---
title: ALT text missing in X for iOS? Cause and fixes
url: https://roboin.io/article/en/2026/07/13/why-is-alt-missing-on-x-for-ios-causes-and-fixes/
description: When you open a post with multiple images in the X app for iOS, the
  app may not show the [ALT] button even when the author added ALT text to the
  images. A bug in the X app for iOS causes this issue. The ALT text has not
  disappeared, and you can still view it in the X app for Android or on the X
  website.
publishedDate: 2026-07-13T06:54:36.568Z
modifiedDate: 2026-07-13T06:54:36.568Z
thumbnail: https://roboin.io/api/media/file/thumbnail-98.png
thumbnailAlt: サムネイル
thumbnailCaption: N/A
---

# ALT text missing in X for iOS? Cause and fixes

When you open a post with multiple images in the X app for iOS, the app may not show the [ALT] button even when the author added ALT text to the images.

A bug in the X app for iOS causes this issue. The ALT text has not disappeared, and you can still view it in the X app for Android or on the X website.

## Has ALT text disappeared from X for iOS?

X changed the media layout for posts with multiple attachments in its Android and iOS apps.

The new layout uses a carousel. It places media in a single horizontal row, and you swipe left or right to view each item.

According to X Head of Product Nikita Bier, X made this change to [let users attach five or more media items to a single post](https://x.com/i/status/2076373934161981908).

X has begun testing support for posts with more than five media attachments.

[X may let users attach six videos to a post after employee publishes test post](https://roboin.io/article/en/2026/06/17/x-tests-support-for-attaching-up-to-six-videos/)

The current version of the X app for iOS contains a bug that hides the [ALT] button from images in the carousel layout.

Posts with one image still show the [ALT] button. Posts with multiple images use the carousel layout and do not show it.

X has not removed ALT text. The new carousel layout appears to contain a bug.

## How to view ALT text when X does not show it

When the X app for iOS does not show the [ALT] button on an image that should have ALT text, the text still exists.

You can view the ALT text in the X app for Android or on the X website.

To check a post you found in the iOS app on Android or the web, add it to your X bookmarks in the iOS app. You can then open your bookmarks in the Android app or on the X website.

To open the post on the web, tap the share button in the lower-right corner of the post in the iOS app, then open it in Safari or another browser.

When X sends you to the app instead of opening the website, see the following article.

[How to deal with the browser version of X \(Twitter\) redirecting to the app and not opening](https://roboin.io/article/en/2025/10/17/how-to-fix-twitter-web-links-that-automatically-open-in-the-app/)

Post each image separately when you publish images with ALT text and want readers to see the [ALT] button.

X uses the carousel layout for posts with multiple images. Posts with one image do not use it, so the app continues to show the [ALT] button.

## Important: Are you using ALT text for the wrong purpose?

You may be using ALT text for the wrong purpose if the missing [ALT] button causes a problem for you.

ALT stands for “alternative text.” As the name suggests, it provides a text alternative to an image.

People with visual impairments use ALT text to understand images they cannot see. Browsers and apps may also display it in place of an image when a network problem prevents the image from loading.

Do not use ALT text to hide spoilers or to add post text that exceeds the 280-character limit.

People often compare this misuse of ALT text on X to placing an object on tactile paving.

People with visual impairments use screen readers, which read on-screen content aloud.

When you add long text that did not fit in the post, unrelated comments, or spoilers to ALT text, a screen reader reads all of it aloud.

Use ALT text to describe an image so that someone who cannot view it can understand its contents. Do not use it for personal comments or spoilers.

The following article explains ALT text in more detail.

[X（Twitter）のALTとは？書き方や見る方法を解説](https://roboin.io/article/2024/08/31/what-is-alt-on-x-twitter-how-to-set-and-see-it/)

## Conclusion

A bug in X for iOS prevents the [ALT] button from appearing when the app displays multiple images in a carousel.

X retains the ALT text. Open the same post in the X app for Android or on the X website to view it.

## Verification details and sources

### Verification environment

Mobile

- OS: Android 17
- Device: Google Pixel 8
- App: X app version 12.8.0-beta.0 and X Lite app version 12.7.9-release.02

Desktop

- OS: Windows 11
- Browser: Zen Browser version 1.21.6b

### Verification details

I confirmed that the X app for Android and the X website show the [ALT] button as expected.

### Last verification date

2026-07-13T06:30:00.000Z

### Reference links

- [How to use the ALT badge and GIF label - X Help Center](https://help.x.com/en/using-x/how-to-use-alt-gif)
- [How to make images accessible for people - X Help Center](https://help.x.com/en/using-x/picture-descriptions)
- [How to make images accessible for people - X Help Center](https://help.x.com/en/using-x/picture-descriptions)
- [How to write great image descriptions - X Help Center](https://help.x.com/en/using-x/write-image-descriptions)
-