Photos and files
Why Saksi often keeps only a file reference, when it can save a photo or file, what each media label means, and how to import a file.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026
Saksi saves a photo or file only when the notification gives Android a readable copy. WhatsApp and Telegram often do not, so you will usually see the caption and a file reference instead. You can always import a file yourself.
Why many files are not saved
A notification usually describes a photo or file ("Photo", a file name) without handing over the file itself. Saksi can copy a file only when the notification includes an address that Android lets Saksi read. Messaging apps often keep their files private, and Android can refuse access. In everyday use with WhatsApp and Telegram, a saved photo or file is the exception, not the rule.
Captions are text, so Saksi keeps a caption even when it cannot save the photo.
What can and cannot be saved
Can be saved:
- Photos and files the notification exposes with readable access.
- A preview picture shown in the notification itself.
- Captions and file names, as text.
Cannot be saved:
- Files behind an address Android refused or that expired.
- Voice notes or videos that are not exposed as readable files.
- Anything that was not in the notification.
- Files over 20 MB, or new files once saved media reaches 200 MB in total.
Social media, email and other apps
The same rules apply to every app. What you can expect:
- Pictures in notifications: some apps show a large picture in the notification, such as a photo from a post. Saksi can save that picture when the notification includes it as a readable image.
- Icons and profile pictures: app icons and contact pictures are never saved as media.
- Email attachments: they are usually not part of the notification, so they are not saved. The subject and sender are saved as text.
- Links: Saksi does not open web links or download anything from the internet for a notification.
See Social media and email notifications.
Media labels
| Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Saved on this device | Saksi copied the file to your phone |
| Notification reference · no saved file | The notification described a file but did not provide a readable copy |
| Not accessible from this notification | Android refused access, or there was no file address |
| File copy failed | Copying started but did not finish |
| File or storage limit reached | The file is over 20 MB, or saved media reached 200 MB |
| Source file read timed out | Reading the file took too long |
| Saved file is missing | The saved copy was removed later |
| No compatible viewer is installed | No app on your phone can open this file type |
The Media tab
Open Media in the bottom bar. Use All, Saved or Unavailable to switch between saved files and references, and the type chips to show photos, videos or documents. Unavailable items cannot be opened, because there is no copy.
Import a file yourself
- Open Media.
- Tap Import a file and choose a file from your phone.
If a notification cannot expose a file, choose it yourself. Imports stay local and are not linked to a conversation. The file must be readable and under 20 MB.
Where saved files are kept
Saved files go to Saksi's own folder on your phone's storage. They stay on your phone and follow your archive's retention. See How long history is kept.
Deleted and disappeared notifications
What Deleted, Possible deletion, Dismissed and Cleared mean in Saksi, and why a disappeared notification is not proof of deletion.
Receipts and sharing
Turn a saved message into a receipt image or text, hide the conversation name or chosen words, and share it through Android.