10 Fixes for Discord Images Showing as Files or Links

Whether you are uploading an image directly to Discord or sharing an image link, Discord typically provides an image preview for convenience. But all of a sudden, myDiscord server stoppedshowing the previews. So, I have to download the image file or open the link just to view it. If you also experience this problem on Discord, here are solutions to fix Discord images showing as files or links on your server.

1. Ensure Image and Link Previews are Enabled

The most common reason for previews not showing is that you might have accidentally disabled them. Follow these steps to check:

2. Check Image File Format

Discord supports specific file formats like PNG, JPG, JPEG, and GIF. If the image is in a different format (e.g., SVG), Discord won’t show a preview and will display it as a file instead.

To get the preview, the only way is to convert the image file format before sending.

3. Enable Embed Links Permission

Several servers are very strict about the kind of images you can share and thereby tweak the permissions. So when images aren’t visible on your servers, it might be due to role permissions:

If you can’t access server settings, ask a server moderator or admin for help.

4. Check for Discord Bots Interfering With Messages

Some Discord bots can access your entire account, not just a specific server. These bots are automatically installed to your account when you add them to any server. Make sure none of these bots are interfering with previews.

5. Check Browser Extensions (Web)

Some browser extensions can interfere with how web pages display content, including images and links.

Disable any browser extensions that might be interfering with Discord, especially ad and Javascript blockers or privacy tools. Check Discord after disabling each extension to identify the culprit.

6. Disable VPN or Firewalls

VPNs and firewalls can sometimes block or interfere with the loading of images and other content. Turn off any VPNs or firewalls temporarily to see if this resolves the issue. If it does, you may need to adjust the settings of your VPN or firewall.

7. Check Internet Speed and Stability

A slow or unstable internet connection can prevent images from loading properly. Ensure your internet connection is stable and fast enough to load images. You can use online tools to check your internet speed and troubleshoot any issues with your connection.

8. Disable Hardware Acceleration (on Desktop only)

Hardware acceleration means using your GPU instead of CPU. This can sometimes cause display issues, depending on your hardware and drivers.

If you are using Discord on the web, you can disable hardware acceleration on the browser. Go to browsersettings > Systemand disable the hardware acceleration or graphics acceleration option. Some browsers may not have Hardware Acceleration support.

9. Update or Force Restart Restart Discord App

Temporary glitches can easily get fixed by updating the app or by force restarting. If there is an update, you will see it at the top-right corner of the app on the desktop. On Android and iOS, you can check for updates from the Play Store and App Store respectively.

If there’s no update available, try force-restarting the app.

10. Reinstall the Discord App

Restarting the app should fix many minor glitches. If the issue still persists, you can try reinstalling the app. Note that when you uninstall, many app files stay on your system and can cause issues even after reinstallation. So you need to uninstall the app along with the data it stored on the system.

On Windows

On Android

After that, you can install the app again from the App Store, Play Store, or Microsoft Store on their respective platforms.

See Image Previews on Discord

By following these steps, you can fix the issue of Discord showing images as files or links. These will broadly get the images working on your Discord server and app.

Ravi Teja KNTS

Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi’s writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he’s not breaking down the latest tech, he’s often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.

10 Fixes for Discord Images Showing as Files or Links