When you’re trying to share a photo, video, or file on your iPhone and suddenly get hit with the message “There was an error while preparing to share,” it can feel frustrating especially when it interrupts something important. This error has become increasingly common across iOS versions, and it often leaves users wondering whether their storage is full, the file is corrupted, or something deeper is wrong with their device.
In this in-depth guide, we break down exactly what triggers this error, who is affected, why it happens, and most importantly how to fix it quickly. Written in a clear, engaging, human-friendly tone, this article helps you troubleshoot like a pro.
What Does the “There Was an Error While Preparing to Share” Message Mean?
This error appears when your iPhone struggles to process a file before sending or sharing it. The message usually shows up in:
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Photos app
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Messages
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AirDrop
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Mail
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Third-party apps (WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.)
It’s often related to file preparation encoding, compression, converting formats, or loading iCloud content.
Who Experiences This Error?
This issue can occur on any iPhone model, including:
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iPhone 7 and later
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iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
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iPhone SE (2nd/3rd Gen)
It also appears on several iOS versions, especially:
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iOS 14 and later
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iOS 16 & iOS 17
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iOS 18 early beta versions
You’re more likely to see the error if you rely heavily on iCloud Photos or share large videos.
When & Where Does This Error Appear?
Users report seeing the message in these scenarios:
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While AirDropping a video
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Sharing a Live Photo or 4K video
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Sending an iMessage photo stored in iCloud
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Uploading pictures to social media apps
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Sharing screenshots from the Photos app
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Forwarding media files in WhatsApp or Telegram
Why You See the Error: The Likely Causes
This message is rarely random. Most cases fall into the following categories:
1. iCloud Photos Not Fully Downloaded
Your file might still be stored in the cloud.
If the iPhone needs to download it before sharing, it can fail.
2. Large or Unsupported File Format
4K HDR videos, RAW photos, and edited media sometimes require extra processing.
3. Low Storage Space
Even if iCloud is on, your iPhone needs physical storage for file preparation.
4. Network Problems
A weak Wi-Fi or mobile data connection may interrupt downloads or compression.
5. Temporary App Glitches
The Photos app or Messages app may have corrupted cache.
6. System Bugs
iOS updates sometimes introduce new sharing issues.
7. Damaged or Corrupted File
Files imported from Android or third-party apps may be partially broken.
How to Fix the “There Was an Error While Preparing to Share” Error on iPhone
Below are the most reliable fixes, ranked from easiest to most advanced.
1. Check if the Photo or Video Is Stored in iCloud
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Open the Photos app
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Check for a small cloud icon under the image
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Tap the media and wait for it to download
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Try sharing again
If your network is slow, switch to Wi-Fi.
2. Restart Your iPhone (Simple but Effective)
A restart clears temporary caching issues.
Steps:
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Press and hold Power + Volume Up → Slide to power off
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Wait 10 seconds
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Turn it on again and try sharing
3. Disable Low Data Mode & Low Power Mode
These modes may restrict system tasks.
Turn Off Low Power Mode:
Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode → Off
Turn Off Low Data Mode:
Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap Network → Low Data Mode → Off
4. Free Up Storage Space
Your iPhone needs at least 1–2 GB of free space to prepare files for sharing.
Check storage:
Settings → General → iPhone Storage
Delete:
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Duplicate photos
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Old videos
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Large apps
5. Convert the File (Useful for videos that won’t send)
Sometimes iPhone struggles with:
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Slow-motion videos
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Edited videos
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HDR/4K footage
Use Files app or iMovie to export a standard version.
6. Turn Off “Optimize iPhone Storage” Temporarily
This forces your device to keep full-resolution files locally.
Settings → Photos → Optimize iPhone Storage → Switch to “Download and Keep Originals”
Wait for content to sync.
7. Update iOS
Many users report the bug disappears after updating.
Settings → General → Software Update
Install the latest version.
8. Reset Network Settings
Useful if iCloud files won’t load.
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
Don’t worry it won’t delete photos or apps.
9. AirDrop Fix: Change Receiving Settings
If the error appears during AirDrop:
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Turn AirDrop receiving to Everyone for 10 Minutes
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Turn off Bluetooth & Wi-Fi, then turn them on again
10. Last Resort: Save File to Files App
If Photos keeps failing:
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Tap Share → Save to Files
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Then share from Files app
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Files uses a different preparation method, which often bypasses the error
FAQs
1. Is this error dangerous?
No. It’s usually a temporary processing or network issue.
2. Can this error mean my file is corrupted?
Sometimes, especially if imported from another device.
3. Does the problem happen more with videos?
Yes large and high-resolution videos are the most affected.
4. Will updating iOS fix it permanently?
Many bugs are patched in updates, so it’s a strong fix.
5. Why does AirDrop fail with this error?
AirDrop requires the file to be locally available and properly encoded.
Conclusion
The message “There was an error while preparing to share” may look intimidating, but it’s almost always the result of minor issues like iCloud syncing delays, temporary glitches, low storage, or specific video formats. With the solutions above, you should be able to share your photos, videos, and files without interruption.
If this guide helped, share it with others, leave a comment, or bookmark it for future reference!
