Best 13 Ways To Fix Android Won’t Send Picture Messages Issue (2024)

Best 13 Ways To Fix Android Won’t Send Picture Messages Issue

Android users frequently experience a problem where they are unable to send picture messages to another phone number using the built-in messaging app on Android.

Additionally, for successful transmission overseas, the text messaging service preferred to compress pictures. It was thought to be much less expensive to send an attachment via email than it was to send a picture message via MMS.

Let us know why this problem occurs; we're here to fix the Android Won't Send Picture Messages issue where an Android phone won't send picture messages.

Why Won’t My Messages Send?

Numerous factors may prevent Android users from using the Multimedia Messaging Service to send picture messages.

Users of the MMS service in the past used full network connectivity, not mobile data, to send multimedia messages, as opposed to sending pictures via the MMS service, which did not use mobile data to send pictures.

By introducing Instant Messaging, the ability to send higher quality picture messages, location information, stickers, and make native video calls, Google has recently implemented a new service called Rich Communications Service (RCS) to revolutionize SMS and MMS communication through the mobile network.

how to fix message not sent

However, since the RCS depends on mobile data and data connectivity, any issue there could prevent Android users from being able to send picture messages.

Additionally, any modifications to the APN settings that impair mobile networks may result in a problem with the text message service.

All mobile networks have specific APN settings so that anyone with a mobile device and a SIM card can easily access data connectivity towers.

Resetting the network settings may therefore prove to be beneficial.

Another finding from user complaints about picture problems is that the Android device is frequently outside of the network coverage area or the data plan has run out when the Android phone's inability to send picture messages occurs.

There are many causes for this annoying and unreliable issue, but in this post we'll cover 13 solutions to problems with sending picture messages. So without further ado, let's get started on these detailed illustrations.

Solutions To Fix Android Won’t Send Picture Messages Issue

The troubleshooting advice that is provided below is intended to help you find the quickest and least stressful solution to the Android can't send picture messages problem after following a thorough set of instructions.

Try the next one if the previous one doesn't work for you. If none of these methods work for you, move on to the last one because it does, in fact, solve the issue.

Method 1: Turn on WiFi and mobile data connections

Every mobile phone's main communication channel is its cellular connection. If the mobile networks are unable to connect to the device, the person may encounter a pitiful situation if the WiFi internet connection is not available in any particular location.

Mobile networks are required for both text message forwarding and calling. The cellular data link must be enabled for the MMS service to work; otherwise, the phone won't transmit picture messages.

The MMS service allows media file sharing between mobile phones.

It becomes impossible to send picture messages using the most recent RCS messaging service when Android devices are not connected to the internet properly.

The steps below enable us to confirm whether our device is properly network-connected, whether our WiFi is operational, and whether our carrier's data plan has run out. Let's examine the steps to take:

  • Drag the notification bar downward to access the Quick Settings panel after unlocking your Android device. Drag downward once more to show all the shortcuts and expand the Quick Settings icons.
  • On the top-left corner, there is an icon to turn on WiFi connectivity. To access the WiFi options, long-press the icon.
  • Turn on the WiFi by moving the button as indicated below. Restart the Android device (Method 2) and try again if you are unable to connect to WiFi.

Enable the Wifi by toggling the button

  • The list of WiFi routers and hotspots that are accessible is displayed. If you have a home router, tap on the name of it, type the password (if necessary), and click Connect.
  • You've now successfully established a wireless connection, making it possible for you to send picture messages with ease.

In a similar vein, you must enable your mobile data plan if you don't have access to WiFi data connectivity. Mobile networks automatically send the proper APN settings and enable mobile data when you insert your SIM card into your phone.

However, the mobile data plan can occasionally expire suddenly, in which case your Android phone will no longer be able to send picture messages.

  • To find out if your validity has run out, check with your network operator app. If so, you can renew your data plan.
  • By expanding the Quick Settings tiles and pressing the mobile data icon once, you can enable mobile data connection (with an upward and downward arrow).

 

Turn on WiFi and mobile data

  • Long-press that icon to select SIM 1 or SIM 2 for data usage access if you want to connect to the internet with a different SIM card.

Open any website in your preferred mobile browser after enabling mobile data or WiFi connectivity to check if the connection has been successfully resumed.

Try sending the picture message once more after that. If you're still unable to send picture messages, try the following techniques.

Method 2: Restart Your Android Phone

According to IT instructors and technical advisors, the first step  according to IT instructors and technical advisors, is rebooting or restarting the entire system.

The background services and applications that are not necessary can be closed by forcing the Android system to restart.

Device restarts are the only way to resolve random crash issues (apps not responding) with battery life issues. Background processes frequently interfere with a device's ability to operate properly.

Technically speaking, restarting your Android phone is notably not a standard response to the query "Why won't my messages send?" but resetting all the services, clearing the cache, reestablishing network connectivity, and starting all crucial processes from scratch might just save you from a lot of trouble.

Here are some troubleshooting guidelines for restarting your Android device:

  • Every Android phone has a power button, which is typically used to help turn the screen off after you are finished using the phone. Your Android device can be restarted using the same button.

Restart Your Android Phone

  • Long enough on the power button to display the power menu on the right side of the screen (or sometimes in the middle). Among the options (Power off, Screenshot, Lock screen), choose Restart or Reboot, and then click on it. Some devices require you to press the button once more to finish your action.
  • The Android will now display the message "Restarting" before shutting down and resuming operation with its boot logo and animation sound. Unlock the screen once the system has started up, then try sending the picture message again.

The steps listed below should help if you're still unable to send a picture message using the messaging app.

Method 3: Force Stop Messages App On Android

The Linux kernel, which is at the heart of Android, is in charge of controlling processes, memory, and a ton of other resources. In essence, you are starting a Linux process every time you launch an app.

The kernel's job is to assign memory and schedule CPU time for the process to run.

When an app quits, the kernel will free up all the resources it had been using (such as open files and RAM that had been allotted), and it will then end the process that had been started for that app.

But if something goes wrong, the program might behave badly. It might stop responding to particular events, it might get stuck in a cycle, or it might just start acting strangely.

The Messages app is acting unexpectedly in this situation where an Android phone won't send picture messages, so it needs to be killed and then restarted.

Force Stop action serves this purpose by effectively terminating the Linux process for the software and cleaning up the mess!

When trying to fix the "I can't send picture messages" issue, using Force Stop is advised because:

It ends the instance of the Messages app that is currently running and indicates that the messaging app will no longer be accessing any of its cache files.

So let's examine how to compel the Android messaging app to stop:

  • From the app drawer, open the Apps & Notifications category in the Settings app.

 Settings app from the app drawer, and the Apps & notifications category

  • By selecting "See all apps," you can make the App list larger.
  • Find the Messages app on the phone by scrolling through the app list until you see it. The Google Messages app is the standard messaging app because the phone used for the screenshots has a Stock Android ROM. Among the list of apps in the settings, look for the package name of the messaging app you use.
  • The messaging app's settings can be accessed by tapping it.
  • To shut down the messaging app, select the Force Stop icon. Once the first action is completed, click OK in the confirmation dialog box.
  • The messaging app will be shut down as a result.

Open the app once more to restart the messaging service, then send another picture message using the text messaging service. If you are successful, a notification sound will play; otherwise, use one of the alternative methods listed below.

Method 4: Check Whether The MMS Service Is Enabled

As was discussed above, sending picture messages over the cellular network requires the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS).

The Android System is in charge of managing, governing, and maintaining the essential services in the memory. Services are discrete processes that occupy some RAM on the Android device.

When you want to send a picture message using your Android phone, the MMS service—which is regarded as a component of these emergency messaging services—must be used.

The MMS service is used even by Google's most recent RCS service.

To send multimedia messages, we must enable the MMS service in the messaging settings of the device. Both our Android devices and we are unable to send or receive picture messages without it.

Let's look at how the MMS feature can be activated to resolve this picture issue:

  • On your Android device, tap the Messages app's icon in the app drawer to launch it.

Messages app on Android devic

  • In the top right corner, click the three dotted icon to access Settings.
  • Tap on the Advanced category's button to navigate there.
  • Turn on the auto-download MMS and auto-download MMS when roaming options. When you use the MMS service while you are roaming (i.e., not in the state where you purchased the SIM), you may be charged more, but it is necessary to do so in order to resolve the problem with Android devices not sending picture messages.

There may not be a separate option to enable MMS in the messaging app settings on some Android phones running the most recent version of the operating system, which is obviously the simpler approach.

It is necessary to switch to the APN created to enable the MMS service on newer Android devices.

As was previously discussed, APN settings are given to every SIM owner's phone when it is activated and inserted into the SIM tray.

Network providers now provide a variety of APNs so that users can choose their preferred option and decide what task they want to perform with their SIM.

We'll demonstrate how to switch to the APN, which allows you to send picture messages via instant messaging using the MMS service:

  • Open the Network and internet settings by going to the Settings app on your mobile device.
  • Select the SIM card you use most frequently by pressing the Mobile network icon. I'm using my Airtel SIM card, which is in SIM Slot 1, in this instance.
  • By clicking the Expand arrow, you can expand the SIM setting's list of available options.
  • Tap on it to display the Access point names panel.
  • Select Airtel MMS from the list of available APNs, scroll down, and determine whether the APN is active or not. It ought to be turned on by default. If not, switch it on to launch the MMS service.

Send the picture message once more after quitting the Settings app. If you're still unable to send picture messages, try the other techniques listed below.

Method 5: Allow Unrestricted Data Usage Messages App

On the one hand, we learned how to restore regular data connectivity and checked whether the mobile network's data plan had run out. The solution could assist in resolving the problem with picture messaging on mobile devices.

If that fix didn't help, we have come up with another solution that requires you to give the Messages app unrestricted data access.

Android phones set a data cap in accordance with our data plan to prevent us from exceeding a certain daily data usage threshold.

Regardless of how much remaining data is in our data plan, Android phones automatically block or limit all apps' data usage if we accidentally exceed the limit while browsing the internet.

However, we also require the data cap to prevent other data-hungry apps from consuming all available data covertly. The MMS or RCS services don't use up a lot of the data allotted to us, so we can confidently give the Messages app unrestricted data usage.

Additionally, the Messages app assists in compressing images before sending them to the other party, resulting in a significant reduction in data usage. So let's look at how to give the Messaging app access:

  • Tap the Settings app's icon in the app drawer or notification area to launch it.
  • Expand the list of apps by selecting See All Apps after selecting Apps & Notifications.
  • You can find the Messages app below by scrolling down the list. Press on it to get it open.
  • Go to the Wi-Fi and mobile data category.

the Messages app in the Apps & notifications settings

  • You can see how little data overall was used by the Messages app. To give the app unlimited access to data whenever it needs it, enable both the Background data and Unrestricted data usage options.

The messaging app can now use data even when it is running in the background after these steps (away from the list of running apps).

To test whether the procedure was successful, try sending a family photo. If not, move on to the subsequent steps.

Method 6: Clear Messages App Storage (App Data & Cache)

Cache files are created on your Android device when you use an app, saving some temporary data. When relaunching the app, the phone does this with static content or frequently used files to quickly remember relevant information.

Cache files increase your browsing speeds while also slowing down your phone's overall performance because they use up storage space over time.

Therefore, it is essential to regularly clear the cache on Android to release storage by removing old and pointless cache files. Remember that a cache file only serves the purposes of the associated program.

If you're unable to send picture messages using your Android device, the default messaging app's cache and storage could be the cause. Wiping the Messages app's cache and storage is a likely and effective fix.

Don't worry; we're only going to master reset the Messages app and restore its factory settings; we won't be deleting any messages from your phone. So allow us to guide you through the deletion of cache and storage:

  • Open the Settings app on your Android device from the location it is set to by default.
  • Select the Apps & Notifications option, tap See all apps to expand the app list, and then scroll down to find the Messages app.
  • Open the app to access the settings. To find out how much memory the Messages app uses, select Storage & Cache.
  • To perform a wipe of the remaining files in the temporary memory, first tap on CLEAR CACHE.

tap on CLEAR CACHE to perform a wipe of the residual files in the temporary memory

  • Press CLEAR STORAGE after that to restore the Messages app to its factory settings. Press OK when prompted. It will ask for confirmation before deleting internal files and the database. We guarantee that only the internal settings will be deleted, not any messages.

Restart Messages after clearing the storage and cache. It will take some time to load, but once it does, sending picture messages won't be a problem. If you are still having problems, move on to the next step.

Method 7: Use Play Store To Update The Messages App

If your default Messaging app on Android is bug-ridden, picture messages sent over the mobile network may not be delivered. Bugs are errors that happen as a result of coding errors in the application.

In order to download and update the Messages app, it is the responsibility of the developers to push method updates to the Play Store.

But occasionally, the Play Store may be unable to update the app automatically due to data connectivity issues or processes being killed in the background.

You can resume sending picture messages by updating the Messages app through the Play Store, as we'll demonstrate:

  • Your Android device's Settings app should now be open. Select the category for apps and notifications.
  • Scroll up the list of apps to find the Messages app after expanding the list.
  • Once you've located Messages, click it to access its app information.
  • At the bottom, select "App details" by scrolling down.
  • You will be forwarded to the messaging app's page on the Play Store (if installed from the Play Store).

Update button on the left side

  • If an update is available, a button for updating will appear on the left side. When you tap it, the Play Store will update Messages automatically after downloading the file.

After updating and relaunching the Messages app, try sending picture messages once more. Continue to the next method if this didn't work or the Play Store didn't have any updates.

Method 8: Reset APN Settings

This approach has been created especially for you if you've previously tried to tinker with your Android device's default APN settings in the hopes of getting faster network speeds.

Correct APN settings frequently cause connectivity issues, which prevent you from sending picture messages.

Such changes are difficult to remember, but they can also prevent you from sending picture messages.

We will remove the APN settings currently being used on the device and re-insert the SIM card after restarting so that new default APN settings are automatically downloaded from the mobile operator.

In light of this, let's start with the necessary procedures:

  • Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  • The network settings are displayed when you choose the first option, Network, and then Internet.
  • The SIM you typically use to send picture messages can be chosen by pressing the Mobile Network icon.
  • By tapping on it, you can expand the SIM settings menu and reveal the Access point names panel.

open the Access point names panel by tapping on it

  • Select and open each listed APN, click the three dots in the top-right corner, then select Delete APN to remove them all at once.
  • Remove the SIM cards from the SIM tray after deleting them, then restart your Android device.
  • Reposition the SIM cards on the tray after the device has booted up. You'll see pop-ups asking you to download new APNs; just accept them and install them. Once the installation is complete, try sending a picture message and wish you luck.

If this doesn't work, try the next method.

Method 9: Reset Network Settings To Default

Sometimes when configuring our devices, we may not be able to identify the problem with those procedures. Furthermore, external third-party applications may tamper with your device's internal settings.

Finding the settings and locating them to troubleshoot them become more and more difficult.

We therefore ask ourselves, "Why don't we reset all the settings and start from scratch?" in response to this.

The device will likely forget the saved WiFi passwords, APNs, paired Bluetooth devices, and other information, which could result in some losses on our end.

However, if sending picture messages is your top priority and you're aware of the risk involved, follow these instructions to reset the network settings:

  • You can access Settings by tapping on the gear-shaped icon in the app drawer.
  • To access the System settings, scroll down.
  • By selecting the Advanced arrow, you can expand the System settings.
  • Tap Reset Options to see the list of available times.
  • To restore most of the connectivity settings to their factory defaults, select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
  • On the next screen, click the RESET SETTINGS button to proceed.
  • This method will remove every individual WiFi, mobile data, and Bluetooth preference. You will have the opportunity to start over on these foundations.

Reconnect to your network after resetting, then send a picture message. If this step does not work, continue below.

Method 10: Perform A Soft Reset

The simplest way to return your Android device to a functioning state is to perform a soft reset. You can perform a soft reset on your device if it displays an unfixable problem or doesn't react to your commands properly.

It fixes a number of issues, including applications that won't open or crash, broken fingerprint sensors, games that won't download, and Android phones that won't send picture messages.

The procedure for performing a soft reset on an Android phone is simple, but it differs depending on whether the battery is removable or not for mobile devices.

So let's check out how to soft reset a phone with a removable battery:

  • Open the back cover on your Android device, and then take the battery out of the socket if your phone has stopped responding to the MMS service or sending picture messages. While doing so, it is safe to exercise caution.
  • Turn off the battery for at least 45 seconds.
  • Reinstall the battery in the gadget's battery slot, then cover the back.
  • Holding down the power button for 5 seconds will restart your smartphone.
  • Send the picture message once more.

How to Soft Reset a Non-Removable Battery Phone:

  • Your Android device will restart on its own if you hold down the power button for about 15 seconds.

Hold down the power down button to open this pop-up

  • Your device's screen dims before greeting you with the typical boot animation.
  • When your device restarts, try sending the picture message once more.

Method 11: Update The Android System

Because the Android operating system has not been updated to the most recent version, sometimes crucial functions of the application installed on the Android phone do not function properly.

Additionally, to fix numerous bugs and update the Android security patch to the most recent version, phone manufacturing companies regularly push updates to your Android system via the OTA method.

So let's see how to update your Android if it's still in the update cycle (i.e., receives updates frequently):

  • Go to the Settings app.
  • You will see About Phone at the very top of all the available choices. Tap on it.
  • Press the block with the system version listed in the top left corner.
  • Choose the option to "Check for Updates" on the lower side.
  • If any updates are available, Android will request download authorization.
  • Press Install after downloading the update, then restart your computer.
  • You can try sending a picture message after the update has been installed, once the device has started up.

Method 12: Perform A Factory Reset

If any updates are available, Android will request download authorization.

Press Install after downloading the update, then restart your computer.

You can try sending a picture message after the update has been installed, once the device has started up.

When you perform a master reset, everything on your smartphone is erased, including all personal files and customized settings, and it is returned to its original manufacturer's settings.

Save all of the data on your Android phone, including the contacts, messages, photos, and videos, to ensure that you get the best possible experience out of the box.

To carry out a master reset on your device, adhere to the steps listed below:

  • First, we must put the device into recovery mode in order to perform a factory reset.
  • Holding down the power button while selecting the proper option will shut off or power down the device.
  • Together, press and hold the power button and the volume up button. Release the power button when you see the Android logo, but keep pressing the volume up button.
  • When the screen below appears, let go of everything.
  • By pressing the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons, you can move through the menu by moving them up and down, respectively.
  • Press the power button to choose Wipe data/Factory reset from the menu.

Wipe data/Factory reset option

  • When prompted for another confirmation, press the power button.
  • The master reset won't be finished for a few minutes. Press the power button to choose Reboot system now from the menu.
  • You will need to set up your phone initially, just like you did before, and the reboot will take longer.

Method 13: Contact Your Network Operator (Final Solution)

We want to reassure you that the issue does not lie with your Android phone if you have tried all 12 of the aforementioned methods and are still unable to send picture messages.

As a result, it is imperative to speak with your service provider and inquire about any network-related issues.

We must first determine which cell phone provider we use. Use the name to look up their customer care number in online affiliate links. If there is an offline service center close to your home, you can go there and voice your concern.

Conclusion

We sincerely hope that our article on how to fix Android won't send picture messages was helpful in resolving your issues. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this in the comments section.

Android Won’t Send Picture Messages FAQs

What is MMS for Android?

MMS, or Multimedia Messaging Service, is a key component of sending multimedia messages over any distance to other people using the cellphone network. Images, videos, gifs, smileys, and other media are included in multimedia messages.

Why am I unable to text my picture messages?

In the unlikely event that your recipient's mobile phone plan prohibits photo delivery, they will automatically receive a "fallback" message. A fallback is simply a link to the image, and it looks exactly like a photo sent via SMS.

What if the pictures on your home network simply won't load?

When opening an MMS message on your home network, images may not load for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Insufficient mobile tower coverage or poor internet connectivity
  • The network may not have been fully operational when the message was being transmitted to you because the MMS content was downloading.
  • A network issue with the sender's device could have prevented the pictures from being sent.
  • The MMS service may be having a problem.
About the Author
Daniel Luke
Daniel is a web designer and developer. He has been a developer for the last 10 years working with various WordPress themes that allows him to compare and contrast different themes, understand the strengths and weaknesses to develop factual, real-world reviews. He is also a mobile app developer and technology reviewer. Over several years, he has developed his own mobile apps, both on Android and iPhone. This hands-on specialisation in mobile and web development allows him to be an authoritative voices when it comes to technology reporting.

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