01Outlook signature images not showing
In classic Outlook, updates released May 12, 2026 caused images in emails and signatures not to display. Microsoft lists the issue as fixed in Current Channel 2605 build 20026.20140 and related builds. Update via File › Account › Update Options › Update Now before you change your signature.
If only recipients see a blank box, their Outlook may block external pictures until they choose to download images. You cannot override that as the sender.
New Outlook's editor can strip images pasted from Word or a website. Use the picture button with a hosted https URL, or follow the image section in the new Outlook install guide.
The Outlook mobile app does not sync desktop HTML signatures. Set the mobile signature separately.
02Gmail signature image not showing
If the image comes from Google Drive, sharing must be set to Anyone with the link (Viewer). If the Drive file is deleted, the image disappears.
Google suggests clearing cache, trying incognito, or re-uploading. Some work or school accounts only allow images added by web address, not uploads.
Plain-text mode in compose removes images entirely. Make sure you are in rich text.
03iPhone Mail signature image not showing
Apple documents text-only signatures in Settings › Mail › Signature on iPhone. Image signatures there are an unofficial workaround and may change with iOS updates. See the iPhone Mail install guide for the current workaround.
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04The permanent fix: host your images
Hosted means each logo or photo lives on a public https URL as PNG or JPG, with width and height set in the HTML. Avoid SVG, base64, and private Drive links. Hilsio hosts signature images permanently so links stay stable.
05Why this happens
Embedded images (CID or base64) are fragile across replies and clients. Remote-image blocking protects recipients until they allow downloads. Client bugs and editor sanitization can remove images after paste.
06Checked on
Classic Outlook image bug: Microsoft known issue, status Fixed, checked 2 Nov 2026.
Gmail Drive sharing rule: Google Gmail Help troubleshooting, checked 2 Nov 2026.
Apple Mail text-only on iPhone: Apple Support, checked 2 Nov 2026.
FAQ
Why are my email signature images not showing?+−
Usually the image is embedded rather than hosted, stored privately (for example in Google Drive without public sharing), or blocked by the recipient's Outlook until they choose to download pictures. Classic Outlook also had a May 2026 bug that hid signature images. Update Outlook, then host images on a public https link.
Why is my Outlook signature image not showing?+−
In classic Outlook, updates released May 12, 2026 caused images in emails and signatures not to display. Microsoft has released fixed builds, so update Outlook via File › Account › Update Options. If only recipients see a blank box, their Outlook is blocking external pictures until they allow downloads.
Why is my Gmail signature image not showing?+−
If the image comes from Google Drive, its sharing must be set to Anyone with the link. If the Drive file is deleted, the image disappears. Google also suggests clearing the browser cache, trying incognito, or re-uploading. Some work or school accounts only allow images added by web address.
How do I stop signature images from breaking?+−
Use PNG or JPG images hosted on a permanent, public https link, avoid SVG and base64-embedded images, and insert them with your client's own image tools rather than pasting. Hilsio hosts signature images permanently and previews them in Outlook, Gmail, mobile and dark mode.
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