First off, what’s Immich again? It’s your personal, self-hosted alternative to Google Photos or iCloud Photos. You run it on your own server (or maybe a Raspberry Pi or NAS), giving you control over your precious memories.
The “Error Loading Image” message pops up when something prevents the Immich app (web or mobile) from displaying a photo or video file it thinks should be there.
Why is Immich Error Loading Image? Common Causes
Before diving into Immich specifics, picture how any app loads an image: it needs to know where the file is, be able to access it, the file itself needs to be okay, and the connection between your device and the server needs to be stable. Problems often fall into these buckets:
Lost in Translation (File Path/Location Issues):
- Immich doesn’t know where the image file actually lives on your server. Maybe the path in the configuration is wrong, or you moved your photo storage location.
- Typos in file names or incorrect extensions (though Immich usually handles this well during import).
- The image file is genuinely missing (deleted accidentally, failed upload, storage problem).
Server Hiccups:
- Your Immich server (or the specific parts handling images) might be down, overloaded, or experiencing errors.
- Network problems between your phone/computer and the server (slow Wi-Fi, firewall blocking access, VPN issues).
Immich-Specific Gremlins:
- Thumbnail Troubles: This is a BIG one in Immich. The app generates smaller preview images (thumbnails) for faster browsing. Sometimes this process fails or the generated thumbnails get corrupted, leading to blurry placeholders or errors even if the original photo is fine. This often happens after updates or when adding lots of photos, especially from external libraries (like a network drive).
- Database Discrepancies: Immich uses a database (PostgreSQL) to keep track of everything. If this database gets corrupted or has inconsistent information about your photos, it can cause loading errors.
- Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in your Immich setup files (like the
.envfile if you use Docker), especially regarding storage locations (UPLOAD_LOCATION) or temporary paths. - Permission Problems: The Immich software needs permission from the server’s operating system to read your photo files. If these permissions are wrong, it can’t access the images.
- Version Bugs: Sometimes, specific versions of Immich (server or app) might have bugs related to image handling (especially certain formats like HEIC or specific types of JPEGs) or thumbnail generation. This is often seen after upgrading.
- Resource Constraints: If your server doesn’t have enough processing power (CPU), memory (RAM), or fast enough storage (disk I/O), it might struggle, especially during heavy tasks like thumbnail generation for thousands of photos, leading to timeouts and errors.
- External Library Sync Issues: If you’re linking Immich to an existing photo folder (external library), issues with accessing that folder (e.g., network drive disconnecting, permissions changing) can cause errors for those specific photos.
Let’s Fix It: Your Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Plan
Work through these steps. Start with the easiest and most common fixes.
The Classic Turn-It-Off-And-On-Again:
- Restart Immich: If you’re using Docker Compose (the most common setup), open a terminal connected to your server, navigate to your Immich configuration directory, and run:
-
Bash
docker-compose down docker-compose up -d - If you installed Immich differently, use the appropriate method to restart the Immich server process. This often clears temporary glitches.
Clear the Clutter (Cache):
- Browser Cache: If using the web app, clear your browser’s cache and cookies for the Immich site. Sometimes, old data causes display issues. Try accessing Immich in an incognito/private window or a different browser.
- Mobile App Cache: If the error is on your phone, go to your phone’s Settings -> Apps -> Immich -> Storage and clear the app’s cache. Then, force close and reopen the app.
Check the Signposts (Storage Path & Permissions):
Verify UPLOAD_LOCATION: Find your Immich configuration file (often .env in your Docker Compose directory). Double-check that the UPLOAD_LOCATION variable points exactly to where Immich stores (or should store) your uploaded photos.
Check Permissions: Ensure the user running the Immich server process has read (and ideally write, for uploads) permissions for the UPLOAD_LOCATION directory and all the files/folders inside it. Permission issues are very common, especially if you’ve moved files around manually. How to check/fix this depends on your server’s operating system (Linux, Windows, etc.).
Rebuild the Previews (Thumbnails): This is often the magic fix!
- Go to your Immich instance via the web interface.
- Navigate to
Administration->Jobs. - Look for jobs related to thumbnail generation (e.g., “Generate Thumbnails,” “Thumbnail Generation”).
- Click the “Run” button (often looks like a play icon) for these jobs. You might want to run the “All” option if unsure. This forces Immich to re-scan and recreate the previews. It can take a while for large libraries!
Get the Latest & Greatest (Update Immich):
Developers are constantly fixing bugs. Check if you’re running the latest stable version of Immich Server and the mobile/web apps.
If using Docker Compose, you can usually update by running:
Bash
docker-compose pull
docker-compose up -d --force-recreate
(Caution: Check the Immich release notes before major updates, as sometimes there are breaking changes or specific instructions.)
Look for Clues (Check Logs):
Immich keeps logs that often contain specific error messages to pinpoint the problem.
If using Docker, run: docker logs -f immich_server (or the name of your main Immich server container, often immich_server or immich_app). Look for errors around the time you try to load an image. Keywords like “permission denied,” “file not found,” “database error,” or specific image format errors (“Huffman table”) are useful.
Database Health Check (Advanced):
If you suspect database issues (perhaps after other steps fail or logs mention DB errors), you might need to connect to the PostgreSQL database used by Immich and check its health. This is more advanced and requires database tools. Consult Immich documentation or community forums for specific commands if you think this is necessary.
Read About: https://mega.nz/folder/ c3hiushd Links
Consider Your Environment:
Mobile Device: Is your phone’s OS up to date? Is the Immich app updated? Do you have enough free storage space on the device?
Server Resources: Check your server’s CPU, RAM, and disk usage while Immich is running or trying to generate thumbnails. If resources are maxed out, you might need a more powerful server or need to optimize your setup.
Network: If accessing remotely, check your firewall, reverse proxy (like Nginx Proxy Manager or Traefik), or VPN settings. Are they blocking or interfering with the connection?
Known Issues & Community Help for Immich Error Loading Image:
Sometimes, you’ve hit a known bug specific to your version or setup (like the HEIC corruption or specific JPEG issues mentioned in GitHub discussions).
Search the official Immich GitHub Issues page (https://github.com/immich-app/immich/issues) and the Immich Reddit community (r/immich) for keywords related to your problem (“error loading image,” “thumbnail,” your Immich version). You might find others with the same issue and potential workarounds or confirmation of a bug.
If you report the issue, provide details: Your Immich server/app versions, Docker or manual install, OS, how the error happens (specific photos? external library?), relevant log snippets, and steps you’ve already tried.
Wrapping Up Immich Error Loading Image
Dealing with the “Error Loading Image” in Immich usually involves checking paths, permissions, letting Immich regenerate thumbnails, and ensuring everything is up-to-date. By systematically working through these steps, you should be able to pinpoint the cause and get back to enjoying your self-hosted photo collection. Good luck!
Is a freelance tech writer based in the East Continent, is quite fascinated by modern-day gadgets, smartphones, and all the hype and buzz about modern technology on the Internet. Besides this a part-time photographer and love to travel and explore. Follow me on. Twitter, Facebook Or Simply Contact Here. Or Email: [email protected]
