacy > Your account > Account information > Log out. X also recommends signing out and back in for Android and the web; their menu paths differ.
Reopen X.
Sign in again.
Test the pictures.
Tip: Keep those login details handy if you need to reinstall next.
Reset or reinstall X if the app still fails
Use this step after the earlier app fixes fail, especially when the same pictures load in a browser. Resetting storage erases local app data; prepare for local data loss with a reinstall too.
Save your drafts separately.
Make sure your login details and sign-in verification method are available.
On a Pixel, open Settings > Apps > See all apps > X > Storage & cache.
Select Clear storage or Clear data.
Confirm with OK.
On a Samsung Galaxy, open Settings > Apps > X > Storage > Clear data.
Tap Delete.
For an Android reinstall, uninstall X using your device's app-removal controls.
Restart the phone.
Reinstall X from its official X Corp. listing in Google Play Store.
On iPhone or iPad, touch and hold the X app icon.
Choose Remove App.
Choose Delete App. Removing only the Home Screen icon does not uninstall the app.
Tap Delete.
Redownload X from its official X Corp. listing in App Store.
Sign in.
Test several posts again.
If pictures now fail across devices and independent connections too, retry later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are pictures missing from X search results but visible elsewhere?
Check the search filters. On x.com, run a search. Open the results page's more icon, then select Search settings. Uncheck Hide sensitive content to change that filter. Allow several minutes for the change. This controls search visibility, not image downloads.
Does Android Data Saver block X's background mobile data?
Android Data Saver restricts background activity while allowing active apps to use mobile data. On a Pixel, open Settings > Network & internet > Data Saver > Unrestricted data. Enable X to allow its background mobile data.
Should I reset my iPhone's network settings for missing X pictures?
Reserve this for persistent network problems after other connection fixes fail. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This resets saved Wi-Fi passwords and cellular, VPN, and APN settings. Consult IT first for a managed configuration.
How do I test whether iCloud Private Relay affects X in Safari?
On iPhone or iPad, open X in Safari and select Page Menu > Show IP Address. On Mac, choose View > Reload and Show IP Address. Test X again to check compatibility without disabling Private Relay for every site.